Don’t let your money slip away when it comes to your coffee cravings! We all know that the simplest way to save money on coffee is by brewing it at home, but for some of us, the allure of a Venti Java Chip Frappuccino is too strong to resist. These indulgent treats, however, have seen a sharp increase in price over the years, making it harder for coffee lovers to enjoy them without breaking the bank.
Luckily, there’s good news! A former Starbucks barista, Inga Parkel, shared some invaluable advice on how to enjoy your favorite Starbucks drinks without burning a hole in your wallet. Parkel, who used to work at the well-known Seattle-based coffee giant, revealed several common mistakes that customers often make when ordering, and how to avoid them.
1. Control the Amount of Ice in Your Drink
The first tip she shared is simple but effective: control the amount of ice in your drink. Many customers are unknowingly paying for a drink that’s mostly ice, leaving them with less of the actual beverage. According to Parkel, the easiest way to avoid this is by ordering your cold drink with “light ice.” This trick ensures you get more of the drink you’re paying for rather than a cup mostly filled with ice. In fact, ordering light ice is so popular that it’s an option in the Starbucks app, making it easier than ever for customers to get their drink the way they like it.
This tip doesn’t just work at Starbucks. Most other places that serve cold drinks will allow you to customize the ice-to-drink ratio, so don’t hesitate to ask for light ice the next time you’re in line. It’s a simple way to make sure you get the most for your money.
2. Skip the Americano—Order Espresso Separately
If you’re a fan of an Americano, Parkel suggests reconsidering how you order it. A large Americano, which consists of just three shots of espresso and water, typically costs around $4. But here’s a smarter way to get the same drink for less: order a double or triple shot of espresso in a larger cup, and ask for a separate pour of water. This will save you up to a dollar in some locations, making it a great alternative to the traditional Americano, which can be a bit overpriced.
3. Skip the Venti Lattes and Cappuccinos
Another drink that’s best avoided if you’re trying to save money is the hot venti latte or cappuccino. Parkel points out that these drinks only contain two shots of espresso, which is the same amount you’d get in a grande. So, when you opt for the venti size, you’re essentially paying more for the same caffeine content in a larger cup. Essentially, you’re getting a more diluted coffee-to-caffeine ratio. Instead, you can order a smaller size or adjust your order to get the most bang for your buck.
4. Use the Starbucks Rewards Program
For regular Starbucks customers, signing up for the Starbucks Rewards program can help save money in the long run. With this program, you earn points with every purchase, and once you accumulate 400 points, you can redeem them for any item worth up to $20. Instead of paying for a Starbucks-branded mug or cup, you can collect points and use them for a free drink or food item.
Once you have your reusable cup, don’t forget to bring it back on your next visit. Starbucks offers a “bring your own cup” discount, which works with any reusable cup, not just the official Starbucks-branded cups. This not only saves you a little money, but it also helps reduce plastic waste. Plus, members of the Starbucks Rewards program get an additional 25 bonus stars when they bring their own cup.
5. Don’t Pay for Bottled Water
When it comes to hydration, Parkel encourages Starbucks customers to skip the bottled water. For some reason, many people buy bottled water at coffee shops, even though Starbucks offers water for free. Of course, if you absolutely need a sealed bottle of water, that’s understandable. However, if you’re just looking for a sip of water to quench your thirst, there’s no reason to pay for something that’s available for free. Just ask for a cup of water at the counter, and you’ll get it without spending a penny.
6. Look Out for Starbucks Deals
While Starbucks has traditionally not been known for offering discounts, the company has recently started to offer more deals in response to inflation and the increased number of people brewing coffee at home. During certain times of the day, Starbucks runs promotions like Happy Hour specials, where you can get a 50% discount on select drinks. They’ve also introduced coffee and breakfast meal packages starting at just $5, giving you an affordable way to enjoy a meal and coffee combo without spending too much.
It’s worth keeping an eye on these deals, especially if you’re a regular Starbucks customer. They can help you save money, particularly if you plan to indulge in an afternoon coffee break or breakfast treat.
7. Pay Attention to Customizations
Another small tip Parkel shared was to be mindful of the customizations you add to your drink. It’s easy to get carried away with extra flavor shots, fancy toppings, or specialty milk alternatives, but these additions can quickly add up in cost. While it’s tempting to customize your drink to perfection, it’s important to remember that these extras can turn an otherwise reasonably priced beverage into an expensive treat. Try sticking to simpler orders if you’re on a budget, and only add customizations when you truly want them.
Final Thoughts
Saving money at Starbucks doesn’t require giving up your favorite drinks altogether. With a little bit of knowledge and planning, you can continue to enjoy your go-to beverages without overspending. Whether you’re controlling the amount of ice in your drink, ordering espresso shots separately, or taking advantage of the Starbucks Rewards program, there are plenty of ways to cut costs while still getting the coffee experience you love.
And even though Starbucks has been slow to offer deals in the past, the company is now introducing more promotions and packages that can help you save money. So, next time you’re in the line at Starbucks, remember these tips, and don’t let your money slip away!
