We all love a good Starbucks from time to time, but one thing that’s not so nice about this coffee company is their prices.
Of all the retail coffee shops available in the US, Starbucks ranks near the top as one of the most expensive.
Whether you’re an Americano type of person or a skinny vanilla latte kind of person, it can be a nerve-wracking moment when you see the price of your order pop up on the card reader.
And the prices are not getting cheaper. According to The CFO, the average price of a large coffee has increased by a staggering 49 percent since 2020.
But apparently there are ways to get more bang for your buck, and a former Starbucks barista has done God’s work and shared some tips with Business Insider.
Ask for ‘light ice’
The barista has urged people ordering a cold drink at Starbucks to ask for “light ice” so they can get more of the drink, rather than half a cup of ice and just “a touch of drink.”
While it may sound a little cheeky, apparently baristas are usually more than happy to do this for you and it’s even an option in the Starbucks app.
You don’t need to put as much ice in your cold drinks. (Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Do not use vanilla syrup in soy-based beverages.
Personally, I love a shot of vanilla in my coffee, but if you’re someone who drinks Starbucks’ soy-based drinks, you might not have to pay for it.
Why, I hear you ask? Apparently, the soy milk the retailer uses already has a hint of vanilla.
It’s less intense than a proper shot of vanilla syrup, but it could save you some money if you like a drink with a slightly less vanilla flavor.
Use the Starbucks Rewards Program
Like many places these days, you can earn ‘points’ for every purchase you make, which you can then redeem for other products (usually in the form of free coffee).
You can get free stuff with the Starbucks rewards program. (Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images)
But if you manage to accumulate 400 points, you can get a free exclusive mug, drink glass or coffee of your choice for up to $20. If you’ve had your eye on a new stackable mug, save those points.
Stop buying bottled water
Instead of buying a bottle of water, the former barista insisted that you can ask for a free glass of water, which will allow you to save money and protect the environment at the same time. Who wouldn’t want that?
Featured Image Credit: Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images / Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Topics: Food and Drink, Starbucks
