I'm a coffee drinker so when I go to Starbucks, it's often to get a drip coffee. I ordered this one day and the man behind me in line turned to his wife and said, "See, you can just order coffee." Black coffee drinkers definitely save money at Starbucks but there are some strategies that can make your Lattes and Frappuccinos less expensive too.
Note - The prices here were looked up on Starbucks website for a mobile order at my local cafe. Prices vary by area and even by store but the general trends should be applicable to any location. A grande 16 oz size is used throughout.
Customization Costs
Starbucks charges for customization. The base price for a Caffe Latte at my local restaurant is $4.65. A pump of flavor syrup is $0.80. Caramel drizzle is $0.60. Soy milk is $0.70. The extra shot of espresso is $1.00. A triple shot vanilla almond milk latte with caramel drizzle comes to $7.75. A full suite of extras can double the cost of your beverage.
Signature Drinks
You can save a little money by ordering a named beverage off the menu. A Caramel Brulee Latte is $5.75. Customizing a Caffe Latte to be the same costs $5.95. If you want a seasonal beverage it is often better to order it directly rather than trying to customize a beverage to match.
Frappuccinos
The same basic rules apply to Frappuccinos. A basic Coffee Frappuccino is $4.95. A Caramel Brulee Frappuccino is $5.75. Customizing a basic Frappuccino with the same sauce and topping costs $6.25. You're generally better off ordering one of the signature Frappuccinos from the menu rather than customizing a drink. Some add-ons are free for Frappuccinos as well like whipped cream.
Free Add-Ons
Some of the traditional add-ons can be added without additional charge. Customizing the milk from 2% to Skim or Whole is generally free. Adding Sugar, Splenda, or other sweeteners is generally free. Some toppings like Cinnamon Powder and even Whipped Cream can be added for free. A double shot, added sugar, whole milk latte with cinnamon powder and whipped cream costs the same $4.65 as a regular latte.
Iced Coffees
Many Starbucks locations now have three iced coffee options. At my Starbucks the traditional Cold Brew Coffee is $4.45. The Nitro Cold Brew which is drawn from a beer tap is $5.25. And the Caffe Americano is $3.65. I actually prefer the Americano because I like the taste of Starbucks espresso roast, plus it saves me some money. You can add cream or even extra cream to an American for no extra charge. You can also add sugar or other sweeteners and even whipped cream for free.
Star Rewards
If you're going to Starbucks it's definitely worth it to join their rewards program. This works particularly well if you're ordering drinks for friends or coworkers since you can gain stars on larger orders and then use them to get free drinks. In the current program 50 stars can be used to get brewed coffee, tea, or a bakery item. 150 stars can be used to get a handcrafted espresso drink or Frappuccino. The reward generally applies to any standard menu-sized items. It should work fine on an extravagant Venti size Frappuccino. I would often save my rewards for when I someone with me who would appreciate a special treat like that.
Conclusion
Customization costs. Try to order a drink off the menu rather than starting from scratch and customizing. Certainly don't be afraid to order drip coffee or an americano. You'll save some money and greatly reduce your sugar intake.
And of course, Starbucks is among the more expensive coffee shops. You might save money simply by going to a competing chain or a local coffee shop or drive thru. Making coffee at home is always the most frugal option.
What are your strategies for saving money at Starbucks or other coffee shops?
This page contains the following solutions.
Do you want an inexpensive travel mug that helps reduce waste? The new reusable Starbucks cups are only $1! They are dishwasher and microwave-safe.
Starbucks gives a 10 cent discount to customers that bring in reusable mugs or tumblers for their drinks. If you stay and drink your beverage in-store, request to have it served in a ceramic mug at no charge.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Starbucks is a part of many people's daily routine and all those lattes really add up. What are your tips for Saving Money at Starbucks? Post them below.
I always ask for ice water - if I am drinking iced tea - I can then dilute it - I get the regular cafe au lait and then add the flavorings - cocoa, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, vanilla - myself! I also save the containers & re-use them with my own drinks until they fall apart.(When I have met folks for business at a Starbucks - have been know to bring in my own drink in a recycled Starbucks container!)
Instead of asking for a latte, ask for a "misto." I used to get a grande soy latte ($4.80!!). Now I get a grande soy misto ($2.90). A misto is just regular coffee w/ a little steamed milk (or soymilk). It tastes ALMOST like a latte for a lot less!
I'm not sure if it is the same over in the US than it is here in Germany but another great way to save on Starbucks back here is to bring your own cup. They will give you a 50c discount on your drink when you bring your own cup ...
If you don't drink their regular coffee because it is too strong, get the mild blend, its a milder flavor, not on caffeine. Ask for a tall in a grande cup or a grande in a vente, that leaves lots of room to add milk to mellow it out. Also, the baristas usually eyeball the quantity and they inevitably give you more than the small size.
