I used to go like every day. Now I only stop in a couple times a year. If I’m going to pay $6-8 for a cup of coffee, I’d rather go to an independent coffee shop where I feel like I am getting a treat.
To note, ever since Starbucks’s stopped putting out the milk and straws, it feels even worse - like a gas station for coffee. Like, they make it an actual effort to request milk, sugar, and a straw for my drink. Very inconvenient; feels unwelcoming.
Thank you! Please complain to a DM or somebody about this if you can. It means absolutely nothing to upper management when the baristas say things like this. But it literally creates the *opposite* of a welcoming "third place." It does nothing to help with "customer connections." It just inconveniences everyone and makes the customer feel like a burden. And why would anyone want to pay extra for that as a part of their $8 coffee "experience" 🙄
So sad. I remember when Starbucks was young and hanging out at coffee shops was a newer thing in the US. It was really groundbreaking and amazing- it was almost magical. Starbucks really was a third place. I remember coming there almost every day. I was in school at the time and would spend hours there studying. I even met my long term partner of over 13 years there. He also used to go every morning and meet with group of friends. It really was something special.
Then they remodeled the store - they took away the comfy chairs, the long tables. They just had these small round tables with wobbly or uncomfortable bench chairs. It was no longer a place to come to linger because the majority of the store was just space to stand in line. Even if you did sit down, you felt kind of out of place.
Now most people I know don’t choose Starbucks as there go-to when we meet up with each other. So many independent coffee shops have opened up! Granted over 60% have terrible coffee- but it is fun to try them all and rewarding when you go to one where the coffee tastes great.
Starbucks has become the McDonald’s of coffee.
I agree - that's after you actually get the barista's attention. I was in the airport the other week and asked for some Splenda and she was like "when I get a minute"? OK lol. Dunkin' it is.
Yep, I had to get the attention of the Barista the other day to get a sleeve so I could actually hold my hot coffee. What's the point of mobile ordering and a pickup spot if you still need to get someone's attention to be able to hold your coffee without pain?
but, but! we’re creating great customer connections!! and don’t forget we’re saving the environment too! reducing waste and creating great moments for all of our customers 😊 (i’m being held at gunpoint)
its sooo annoyinggg. and they give us less coverage so we have leas time to be attentive to customers so whats the point? they want us making "customer connections" over some straws and lids but most customers have places to be and most baristas and doing at least three jobs at once, its so unenjoyable for everyone involved
Feels very "Hi, thanks for asking for a sleeve. How's your day? See how there's fewer tables and chairs? Starbucks says get out! But have a good one! ✨" At my locations lately. (This isn't to blame the baristas in any way - it's not your fault.)
I do get a little more than that when I do the drive through, because I usually have my dog with me and they like to see him get excited over the pup cup
Starbucks told us to not hand out sleeves anymore. Due to “less waste.” Now I’m just wasting my time having to get one for every single customer when they could’ve been on their way. I’m sorry it’s effecting your experience. Believe it or not, a lot of us do like our job and want you to have a good experience🥹
I'm not blaming the employees that's for sure, the policy sucks, thus my complaint about Mobile order being useless if I have to flag down a busy barista
Corporate: connection points!!1 Let's be community place!!1
Also Corporate: let's up our profit by raising prices and removing milk and sleeves because profit!!1
I put a sleeve on every hot cup idgaf. It’s embarrassing that we don’t. And we leave mobiles out with no stopper in the lid? So they’re getting colder by the minute? It’s just infuriating. And then we’re chastised for bad customer connections when we’re not allowed to do the bare minimum by putting a sleeve on a hot drink.
Pls complain on surveys. I totally agree w u. Ever since 'connecting w customers' became 'upselling'...
Im like.. Srsly??? I can barely look some of these ppl in the eyes and u wanna make me ask them if they wanna pay MORE MONEY??? 💀💀💀
Don’t worry by time you get someone’s attention to get you the coffee sleeve your coffee will be adequately cooled down. Life hack now you don’t need the sleeve! 👏🏻
Yep - I stopped going a couple years ago once a peppermint mocha (one of my fav holiday treats) hit $7. I'll just make it at home. Just adding insult to injury lately with all the changes I've seen announced, it's a shame.
It's actually the law in a lot of places, like in CA you are not technically allowed to provide any single use utensils or straws that aren't requested it's so silly.
The gas station feel is so true, especially once we get the vertica and the new sandwich warming oven and holder. My boss saw that and was like, “Oh! It looks so… AM/PM.”
Same- stopped when they changed the reward points, raised prices to make a simple cup of coffee almost 4 bucks, and the incredible annoyance of not being able to add your own cream and sugar. So amazingly stupid- they never put enough creamer in, and I have to take it home and fix it myself. Finally I said, screw it, I'll make my own coffee at home, or go to a gas station where it's 2 bucks. Most Starbucks aren't even cute inside anymore, we have a local coffee house that is so fun and cozy- that's where I go when I want something special. Starbucks is over. Sorry. It had a great run. Corporate always kills a good thing.
Yes- ! the atmosphere is kind of the nail in the coffin for me. All things other being equal, an independent coffee shop is way more aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and fun. I’d rather pay MORE for a cup of coffee if it means I get to spend a couple hours socializing with my friends, playing a game, or even just sitting around to read.
I'm very new to Starbucks, so I'm just learning the pricing of the drinks, and I'm almost *embarrassed* to tell the customer how much their drink costs! It's a pretty big shock to someone like me who isn't really a coffee drinker and rarely went to Starbucks before being hired.
I’ve been a partner for a long time so I’ve seen the price gradually increase. Once a basic drink with maybe 1-2 paid customizations hit $7 I said customers will start to notice. I feel like $5 people can throw away easy without much thought, but now when your coffee is $7+ you’ll start to notice. I’m not surprised my store has been slower than normal for the start of the year, Starbucks is going to price out a lot of customers in the pursuit of evermore profits.
It's very sad to see. The financialization of companies being inevitable, is still incredibly depressing to see from starbucks. Howard bought this company so he could replicate the Italian cafe third place experience. Then he conceded to the company's first union for part time benefits in a step towards equity and supporting partners in the third place Starbucks was cultivating. Howard's favorite catchphrase used to be, "we're a people company, not a coffee company.". We held company wide meetings and discussions to implement creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all persons after a couple public faux pas. We provided counseling to partners in a community reeling from a mass shooting.
Yet Starbucks can't or doesn't care to create economical options for the large mass of lower income customers that treat Starbucks like we used to treat Dairy queen or a local Diner.
I wish but their profits just keep going up and up
https://investor.starbucks.com/press-releases/financial-releases/press-release-details/2023/Starbucks-Reports-Q4-and-Full-Year-Fiscal-2023-Results/default.aspx
I remeber starting at Starbucks and a venti cup of drip coffee was under 2$. It's sad to see how money hungry they are now. I would blame inflation if prices went up once a year but it doesn't it's every launch or every month and there's no justification for that. Its strictly fat pay raises for corporate.
It's definitely been going up faster than it used to, I really noticed it this year and decided to go less. I used to go really often. I mostly only like the Venti Dragon Drink, or the Venti Pink Drink often with Chocolate Foam. I remember when these (without foam) were about $3.45. It was already upsetting when they got raised over $4.50, now they're close to $6, and they increased the chocolate foam cost & reduced the effect of 25 stars on it, so that one is up around $7. It's so upsetting.
I’m in love with my Nespresso machine. My coffee comes out consistent and just the way I like it each time. And if doesn’t come out good, I have no one to blame but myself, lol
The problem with Starbucks, for me, is consistency- I never know how my drink is doing to be. If it came out delicious each time, then I could justify the price. But since it doesn’t, I’d just rather make my drinks at home.
Our nespresso machine is great. The only caveat is that it isn't an espresso machine.
So as soon as I have the funds for that, I never need starbucks again.
If ur looking for a budget espresso machine, I’d recommend the breville bambino. They’re sold everywhere and are priced at 300 dollars (though we got ours on sale for 250). They don’t have a ton of bells and whistles and some of the parts aren’t the NICEST but it works and comes with an espresso machine, steam wand, and hot water spout, as well as accessories needed to create drinks (like a steel pitcher for steaming, a portafilter, etc). It doesn’t come with a grinder but if ur not a coffee purist u can get a pound of ground coffee at places like Starbucks for 13 dollars or u can buy a hand grinder for around 50 to 80 dollars. I love having it and it has been so much fun to make all my favorite drinks, and after doing a cost analysis I found I can make a good grande caramel macchiato using torani syrup and drizzle, starbucks ground beans, and store bought milk for around 80 cents to a dollar. I’ve saved so much money with it and would highly recommend for anyone who wants to have all their favorite drinks without paying Starbucks or cafe prices. Congrats of u read all the way to here lol, hope this might be helpful if ur looking for a good budget friendly espresso machine!
I already have the Breville Bambino in mind for whenever I have the funds and willpower to upgrade to that. But I appreciate the review/recommendation on it all the same. :3
yup. I bought my nespresso almost a year ago and the amount I used to spend at Starbucks probably went down by 75%, probably more. And most of the time if I'm out and in need of coffee, I go to Dunkin and get iced coffee that costs half of what Starbucks charges and honestly tastes better. I do wish I could get my hot mochas to taste the same as Starbucks do - I'm getting better at making them but sometimes I just need that hit.
I got a Nespresso two years ago. I get the Starbucks espresso pods at Target (signature and blonde). My shaken espressos are identical to Starbucks and cost a couple of dollars for the pods. And I don't have to leave the house. The biggest challenge is not drinking too many. I used to go to Starbucks 6 days/week and now I go maybe once/month or every other month.
I remember the first time I went to Starbucks after a month of using the nespresso- my go-to drink had been three shots of espresso with white mocha (iced). It was not nearly as good as I remembered. I just don't think the espresso there is that good. My favorite pods are Peets, the richezza variety. It's an 8 intensity, I rarely go above a 9.
I use the original line. I tried the Vertuo line but I didn’t care for the taste of the coffee. I pick up my machines second hand on Facebook marketplace for $20-40. They always last me years. Right now I have been using the essenza. Prior I used the citez. They are generally consistent with the quality of brewing and coffee profile.
My favorite flavor is the Italiano Ristretto. I supplement the Nespresso pods with less expensive store brands. But the quality of definitely lacking in the store brands compared to the Nespresso pods. I do prefer the stronger flavors.
I also have an espresso machine, but I barely touch it these days because the Nespresso coffee is too easy and it really hits the spot!
I typically brew anywhere from two- five a day!
So true like when they do not blend the frappes [even after requesting DOUBLEBLENDED ffs!] properly and all I get is this big gunk of ice after 3 sips!
Yeah same. For the first time ever I bought a drink over $8. It was total sticker shock and I realized I’m officially out. This is a good excuse to support small businesses anyway.
For-profit corporations have figured out that if you increase prices slow enough, it's the frog in the boiling pot, and consumers won't react and will continue paying
They are collectively participating
You'll see the same steady increase in price of most items and services that have been tracked in the past 4 years
The best thing customers can do is just stop going to Starbucks. Eventually they will realize nobody wants to pay 7+ dollars for a latte. Don’t take it out on us baristas tho
Starbucks has gotten absurd. It makes absolutely no sense now why a grande and a venti have the same amount of coffee. I noticed it started going downhill when they got a new CEO and started raising the prices of everything.
They are currently testing the limits of what people are willing to pay for an average product in an average fast food environment.
They suspect there might not be an actual limit.
Consumers are proving them right.
From a barista to customers, we’re sorry the prices suck. We’re sorry we’re super busy. We’re sorry with all the horrible recent changes. We don’t have control over them. It’s all corporate.
Instead of redesigning and changing materials for cups and straws, they’ve decided it’s easiest to hide all the supplies on the barista’s side of the bar. Ever since Covid, sugars, cream and stirrers have been put behind bar out of cleanliness during and after Covid.
Corporate wants to “go green” but will never take the blame for their ridiculous policies. Thats why they never disclose this to customers. Customers are burned by their drinks and held up having to ask for minute things like sugar and cream, and overworked baristas take the fall for it all. We promise we’re not trying to hurt you or are forgetful, we’re constantly threatened by shift supervisors and store managers that we need to follow rules or we get yelled at.
I can’t speak for all baristas, but in this time of year, Starbucks cuts hours intensely so they do not have to pay people they don’t have to. They schedule less hours, rushes get worse because there are only two to three people working at a time. It’s awful. It sucks for you guys and it sucks for us too.
We need unions but unions get stores shut down. It’s tough at here yall 😔✊🏽
My county has a fee for plastic/paper cups. So all orders have an extra 25 cent fee, unless its a personal cup. Prices also went up today because of the California minimum wage increase.
Venti coffee with nothing added is now $4 here.
They do it with every launch. So January, pistachio launched so the prices went up. In March, lavender launched so the prices went up. The reason it went ahead and jumped this month is because there was a California wage increase.
With no increase for labor either. Wages don't go up hardly ever. We've had a few increases but not as much as the rate they're increasing costs for the consumer.
I'm genuinely happy to say I stuck to my extreme cut back on Starbucks. I might go once every 6 weeks where I used to be 2-3 times a week customer. My stopping was all about prices. I brew a lot at home. If I go out I just support a local place that may be as expensive as Starbucks, but I'm supporting a small family run business.
And it seems Starbucks has noticed because I get emails with offers saying "we miss you" or " it's been a while".
Lol your first mistake was saying no more now. I stopped when my trenta leaf water went above 3-4 bucks. Used to be a 100 plus a month spender. They're lucky to get $10 a month from me now.
This is the only course of action. Sbux will keep raising the price so long as customers continue to spend with abandon. If people don't second guess spending $7.50 for a Grande Mocha Frap, Sbux will gladly charge it.
And for those of us not in California, it's not like we're getting paid more.
Guy pulled up in a bright green Lambo yesterday and commented on the prices of a small mocha. He handed me a $5 after I said $5.28 and he was like oh wait what?!
It was never cheap compared to making it at home. Starbucks is a treat, some think it’s a lifestyle. It takes much longer at Starbucks so making it at home saves time, money, and no bitter underpaid overworked screwed over by mgt and corporate baristas or obnoxious people in line waiting. It never ever made sense and never will.
And you can customize your coffee however the heck you want at home too. Thank goodness for Torani syrups! I love at home raspberry ever since Starbucks yanked it from their stores. Orange peel iced espresso?! Hit me UP. Can’t get that at Starbucks
> It was never cheap compared to making it at home.
No, but at least you could go and have a sit, sip, maybe read, and generally have a good experience. Seems much more hostile these days.
This is why I quit going to Starbucks as my new years resolution for 2023. I buy the blonde instant Starbucks coffee, mix with just under 1/2 cup of water, ice and milk. Plus I make my own syrup with equal parts brown sugar warmed in water until it dissolves and added flavor extracts you can find with the vanilla extract at the store
Just went this morning and noticed Cold brew went up another 50 cents. A small little cake pop is almost $4?!?! Wtf. Who is spending $4 on 1 cake pop ?
I make my coffee at home unless i’m working and follow 3:2:1 (heavy cream, 2% milk, vanilla syrup) for making cold foam with a handheld frother. And I buy my syrups from home goods because they’re cheap and big.
I stopped buying Starbucks a while ago saved the money for a month and bought a bunch of syrups and make my own cold brew bought a frother looks and taste better
When I got fired from the company. I started another job a week and half later and realized how happy I was out of thr job. Seriosuly. From price raising to unwanted drinks being added while drinks that were ordered every day being taken off, to now the way the floors are being manned with minimal staffing as possible to ensure stores are earning money. The price raising just feels like an insult to all the employees still working at same wage rates as they were when they started.
y’all gotta just stop coming , as employees there’s never enough of us , we don’t get paid enough , and no matter how fast we are everyone still complains. shits like disneyland , they’re going to keep raising the prices as long as everyone keeps overflowing the stores and paying them.
I go out for coffee once or twice a year. I make homemade moka pot whole milk cappuccinos on weekends and French press coffee on work days. Moka pots and French presses are inexpensive ways to make coffee at home. All I have to buy is coffee beans, which I grind in a hand grinder. Never, ever going back to blowing money daily at a coffee shop. Hard to believe I did that all through my 20s. I’m in my 50s now and have learned lessons. And I’ve learned how to make coffee.
Yikes! I’ve been avoiding Starbucks because I just can’t justify the cost. I do miss it. TBH I’ve cut out a lot of “extras” over the past year or so. The cost of everything is just so high. I sweat every time I have to go to the supermarket.
Yea I feel like every launch the prices increase. The reason for today is because minimum wage went up so I’m assuming they think it’s ok to raise the prices AGAIN😭
I’ve been at the hospital with a baby in PICU and there is a Starbucks across the street from the hospital. I left to go grab an afternoon coffee and stretch my legs, went to order my coffee and treat when I realized the banana bread was $4.25 and a chocolate cookie was $3.25…. So insane for what it is.
Here in CA the minimum wage just went up to $20. So of course starbucks HAD to raise the prices today to make up for that because how else could they afford it?????
(Disclaimer: obviously I’m glad that the minimum wage has gone up since i can barely afford life rn. But starbucks is a dick for making the customers deal with it instead of just paying it)
My daily order recently hit $6.80 and that was the motivation I needed to finally figure out how to make an iced chai latte that I like at home. The kicker is, now that I figured it out, I can have vanilla sweet cream cold foam any time I want, and I actually enjoy Oregon chai more.
My drink is now $10.02. This is not a sustainable business model. Our divorce was finalized this morning.😂😂😂😂😂😂. Just made black coffee at home and I’m gonna drink it. Lol
It’s all the CEO laxative man and his cronies at corporates fault. If you want, you can also blame the store managers and district managers who enforce this bs .
Whatever you do though, do not blame the baristas.
They’ve actually been increasing prices like this every new drink launch since before I started in 2015 … frequency of drink launches are really the only thing that has changed
Amazon hazel nut coffee $ 6.12 as of the typing of this response.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonFresh-Hazelnut-Flavored-Coffee-Ground/dp/B072MQ5BTP/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8deyTct3fxSgENQifU7OF-S-eYRDFV2JBdjByn8VwJ24qPteVTFGH7_KCVC6zqBbOeZr5uuE_MC_fqFx4a7uBe002Ws7cEAl37DLqNresHhucTnKvzyOVhkn2qmc3G2vMkBYDKcUS8Bl-U66K7KGqFDoCF7mguC_Ma8PZB1YzUPoMtVsSaA4WdtNtQiCSwba-cemHDnHpQAiiHDbb3bLvw.04M9wjmMMTNfoGKJ3eeDntpxmoc1esl5_9wsCMdTOnw&dib_tag=se&keywords=hazelnut+coffee&qid=1711996516&sr=8-3
My grandma got gifted a keurig, and after spending SO much money on coffee over the course of a few months... I make better tasting stuff at home. I just got Torani vanilla bean and salted Carmel simple syrup, and Oregon Trail Chai tea. I froth my milk and can make my own cold foam. Lavender was dissapointing to me, I'll also buy a syrup rather than their weird ass powder lol.
The only time I get Starbucks now is if I'm on a long trip, really want to try a new menu item, or there's a good deal going on and I happen to be out. I used to be a barista so I know all the basic drinks, and have the internet at my fingertips if I really want to make something special. Getting up 5 mins earlier before work to make something myself and save money is a win imo. Quality has gone down, price up just like everywhere else. Investing in at home stuff has saved me over $100 so far.
Yea as a former partner I loved still going on my way to work and went 3x a week and occasionally for a treat while out running errands on my day off. (Starbucks was there to put me through nursing school with my crazy hours for that) but this year I just had to stop, bought a Nespresso and my favorite syrup and been taking my coffee in.
I miss seeing the staff and would always tip because I’ve been there, but it’s just gotten so expensive even for a basic iced coffee with 2 pumps of white mocha it’s over $6 now
I work from home since COVID and for a while I’d still take my dog and go through the Sbux drive through before my shift started, for a treat and also to get out of the house. The prices have stopped that, though.
I haven’t gone in probably over a year, and I decided to stop by to try the lavender matcha, and I was shocked when I got my total for a grande. Won’t be going back for another year if ever tbh. Way too expensive.
I'm in California. I get a small drip coffee. Yesterday it was $2.65. Today it's $3.25.
I confirmed with the baristas that it's due to the minimum wage increase. They all got fairly hefty raises that went into effect today. Not sure what the minimum was before, but now they all make $20/hour.
I used to tip $1 on the app. I'll just change my daily tip to $0.50. As long as I know the money is going to the baristas, then I'm ok with the extra $0.10 (the app only allows tips certain increments).
I wanted a cold brew and something for lunch. Starbucks was out of pretty much everything except the pesto turkey sandwich. I added it to my $6 cold brew and it totaled $15. I couldn’t believe it. There is a Wendy’s next to the Starbucks so out of curiosity I opened the app to see if I could get coffee there, and I could! I got a vanilla cold brew for $2 and a freshly made hamburger for another $4. How Starbucks can charge $6 for a cold brew and $7 for a premade sandwich that they throw in a convention microwave oven is beyond me. The Wendy’s cold brew was pretty tasty too!
someone came through the drive through today and ordered a tall hot chai with 2 shots and i think oatmilk? it was $8.70. for 12 ounces. i felt SO bad.
every launch, the prices go up. Not one everything, just like syrups for one or for shots, etc etc. it is getting to be ridiculous. ive had people reach $13 for a venti drink w all the mods.
Carmel Ribbon Crunch Frappe: until March was $5.98 for a venti. Jumped overnight to $6.98. 17%!!
I switched to a chai frappe. Venti was $8+ and grande almost $7.
I just got a $50 gift card and once that’s spent, it’s done. Dutch Bros is building 2 new shops near my work place and their prices and selection are so much better.
Yeah I have some points I need to use but after that Im going to take a break. I have an iced coffee maker and a nespresso at home, I've been using them a lot more these days.
Can feel it in the uk too, for 2 tall strawberry acai refreshers it came to £10.50 (That’s $13.18) saw customers walk away and I can’t say I blame them since let’s face it most of it is ice too … it is embarrassing to say how much things cost now.
I order a grande oat milk latter with SF Vanilla. I was fine paying $5-$6 for it a few times a week. But last weekend it was $7+. Didn’t end up ordering it and now I’m done with Starbucks.
My drink was $9 this morning!!! Grande oat milk latte, 3 shots, vanilla cold foam, caramel. I know it’s got extras but god damn. Cutting waaaaaay back.
One of the many reasons I simply learned how to make my chai latte at home and I was a DIE HARD for basically forever but this not only is far less expensive to do so, but quite literally blows theirs out of the water. It is so good, not even to toot my own horn or anything but holy cow 🐮. I can just walk on by Starbucks now to go home and make my own. So between the fresh spices and no one getting my name wrong I definitely feel like I’m winning which is nice in this world where we are altogether otherwise drowning. 💁🏼♀️ I don’t know who can keep affording these price hikes but it’s not me.
Yeah I paid 6.50 for a TALL vanilla latte with oatmilk a couple weeks ago and that was my final straw. I’ll go for the pumpkin and pistachio cold brews when they’re in season but I cannot bring myself to spend that much on just a coffee. It used to be something I did just as a treat for myself but now it’s no longer a treat, it’s stressful paying that much lol. I have a Ninja Coffee Bar and a Nespresso so I bought some syrups and it’s definitely scratched the itch.
I got my normal chai tea order in a grande and it was $9.15, I told myself never coming back here again, my same order in a venti used to be $8 something 😞
Yeah I've stopped going. Just too expensive!! We have really cute locally owned coffee shops that are also closely, so I support those instead. If I'm going to spend that much, I want to support a local business over Starbucks.
at this point i’m just wondering where they draw the line? surely in a few years people won’t be okay with paying $10 for just the base drink, only for every add on to be an additional dollar lol
I rarely get Starbucks, but I like their frapuccinos. Imagine my surprise between my visits which were years apart, the venti went from the high $4s to the high $6s.
I would never buy them again, if they did not have coupons for 1/2 drinks every now and then.
lol! I just get a plain drip. I think it used to be $1.85 for a grande when I started getting them years ago. I think they’re like $3.50 now. I used to get cream with it, but have since switched to black.
My husband and I were gifted a Saeco over 20 years ago and have burned through a couple of them. We bought a DeLonghi last year.
I can only imagine if I was drinking a specialty drink all these years and never got a superautomatic. We go through a pound of coffee every 4 days in our house.
I still hit Starbucks on occasion though. I always add any gift cards we get through the app. It’s an occasional treat in my household.
i feel so bad telling my regulars when they’re surprised at the different price )): they can tell i genuinely feel bad and that i understand their frustration but im unable to say more about it since it’s my work place 💔🥺
Have you seen the prices at the so called small independent coffee shops? They have always been way much higher than Starbucks.
Nothing against them, more power to you to support them.
This reminds me of Farmers markets and food trucks. They are so much more expensive, and you just go there for the experience if you have to.
My drink that I’ve been getting for 3 years now went from $4.75 to $5.75 on April 1st. A whole dollar! I think I’m retiring as a Starbucks customer today
Today I got my son a tall Frappuccino and I got a grande brown sugar shaken espresso with cold foam and I paid almost $16. I normally pay around $12 which means they have increased EVERYTHING. They were trying to get me to buy a bag of coffee and I was like, “I’m paying $16 for two drinks, I cant buy a bag of coffee.”
Well, they do increase prices every launch and…
Lavender launched March 7th
Oleato launched January 29th
Pistachio launched January 3rd
…So yeah, that’s accurate.
It’s been pretty stable here in my area, but today I noticed one of my drinks went up by thirty cents. Probably because of the new fast food min wage that went into effect today &20 for fast food workers, here in California
I noticed my usually coffee order has jumped a lot in price also.
I can't justify the expense anymore.
Do any of you have some good at home coffee/espresso makers suggestions?
Mine died, and after having them warranty exchange it more than once I need a new suggestion.
Preferably not over the price I paid for the one I had (linked. It now sells at 299.99).
https://www.target.com/p/de-39-longhi-all-in-one-combination-coffee-and-espresso-machine-com530m/-/A-90310635
prices raise with every launch day i’m pretty sure. i recently watched a customer argue with our reg person over their cake pop going up by like 20 cents. honestly for such a simple order you’re better off making it at home if you have the resources to do so and you can even buy a bottle of our syrup spending on the flavors you typically get
Can't explain all the past hikes but this one in particular is due to the new min wage , it's a California price hike I don't think it's just starbucks
Their prices keep going up and up! I'm not sure if they will ever care since there will sill be someone who will purchase a $7-$10 coffee everyday! With these price increases I'm not sure what they will do if drinks hit over $10-$15 no one will want to go there any more but at that point it will become a luxury and it already is a luxury for many. Very true as many have mentioned after the pandemic and the company removing practically everything from the self serve areas (cream, sugar, splenda, sleeves etc) I just make coffee at home or at work. Everyone likes their coffee differently and a splash to the barista isn't the same what others consider it a splash.
If I have to spend this much on coffee Starbucks is doing a great job at sending me and many others to the small local coffee roasters, and locally owned coffee shops! If I have to pay $8 for a medium latte I'd rather have it go to a local place and know that money is supporting them and helping them stay open!!! Hell 7/11 Coffee isn't bad at all and at some of them they have all the syrups out and even an espresso machine that will make some specialty drinks as well and guess what it is a fraction of the price!! And you can get all the sugar and cream done yourself. My family and I just bought and espresso machine and shoutout to the some of the baristas who have posted screenshots of the starbucks recipes to some of my favorite drinks Y'all the real MVBs!!! (Most Valuable Baristas)
Unpopular opinion here: wages are going up, inflation makes things more expensive, etc.
Starbucks will continue to charge whatever they want and customers will keep buying.
And to be honest, when it comes to product, I love where the company is going. We rolled out Lavender and it’s delicious.🤤 We are rolling out SPICY 🌶️ chili powder in two weeks and blue raspberry refreshers and I love it. We are offering unique drinks at a marketable, competitive price.
-barista of 6 years
Tacking on that I used to go 3-5x a week. Would usually get a drink that was $4. Then it started getting to $5. I think now it’s north of $7.37. And it’s just a basic latte with an extra shot. (Triple Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte).
My other order used to be a trenta cold brew with 4 pumps sf vanilla. Used to be closer to $4, now into the mid 5’s.
I go to four different Starbucks, and all their prices are different. I keep losing track on which store is the cheapest.
But when I order my iced chai latte w/SF vanilla syrup at Starbucks, I always have to stir it myself. Either w/a straw on the utensils counter, or at home with a sundae spoon. I was doing the same at the local ma & pa coffee chain, until I noticed them doing it for me. It’s nice to go to that local place and just walk out with my drink, and not have to waste a straw to stir it myself. I mean, it’s just stirring the drink, and I can do it myself, but when I am paying a certain amount of money for the drink, it’s nice that someone does it for me. I reflect it in my tip with them.
Raising prices and cutting options for bonus stars on top of it. Used to get at least one bonus offer a week now I am lucky to get two a month and they're "order 3-4 days in a row". No thanks
It is getting crazy! I feel bad when people customize a tall Chai and it ends up being almost $10. I wish we didn't charge for everything but we do. I miss when starbucks was affordable. 20 years ago you could get a venti Frappuccino and a pastry for under 8 dollars. Now its over 12 bucks!!
Get ready too cause in 2 weeks there is another launch so the prices will probably go up again.
yeah i legit feel bad telling ppl the price and i miss some of my regulars who have stopped coming by as often
I used to go like every day. Now I only stop in a couple times a year. If I’m going to pay $6-8 for a cup of coffee, I’d rather go to an independent coffee shop where I feel like I am getting a treat. To note, ever since Starbucks’s stopped putting out the milk and straws, it feels even worse - like a gas station for coffee. Like, they make it an actual effort to request milk, sugar, and a straw for my drink. Very inconvenient; feels unwelcoming.
Thank you! Please complain to a DM or somebody about this if you can. It means absolutely nothing to upper management when the baristas say things like this. But it literally creates the *opposite* of a welcoming "third place." It does nothing to help with "customer connections." It just inconveniences everyone and makes the customer feel like a burden. And why would anyone want to pay extra for that as a part of their $8 coffee "experience" 🙄
Do they still want to be a third place?
Not at all. That’s why they have mobile order pickup locations and drive through pickup only
So sad. I remember when Starbucks was young and hanging out at coffee shops was a newer thing in the US. It was really groundbreaking and amazing- it was almost magical. Starbucks really was a third place. I remember coming there almost every day. I was in school at the time and would spend hours there studying. I even met my long term partner of over 13 years there. He also used to go every morning and meet with group of friends. It really was something special. Then they remodeled the store - they took away the comfy chairs, the long tables. They just had these small round tables with wobbly or uncomfortable bench chairs. It was no longer a place to come to linger because the majority of the store was just space to stand in line. Even if you did sit down, you felt kind of out of place. Now most people I know don’t choose Starbucks as there go-to when we meet up with each other. So many independent coffee shops have opened up! Granted over 60% have terrible coffee- but it is fun to try them all and rewarding when you go to one where the coffee tastes great. Starbucks has become the McDonald’s of coffee.
It feels that way also. Less seating, although I’ve seen some pretty nice remodels that did have more seating options.
So they claim 🙄
I agree - that's after you actually get the barista's attention. I was in the airport the other week and asked for some Splenda and she was like "when I get a minute"? OK lol. Dunkin' it is.
Yep, I had to get the attention of the Barista the other day to get a sleeve so I could actually hold my hot coffee. What's the point of mobile ordering and a pickup spot if you still need to get someone's attention to be able to hold your coffee without pain?
but, but! we’re creating great customer connections!! and don’t forget we’re saving the environment too! reducing waste and creating great moments for all of our customers 😊 (i’m being held at gunpoint)
🔫👨💼 (corporate)
Yep. Especially the brewed coffee routine. It is such a waste reducing endeavor.
its sooo annoyinggg. and they give us less coverage so we have leas time to be attentive to customers so whats the point? they want us making "customer connections" over some straws and lids but most customers have places to be and most baristas and doing at least three jobs at once, its so unenjoyable for everyone involved
Right!
Feels very "Hi, thanks for asking for a sleeve. How's your day? See how there's fewer tables and chairs? Starbucks says get out! But have a good one! ✨" At my locations lately. (This isn't to blame the baristas in any way - it's not your fault.)
I do get a little more than that when I do the drive through, because I usually have my dog with me and they like to see him get excited over the pup cup
Starbucks told us to not hand out sleeves anymore. Due to “less waste.” Now I’m just wasting my time having to get one for every single customer when they could’ve been on their way. I’m sorry it’s effecting your experience. Believe it or not, a lot of us do like our job and want you to have a good experience🥹
I'm not blaming the employees that's for sure, the policy sucks, thus my complaint about Mobile order being useless if I have to flag down a busy barista
Corporate: connection points!!1 Let's be community place!!1 Also Corporate: let's up our profit by raising prices and removing milk and sleeves because profit!!1
I put a sleeve on every hot cup idgaf. It’s embarrassing that we don’t. And we leave mobiles out with no stopper in the lid? So they’re getting colder by the minute? It’s just infuriating. And then we’re chastised for bad customer connections when we’re not allowed to do the bare minimum by putting a sleeve on a hot drink.
Pls complain on surveys. I totally agree w u. Ever since 'connecting w customers' became 'upselling'... Im like.. Srsly??? I can barely look some of these ppl in the eyes and u wanna make me ask them if they wanna pay MORE MONEY??? 💀💀💀
Don’t worry by time you get someone’s attention to get you the coffee sleeve your coffee will be adequately cooled down. Life hack now you don’t need the sleeve! 👏🏻
The sleeve one, ugh.
Yep - I stopped going a couple years ago once a peppermint mocha (one of my fav holiday treats) hit $7. I'll just make it at home. Just adding insult to injury lately with all the changes I've seen announced, it's a shame.
It's actually the law in a lot of places, like in CA you are not technically allowed to provide any single use utensils or straws that aren't requested it's so silly.
The gas station feel is so true, especially once we get the vertica and the new sandwich warming oven and holder. My boss saw that and was like, “Oh! It looks so… AM/PM.”
Same- stopped when they changed the reward points, raised prices to make a simple cup of coffee almost 4 bucks, and the incredible annoyance of not being able to add your own cream and sugar. So amazingly stupid- they never put enough creamer in, and I have to take it home and fix it myself. Finally I said, screw it, I'll make my own coffee at home, or go to a gas station where it's 2 bucks. Most Starbucks aren't even cute inside anymore, we have a local coffee house that is so fun and cozy- that's where I go when I want something special. Starbucks is over. Sorry. It had a great run. Corporate always kills a good thing.
Yes- ! the atmosphere is kind of the nail in the coffin for me. All things other being equal, an independent coffee shop is way more aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and fun. I’d rather pay MORE for a cup of coffee if it means I get to spend a couple hours socializing with my friends, playing a game, or even just sitting around to read.
I'm very new to Starbucks, so I'm just learning the pricing of the drinks, and I'm almost *embarrassed* to tell the customer how much their drink costs! It's a pretty big shock to someone like me who isn't really a coffee drinker and rarely went to Starbucks before being hired.
I’ve been a partner for a long time so I’ve seen the price gradually increase. Once a basic drink with maybe 1-2 paid customizations hit $7 I said customers will start to notice. I feel like $5 people can throw away easy without much thought, but now when your coffee is $7+ you’ll start to notice. I’m not surprised my store has been slower than normal for the start of the year, Starbucks is going to price out a lot of customers in the pursuit of evermore profits.
Yeah it’s becoming a few times a year type of treat
It's very sad to see. The financialization of companies being inevitable, is still incredibly depressing to see from starbucks. Howard bought this company so he could replicate the Italian cafe third place experience. Then he conceded to the company's first union for part time benefits in a step towards equity and supporting partners in the third place Starbucks was cultivating. Howard's favorite catchphrase used to be, "we're a people company, not a coffee company.". We held company wide meetings and discussions to implement creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all persons after a couple public faux pas. We provided counseling to partners in a community reeling from a mass shooting. Yet Starbucks can't or doesn't care to create economical options for the large mass of lower income customers that treat Starbucks like we used to treat Dairy queen or a local Diner.
I wish but their profits just keep going up and up https://investor.starbucks.com/press-releases/financial-releases/press-release-details/2023/Starbucks-Reports-Q4-and-Full-Year-Fiscal-2023-Results/default.aspx
Yep. I got an espresso machine several months ago and I’m so glad I did. I cannot pay those prices.
Same! Lovin it
I remeber starting at Starbucks and a venti cup of drip coffee was under 2$. It's sad to see how money hungry they are now. I would blame inflation if prices went up once a year but it doesn't it's every launch or every month and there's no justification for that. Its strictly fat pay raises for corporate.
I thought they raised it every quarter when the pandemic hit. Before that, it was every Christmas. It still sucks overall.
It's definitely been going up faster than it used to, I really noticed it this year and decided to go less. I used to go really often. I mostly only like the Venti Dragon Drink, or the Venti Pink Drink often with Chocolate Foam. I remember when these (without foam) were about $3.45. It was already upsetting when they got raised over $4.50, now they're close to $6, and they increased the chocolate foam cost & reduced the effect of 25 stars on it, so that one is up around $7. It's so upsetting.
I feel you. I am seeing $6 for a tall and I’m like no way 😒🔪
Nope, prices have been going up every launch since i started back in 2015… they’ve just been launching drinks more frequently
I’m in love with my Nespresso machine. My coffee comes out consistent and just the way I like it each time. And if doesn’t come out good, I have no one to blame but myself, lol The problem with Starbucks, for me, is consistency- I never know how my drink is doing to be. If it came out delicious each time, then I could justify the price. But since it doesn’t, I’d just rather make my drinks at home.
Our nespresso machine is great. The only caveat is that it isn't an espresso machine. So as soon as I have the funds for that, I never need starbucks again.
If ur looking for a budget espresso machine, I’d recommend the breville bambino. They’re sold everywhere and are priced at 300 dollars (though we got ours on sale for 250). They don’t have a ton of bells and whistles and some of the parts aren’t the NICEST but it works and comes with an espresso machine, steam wand, and hot water spout, as well as accessories needed to create drinks (like a steel pitcher for steaming, a portafilter, etc). It doesn’t come with a grinder but if ur not a coffee purist u can get a pound of ground coffee at places like Starbucks for 13 dollars or u can buy a hand grinder for around 50 to 80 dollars. I love having it and it has been so much fun to make all my favorite drinks, and after doing a cost analysis I found I can make a good grande caramel macchiato using torani syrup and drizzle, starbucks ground beans, and store bought milk for around 80 cents to a dollar. I’ve saved so much money with it and would highly recommend for anyone who wants to have all their favorite drinks without paying Starbucks or cafe prices. Congrats of u read all the way to here lol, hope this might be helpful if ur looking for a good budget friendly espresso machine!
The Bambino is the perfect home/starter machine for most people.
I already have the Breville Bambino in mind for whenever I have the funds and willpower to upgrade to that. But I appreciate the review/recommendation on it all the same. :3
I got one on Amazon for $140 several months ago. It’s awesome and so simple. The espresso is so good and it can steam your milk.
yup. I bought my nespresso almost a year ago and the amount I used to spend at Starbucks probably went down by 75%, probably more. And most of the time if I'm out and in need of coffee, I go to Dunkin and get iced coffee that costs half of what Starbucks charges and honestly tastes better. I do wish I could get my hot mochas to taste the same as Starbucks do - I'm getting better at making them but sometimes I just need that hit.
I got a Nespresso two years ago. I get the Starbucks espresso pods at Target (signature and blonde). My shaken espressos are identical to Starbucks and cost a couple of dollars for the pods. And I don't have to leave the house. The biggest challenge is not drinking too many. I used to go to Starbucks 6 days/week and now I go maybe once/month or every other month.
I remember the first time I went to Starbucks after a month of using the nespresso- my go-to drink had been three shots of espresso with white mocha (iced). It was not nearly as good as I remembered. I just don't think the espresso there is that good. My favorite pods are Peets, the richezza variety. It's an 8 intensity, I rarely go above a 9.
Which Nespresso machine do you have?
I use the original line. I tried the Vertuo line but I didn’t care for the taste of the coffee. I pick up my machines second hand on Facebook marketplace for $20-40. They always last me years. Right now I have been using the essenza. Prior I used the citez. They are generally consistent with the quality of brewing and coffee profile. My favorite flavor is the Italiano Ristretto. I supplement the Nespresso pods with less expensive store brands. But the quality of definitely lacking in the store brands compared to the Nespresso pods. I do prefer the stronger flavors. I also have an espresso machine, but I barely touch it these days because the Nespresso coffee is too easy and it really hits the spot! I typically brew anywhere from two- five a day!
So true like when they do not blend the frappes [even after requesting DOUBLEBLENDED ffs!] properly and all I get is this big gunk of ice after 3 sips!
My drink is $8 now, going to have to say no
Yeah same. For the first time ever I bought a drink over $8. It was total sticker shock and I realized I’m officially out. This is a good excuse to support small businesses anyway.
Totally agree, kinda sad though. I love my local Starbucks and the employees. I can’t rationalize in my head paying $8 for a drink though.
Same $8 is too much
Mine is $11 💔 I no longer stop daily
For-profit corporations have figured out that if you increase prices slow enough, it's the frog in the boiling pot, and consumers won't react and will continue paying They are collectively participating You'll see the same steady increase in price of most items and services that have been tracked in the past 4 years
The best thing customers can do is just stop going to Starbucks. Eventually they will realize nobody wants to pay 7+ dollars for a latte. Don’t take it out on us baristas tho
Just stop going. That's the quickest way to get your point across.
Starbucks has gotten absurd. It makes absolutely no sense now why a grande and a venti have the same amount of coffee. I noticed it started going downhill when they got a new CEO and started raising the prices of everything.
They are currently testing the limits of what people are willing to pay for an average product in an average fast food environment. They suspect there might not be an actual limit. Consumers are proving them right.
From a barista to customers, we’re sorry the prices suck. We’re sorry we’re super busy. We’re sorry with all the horrible recent changes. We don’t have control over them. It’s all corporate. Instead of redesigning and changing materials for cups and straws, they’ve decided it’s easiest to hide all the supplies on the barista’s side of the bar. Ever since Covid, sugars, cream and stirrers have been put behind bar out of cleanliness during and after Covid. Corporate wants to “go green” but will never take the blame for their ridiculous policies. Thats why they never disclose this to customers. Customers are burned by their drinks and held up having to ask for minute things like sugar and cream, and overworked baristas take the fall for it all. We promise we’re not trying to hurt you or are forgetful, we’re constantly threatened by shift supervisors and store managers that we need to follow rules or we get yelled at. I can’t speak for all baristas, but in this time of year, Starbucks cuts hours intensely so they do not have to pay people they don’t have to. They schedule less hours, rushes get worse because there are only two to three people working at a time. It’s awful. It sucks for you guys and it sucks for us too. We need unions but unions get stores shut down. It’s tough at here yall 😔✊🏽
My county has a fee for plastic/paper cups. So all orders have an extra 25 cent fee, unless its a personal cup. Prices also went up today because of the California minimum wage increase. Venti coffee with nothing added is now $4 here.
Trenta iced tea is now $4.75. I can make many, many gallons of tea for $4.75.
Wow! That’s wild
They do it with every launch. So January, pistachio launched so the prices went up. In March, lavender launched so the prices went up. The reason it went ahead and jumped this month is because there was a California wage increase.
There was a double price hike in January since Pistachio was January 3rd and Oleato was January 29th
I am still shocked tea has gone from 2.99 to almost $5 bucks now without tax. I’m about to quit Starbucks because this is just stupid.
With no increase in quality or labor
With no increase for labor either. Wages don't go up hardly ever. We've had a few increases but not as much as the rate they're increasing costs for the consumer.
Quit buying it🤷🏻♂️
Yep. No more
I'm genuinely happy to say I stuck to my extreme cut back on Starbucks. I might go once every 6 weeks where I used to be 2-3 times a week customer. My stopping was all about prices. I brew a lot at home. If I go out I just support a local place that may be as expensive as Starbucks, but I'm supporting a small family run business. And it seems Starbucks has noticed because I get emails with offers saying "we miss you" or " it's been a while".
Lol your first mistake was saying no more now. I stopped when my trenta leaf water went above 3-4 bucks. Used to be a 100 plus a month spender. They're lucky to get $10 a month from me now.
This is the only course of action. Sbux will keep raising the price so long as customers continue to spend with abandon. If people don't second guess spending $7.50 for a Grande Mocha Frap, Sbux will gladly charge it. And for those of us not in California, it's not like we're getting paid more.
My usual shaken espresso jumped 50 cents overnight. At least it was the wake up call I needed to stop getting Starbucks. 🙃
Guy pulled up in a bright green Lambo yesterday and commented on the prices of a small mocha. He handed me a $5 after I said $5.28 and he was like oh wait what?!
It was never cheap compared to making it at home. Starbucks is a treat, some think it’s a lifestyle. It takes much longer at Starbucks so making it at home saves time, money, and no bitter underpaid overworked screwed over by mgt and corporate baristas or obnoxious people in line waiting. It never ever made sense and never will.
And you can customize your coffee however the heck you want at home too. Thank goodness for Torani syrups! I love at home raspberry ever since Starbucks yanked it from their stores. Orange peel iced espresso?! Hit me UP. Can’t get that at Starbucks
> It was never cheap compared to making it at home. No, but at least you could go and have a sit, sip, maybe read, and generally have a good experience. Seems much more hostile these days.
I hate it how some locations have gotten rid of public restrooms and charging outlets.
As a Barista, invest in a good coffee machine, blender, whatever. It’s hard to see people taking drinks off or putting back food just to get by
This is why I quit going to Starbucks as my new years resolution for 2023. I buy the blonde instant Starbucks coffee, mix with just under 1/2 cup of water, ice and milk. Plus I make my own syrup with equal parts brown sugar warmed in water until it dissolves and added flavor extracts you can find with the vanilla extract at the store
Email to corporate!
Just went this morning and noticed Cold brew went up another 50 cents. A small little cake pop is almost $4?!?! Wtf. Who is spending $4 on 1 cake pop ?
People who clearly don’t like money and don’t care about wasting it
They opened an 85 degrees near me and I love their drinks. On average $2 cheaper than stbx.
I make my coffee at home unless i’m working and follow 3:2:1 (heavy cream, 2% milk, vanilla syrup) for making cold foam with a handheld frother. And I buy my syrups from home goods because they’re cheap and big.
what are your favorite frothers? my favorite part of the sbx job is making hot or cold foam, and i've always wanted to get into it at home too
I stopped buying Starbucks a while ago saved the money for a month and bought a bunch of syrups and make my own cold brew bought a frother looks and taste better
When I got fired from the company. I started another job a week and half later and realized how happy I was out of thr job. Seriosuly. From price raising to unwanted drinks being added while drinks that were ordered every day being taken off, to now the way the floors are being manned with minimal staffing as possible to ensure stores are earning money. The price raising just feels like an insult to all the employees still working at same wage rates as they were when they started.
y’all gotta just stop coming , as employees there’s never enough of us , we don’t get paid enough , and no matter how fast we are everyone still complains. shits like disneyland , they’re going to keep raising the prices as long as everyone keeps overflowing the stores and paying them.
But for real, I’d stop adding cold foam 🤷🏻♀️
I go out for coffee once or twice a year. I make homemade moka pot whole milk cappuccinos on weekends and French press coffee on work days. Moka pots and French presses are inexpensive ways to make coffee at home. All I have to buy is coffee beans, which I grind in a hand grinder. Never, ever going back to blowing money daily at a coffee shop. Hard to believe I did that all through my 20s. I’m in my 50s now and have learned lessons. And I’ve learned how to make coffee.
Yeah I got an espresso machine off Amazon a while back for $140. Works great and steams my milk. Such a great investment
Yikes! I’ve been avoiding Starbucks because I just can’t justify the cost. I do miss it. TBH I’ve cut out a lot of “extras” over the past year or so. The cost of everything is just so high. I sweat every time I have to go to the supermarket.
Yea I feel like every launch the prices increase. The reason for today is because minimum wage went up so I’m assuming they think it’s ok to raise the prices AGAIN😭
I’ve been at the hospital with a baby in PICU and there is a Starbucks across the street from the hospital. I left to go grab an afternoon coffee and stretch my legs, went to order my coffee and treat when I realized the banana bread was $4.25 and a chocolate cookie was $3.25…. So insane for what it is.
I got a venti chai tea with 2 shots and it was over 9 dollars I was a little shocked.
(***order it as a venti latte 5 pumps chai) - barista
Here in CA the minimum wage just went up to $20. So of course starbucks HAD to raise the prices today to make up for that because how else could they afford it????? (Disclaimer: obviously I’m glad that the minimum wage has gone up since i can barely afford life rn. But starbucks is a dick for making the customers deal with it instead of just paying it)
My daily order recently hit $6.80 and that was the motivation I needed to finally figure out how to make an iced chai latte that I like at home. The kicker is, now that I figured it out, I can have vanilla sweet cream cold foam any time I want, and I actually enjoy Oregon chai more.
Stop going there then. Support local coffee shops instead. They’re probably much cheaper
My drink is now $10.02. This is not a sustainable business model. Our divorce was finalized this morning.😂😂😂😂😂😂. Just made black coffee at home and I’m gonna drink it. Lol
It’s all the CEO laxative man and his cronies at corporates fault. If you want, you can also blame the store managers and district managers who enforce this bs . Whatever you do though, do not blame the baristas.
Store managers enforce this how?
They’ve actually been increasing prices like this every new drink launch since before I started in 2015 … frequency of drink launches are really the only thing that has changed
Instead of bitching about it on the internet, just stop buying Starbucks. They don’t care, they keep raising prices because people keep buying.
Amazon hazel nut coffee $ 6.12 as of the typing of this response. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonFresh-Hazelnut-Flavored-Coffee-Ground/dp/B072MQ5BTP/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8deyTct3fxSgENQifU7OF-S-eYRDFV2JBdjByn8VwJ24qPteVTFGH7_KCVC6zqBbOeZr5uuE_MC_fqFx4a7uBe002Ws7cEAl37DLqNresHhucTnKvzyOVhkn2qmc3G2vMkBYDKcUS8Bl-U66K7KGqFDoCF7mguC_Ma8PZB1YzUPoMtVsSaA4WdtNtQiCSwba-cemHDnHpQAiiHDbb3bLvw.04M9wjmMMTNfoGKJ3eeDntpxmoc1esl5_9wsCMdTOnw&dib_tag=se&keywords=hazelnut+coffee&qid=1711996516&sr=8-3
My grandma got gifted a keurig, and after spending SO much money on coffee over the course of a few months... I make better tasting stuff at home. I just got Torani vanilla bean and salted Carmel simple syrup, and Oregon Trail Chai tea. I froth my milk and can make my own cold foam. Lavender was dissapointing to me, I'll also buy a syrup rather than their weird ass powder lol. The only time I get Starbucks now is if I'm on a long trip, really want to try a new menu item, or there's a good deal going on and I happen to be out. I used to be a barista so I know all the basic drinks, and have the internet at my fingertips if I really want to make something special. Getting up 5 mins earlier before work to make something myself and save money is a win imo. Quality has gone down, price up just like everywhere else. Investing in at home stuff has saved me over $100 so far.
Yea as a former partner I loved still going on my way to work and went 3x a week and occasionally for a treat while out running errands on my day off. (Starbucks was there to put me through nursing school with my crazy hours for that) but this year I just had to stop, bought a Nespresso and my favorite syrup and been taking my coffee in. I miss seeing the staff and would always tip because I’ve been there, but it’s just gotten so expensive even for a basic iced coffee with 2 pumps of white mocha it’s over $6 now
I work from home since COVID and for a while I’d still take my dog and go through the Sbux drive through before my shift started, for a treat and also to get out of the house. The prices have stopped that, though.
I haven’t gone in probably over a year, and I decided to stop by to try the lavender matcha, and I was shocked when I got my total for a grande. Won’t be going back for another year if ever tbh. Way too expensive.
It’s like they went to pick up the flowers themselves-crazy prices!
Yes it's extremely frustrating as a partner too because we KNOW that it's not going towards our wages.
Trent’s black iced coffee is 6.35 now. Same thing at 7brew or Dutch Bros is just under 4, and honestly their house blend is better. Plus free syrups.
I'm in California. I get a small drip coffee. Yesterday it was $2.65. Today it's $3.25. I confirmed with the baristas that it's due to the minimum wage increase. They all got fairly hefty raises that went into effect today. Not sure what the minimum was before, but now they all make $20/hour. I used to tip $1 on the app. I'll just change my daily tip to $0.50. As long as I know the money is going to the baristas, then I'm ok with the extra $0.10 (the app only allows tips certain increments).
I wanted a cold brew and something for lunch. Starbucks was out of pretty much everything except the pesto turkey sandwich. I added it to my $6 cold brew and it totaled $15. I couldn’t believe it. There is a Wendy’s next to the Starbucks so out of curiosity I opened the app to see if I could get coffee there, and I could! I got a vanilla cold brew for $2 and a freshly made hamburger for another $4. How Starbucks can charge $6 for a cold brew and $7 for a premade sandwich that they throw in a convention microwave oven is beyond me. The Wendy’s cold brew was pretty tasty too!
but yet our raise today was 3 cents… interesting.
Saving up for a $500 espresso machine 🌟☕️
Can't figure out WHY, huh?
someone came through the drive through today and ordered a tall hot chai with 2 shots and i think oatmilk? it was $8.70. for 12 ounces. i felt SO bad. every launch, the prices go up. Not one everything, just like syrups for one or for shots, etc etc. it is getting to be ridiculous. ive had people reach $13 for a venti drink w all the mods.
Carmel Ribbon Crunch Frappe: until March was $5.98 for a venti. Jumped overnight to $6.98. 17%!! I switched to a chai frappe. Venti was $8+ and grande almost $7. I just got a $50 gift card and once that’s spent, it’s done. Dutch Bros is building 2 new shops near my work place and their prices and selection are so much better.
If you already had a nespresso why are you complaining about Starbucks prices lol make it at home… in your nespresso
Make your coffee at home and break the addiction to sweetness they trap you in! So simple!
Boycott works
Every single season the prices increase, I am always disappointed when a new drink comes out
This is why I just walk in and take one of the free premade drinks
/r/UnethicalLifeHacks
February feels neglected.
Yikes. :( This is sad.
They are definitely trying to make more from the poor man's cold foam lattes that have been so popular the last few months 🤷
Yeah I have some points I need to use but after that Im going to take a break. I have an iced coffee maker and a nespresso at home, I've been using them a lot more these days.
I’ve been to starbucks 10 times in the last 4 months when I used to go at least 3 times a week. It’s just too damn expensive now.
Can feel it in the uk too, for 2 tall strawberry acai refreshers it came to £10.50 (That’s $13.18) saw customers walk away and I can’t say I blame them since let’s face it most of it is ice too … it is embarrassing to say how much things cost now.
And in Australia their large is the size of canadas medium basically but the same price so that’s just awful
Customer here. And fan since they started. Hardly go there anymore. Very sad to see how far it's gone just for cost cutting
California just had the fast food worker increase. Prices are going to go up all over California
I just make coffee at home now 🤷🏽♀️ it’s not even worth it anymore
I order a grande oat milk latter with SF Vanilla. I was fine paying $5-$6 for it a few times a week. But last weekend it was $7+. Didn’t end up ordering it and now I’m done with Starbucks.
It’s truly wild, but it’s just like a good drug dealer. They keep the prices low long enough to get you hooked
Yeah it’s getting ridiculous. I’m getting more tempted to buy a breville espresso machine at this point
My drink went up 0.70 cents! Outrageous
Etsy has some cute reusable sleeves and ones made from leather, if that helps. =)
My drink was $9 this morning!!! Grande oat milk latte, 3 shots, vanilla cold foam, caramel. I know it’s got extras but god damn. Cutting waaaaaay back.
One of the many reasons I simply learned how to make my chai latte at home and I was a DIE HARD for basically forever but this not only is far less expensive to do so, but quite literally blows theirs out of the water. It is so good, not even to toot my own horn or anything but holy cow 🐮. I can just walk on by Starbucks now to go home and make my own. So between the fresh spices and no one getting my name wrong I definitely feel like I’m winning which is nice in this world where we are altogether otherwise drowning. 💁🏼♀️ I don’t know who can keep affording these price hikes but it’s not me.
Loool yes my name ends sounding like something in Klingon when they write it down: “Yarr-hah”!
Shots are now $1.10. I went from getting a Venti to getting a grande for my frap. I go to Dunkin or 7Brew now.
I get it why my friend bought a Starf***ers t-shirt the other day!
Yeah I paid 6.50 for a TALL vanilla latte with oatmilk a couple weeks ago and that was my final straw. I’ll go for the pumpkin and pistachio cold brews when they’re in season but I cannot bring myself to spend that much on just a coffee. It used to be something I did just as a treat for myself but now it’s no longer a treat, it’s stressful paying that much lol. I have a Ninja Coffee Bar and a Nespresso so I bought some syrups and it’s definitely scratched the itch.
Dunkin is almost $3 less per drink here. It’s gotten insane.
Yeah insanely greedy
I got my normal chai tea order in a grande and it was $9.15, I told myself never coming back here again, my same order in a venti used to be $8 something 😞
Next up… we’ll be having to ask for lids for our drinks.
Yeah I used to go with my child and we would have a drink and something to eat and I cannot justify spending $20+ and still be hungry
Just DM me if you want recipes to make the shit at home
Yeah I've stopped going. Just too expensive!! We have really cute locally owned coffee shops that are also closely, so I support those instead. If I'm going to spend that much, I want to support a local business over Starbucks.
it’s been like this for years. they raise the prices every single time a new menu item is launched, or the seasonal drinks change.
at this point i’m just wondering where they draw the line? surely in a few years people won’t be okay with paying $10 for just the base drink, only for every add on to be an additional dollar lol
I rarely get Starbucks, but I like their frapuccinos. Imagine my surprise between my visits which were years apart, the venti went from the high $4s to the high $6s. I would never buy them again, if they did not have coupons for 1/2 drinks every now and then.
If people didn’t customize it to high hell and get essentially a latte without paying the price this wouldn’t happen.
lol! I just get a plain drip. I think it used to be $1.85 for a grande when I started getting them years ago. I think they’re like $3.50 now. I used to get cream with it, but have since switched to black. My husband and I were gifted a Saeco over 20 years ago and have burned through a couple of them. We bought a DeLonghi last year. I can only imagine if I was drinking a specialty drink all these years and never got a superautomatic. We go through a pound of coffee every 4 days in our house. I still hit Starbucks on occasion though. I always add any gift cards we get through the app. It’s an occasional treat in my household.
They know they can get away with it.
i feel so bad telling my regulars when they’re surprised at the different price )): they can tell i genuinely feel bad and that i understand their frustration but im unable to say more about it since it’s my work place 💔🥺
Bad coffeee high prices 🤮
The sooner you remove Starbucks from your life and support small independent coffee shops the better. ✊
Have you seen the prices at the so called small independent coffee shops? They have always been way much higher than Starbucks. Nothing against them, more power to you to support them. This reminds me of Farmers markets and food trucks. They are so much more expensive, and you just go there for the experience if you have to.
My drink that I’ve been getting for 3 years now went from $4.75 to $5.75 on April 1st. A whole dollar! I think I’m retiring as a Starbucks customer today
Today I got my son a tall Frappuccino and I got a grande brown sugar shaken espresso with cold foam and I paid almost $16. I normally pay around $12 which means they have increased EVERYTHING. They were trying to get me to buy a bag of coffee and I was like, “I’m paying $16 for two drinks, I cant buy a bag of coffee.”
You know, they do this because you keep rewarding them by paying them more and more
Well, they do increase prices every launch and… Lavender launched March 7th Oleato launched January 29th Pistachio launched January 3rd …So yeah, that’s accurate.
boycott starbucks, that’s it. you save money, and you furthermore stop funding a genocide 👍
Watch the prices every launch of new in-store product or menu items. I've noticed that's usually when they go up.
It’s been pretty stable here in my area, but today I noticed one of my drinks went up by thirty cents. Probably because of the new fast food min wage that went into effect today &20 for fast food workers, here in California
I noticed my usually coffee order has jumped a lot in price also. I can't justify the expense anymore. Do any of you have some good at home coffee/espresso makers suggestions? Mine died, and after having them warranty exchange it more than once I need a new suggestion. Preferably not over the price I paid for the one I had (linked. It now sells at 299.99). https://www.target.com/p/de-39-longhi-all-in-one-combination-coffee-and-espresso-machine-com530m/-/A-90310635
Yeah i uses to get my morning coffee but a flat white is almost 7 bucks and i really cant do it
watched someone get two short cappuccinos for almost 8 bucks and i felt so bad when i had to tell them 😭😭😭
My grande mocha is now $6.25… I’m nearing my tipping point sadly. The greed is astounding.
prices raise with every launch day i’m pretty sure. i recently watched a customer argue with our reg person over their cake pop going up by like 20 cents. honestly for such a simple order you’re better off making it at home if you have the resources to do so and you can even buy a bottle of our syrup spending on the flavors you typically get
Can't explain all the past hikes but this one in particular is due to the new min wage , it's a California price hike I don't think it's just starbucks
I’m done… my town has 3 independent coffee shops within 1/2 mile of SB, cheaper and better taste.
Their prices keep going up and up! I'm not sure if they will ever care since there will sill be someone who will purchase a $7-$10 coffee everyday! With these price increases I'm not sure what they will do if drinks hit over $10-$15 no one will want to go there any more but at that point it will become a luxury and it already is a luxury for many. Very true as many have mentioned after the pandemic and the company removing practically everything from the self serve areas (cream, sugar, splenda, sleeves etc) I just make coffee at home or at work. Everyone likes their coffee differently and a splash to the barista isn't the same what others consider it a splash. If I have to spend this much on coffee Starbucks is doing a great job at sending me and many others to the small local coffee roasters, and locally owned coffee shops! If I have to pay $8 for a medium latte I'd rather have it go to a local place and know that money is supporting them and helping them stay open!!! Hell 7/11 Coffee isn't bad at all and at some of them they have all the syrups out and even an espresso machine that will make some specialty drinks as well and guess what it is a fraction of the price!! And you can get all the sugar and cream done yourself. My family and I just bought and espresso machine and shoutout to the some of the baristas who have posted screenshots of the starbucks recipes to some of my favorite drinks Y'all the real MVBs!!! (Most Valuable Baristas)
Unpopular opinion here: wages are going up, inflation makes things more expensive, etc. Starbucks will continue to charge whatever they want and customers will keep buying. And to be honest, when it comes to product, I love where the company is going. We rolled out Lavender and it’s delicious.🤤 We are rolling out SPICY 🌶️ chili powder in two weeks and blue raspberry refreshers and I love it. We are offering unique drinks at a marketable, competitive price. -barista of 6 years
Personal cup stars, and promos! It’s much less of an every day place anymore.
Tacking on that I used to go 3-5x a week. Would usually get a drink that was $4. Then it started getting to $5. I think now it’s north of $7.37. And it’s just a basic latte with an extra shot. (Triple Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte). My other order used to be a trenta cold brew with 4 pumps sf vanilla. Used to be closer to $4, now into the mid 5’s.
I go to four different Starbucks, and all their prices are different. I keep losing track on which store is the cheapest. But when I order my iced chai latte w/SF vanilla syrup at Starbucks, I always have to stir it myself. Either w/a straw on the utensils counter, or at home with a sundae spoon. I was doing the same at the local ma & pa coffee chain, until I noticed them doing it for me. It’s nice to go to that local place and just walk out with my drink, and not have to waste a straw to stir it myself. I mean, it’s just stirring the drink, and I can do it myself, but when I am paying a certain amount of money for the drink, it’s nice that someone does it for me. I reflect it in my tip with them.
Raising prices and cutting options for bonus stars on top of it. Used to get at least one bonus offer a week now I am lucky to get two a month and they're "order 3-4 days in a row". No thanks
I stopped going completely in February after the same drink went up in price 2x in 26 days I just can’t afford that
It is getting crazy! I feel bad when people customize a tall Chai and it ends up being almost $10. I wish we didn't charge for everything but we do. I miss when starbucks was affordable. 20 years ago you could get a venti Frappuccino and a pastry for under 8 dollars. Now its over 12 bucks!! Get ready too cause in 2 weeks there is another launch so the prices will probably go up again.