10 “HIP” Secrets for Saving at Starbucks
As you probably know, I love splurging on Starbucks coffee, especially when all of the yummy seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha hit the menus! If you’re like me and are looking for easy ways to save on these yummy treats, here are ten money-saving tips to remember…
1.) Sign up for My Starbucks Rewards
Be sure to download the Free Starbucks app (iOS or Android) and sign up for the My Starbucks Rewards program. After signing up, you’ll reach the Welonlinee Level and will qualify for a free birthday drink or treat (valid for 7 days after issuance), a birthday coupon for 15% off a purchase at Starbucks Store online, and custom offers via email as long as you opt in (such as this recent Free Breakfast Sandwich offer for select Rewards Members).
*UPDATE* – As of April 12th, 2016, Starbucks has launched their new Rewards Program! With this new program, you’ll earn 2 Stars for every $1 you spend on coffee, food, drinks, and mugs AND Gold members will snag a FREE Reward for anything on the menu once you earn 125 Stars. Plus, Starbucks will be introducing monthly Double-Star Days where Gold members will earn 4 Stars for every $1 spent on all eligible purchases.
2.) Bring Your Own Cup
You can save 10¢ on the price of your drink whenever you bring in your own reusable cup, mug, or travel tumbler. You can also purchase a plastic Starbucks Reusable Travel Cup (Grande 16oz) for just $2 at most locations that will save you 10¢ every time you bring it in.
3.) Make your own Chai Latte
If you enjoy sipping on a Chai Latte (priced around $3.65 for a Grande 16oz), consider ordering a hot Chai Tea with a bag (priced around $2.15 for a Grande 16oz) and then adding your own milk or cream at the condiment bar. If you prefer to keep it warm, you may even be able to ask your barista for a FREE shot of hot milk on the side.
4.) Order a Short coffee
Did you know that Starbucks offers an even smaller size than their Tall 12oz drinks? You can actually order a “Short” 8oz specialty beverage that has the same amount of espresso as the Tall version, but is less expensive. Planning to add cream? Order a Short beverage in a Tall cup so you’re still getting the same amount of coffee…then head to the condiment counter and add onlineplimentary milk or cream.
No sleep? You can also order a Trenta 30oz size beverage (available for select drinks) for about 50¢-$1 more than the Venti price.
5.) 50¢ Brewed Coffee Refills
You can refill any size cup with brewed coffee for just 50¢ during the same visit – all day long. Keep in mind that the refills must be hot coffee, iced coffee, hot tea, or iced tea. Also, you can get a 50¢ refill even if your original drink was not a hot/iced coffee or tea.
6.) Order French Press Pot of Coffee
If you’re headed to Starbucks with friends or are planning on staying a while in-store, another way to save money is to order a French Press pot of coffee. The 32oz pot serves a few cups of coffee and will be cheaper than ordering the drinks individually as it’s priced around $3.50/pot.
7.) Ask For “No Water” With Your Tea
Did you know that Iced Tea in the pitcher at Starbucks is double-strength and watered down for your final recipe? To get the most bang for your buck, request “no water” with your tea and you’ll be getting twice as much tea for the same price. Also, consider ordering your drink with no ice (or asking for ice on the side) to ensure that your drink is the strongest possible.
8.) Split a Venti Drink with a Friend
Instead of ordering two Tall 12oz beverages, consider ordering one Venti 24oz beverage and splitting it with a friend. A Venti 24oz Caramel Latte is priced around $4.65, whereas a Tall Caramel Latte would cost around $3.65 each…do the math!
9.) Don’t Order Bottled Water
Rest assured that the ice and water used in Starbucks is triple-filtered, so it’s clean and delicious. In fact, it may be even cleaner than the Ethos bottled water that is sold in-stores for around $2 each. So consider just asking for a FREE glass of iced water the next time you’re thirsty for some H2O.
10.) Free Puppy Whip
If you are heading to Starbucks or through the drive-through with your furry friend in tow, consider ordering them a free “Puppy Whip” which consists of a small cup of whipped cream. They’ll love you for it! These small cups of whip may also be great for young kiddos who want a treat in their own cup too. 🙂
Shhhhh! Interested in making Starbucks drinks at home? Check out my video here or here where I will show you how easy and affordable it is to make a Starbucks Frappuccino at home – no Espresso Machine required. Or, go here to check out how you can whip up a delicious Starbucks Latte at home. If you drink Starbuck’s Frappuccinos or Lattes often (which typically cost around $4 each!), you can save yourself a whopping $1,000 per year just by making them in your own kitchen….crazy, huh!?
