Savvy TikTokers looking to save more than pennies on their favorite Starbucks drink are showing coffee lovers how to hack the chain's app to save money on premium drinks such as a pumpkin spiced latte.
One TikToker said she knocked off about 50% on a venti iced coffee with her mobile app hack.
"It feels illegal that I just bought this coffee for $3," said a TikToker with the handle @sophiacelentano48.
In the video, the University of Virginia student demonstrates how she creates a large iced latte at Starbucks for half the price, or under $4, by hacking the chain's app. The hack begins by ordering an iced triple espresso. It costs $3.35 and includes a choice of creamer. Then, for $1.25, you customize the drink by adding a cold foam, she said.
"Usually, this drink ends up being like right under $5," she said.
There's one additional hack for loyalty members.
"But if you have 25 stars in your account, which really isn't that hard to get, you can customize your drink for free, so the cold foam was free, and the creamer is included with the espresso shots, so this drink was less than $4 and I usually end up spending at least double that," she said.
Insider checked out the hack to see if it was legit. We discovered that a venti iced caffe latte with cold foam in Orange, California, costs about $6.70. We followed her instructions and were able to get the same drink for $3.60.
Another TikToker named @jadeleasy showed her followers how to get an iced pumpkin spice latte for under $4. She said the lattes she buys run around $8, but "I get mine for $3.75- $4 max," she said. "Here's what I do."
Like the @sophiacelentano48, Jade starts with an iced espresso drink. She ordered a double espresso shot, which comes with "three to four ounces of milk free of charge," she said.
"Then you're going to ask for the pumpkin sweet cream cold foam, and it's going to taste exactly like the pumpkin spice latte. And you spent maybe $3.50, maybe $3.75," she said.
Some Starbucks menu hacks are less complicated. Take this hack by @taylormakesvideos.
She describes how to get more bang for your buck by ordering an iced drink with no ice. Then, on the side, she suggests asking for a free large ice.
"This is the money-saving hack Starbucks does not want you to know about," she said. "If you're going for an iced drink, get a small version of that drink with no ice, then order a venti on the side of just ice. They'll give it to you for free. You'll get more than an entire venti worth of coffee for the same price you would have paid for the small."
Chances are Starbucks knows about the no-ice trick. It's been around for at least a couple of years.
Starbucks said customizations, as it calls these hacks, are part of the brand experience.
"Our customers and partners are always coming up with creative customizations and sharing them on social media," the company said.
The chain also confirmed that adding "up to four ounces of dairy or non-dairy milk" is free for any hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, or cold brew, or Americano beverages.
But, the chain disputed a TikToker's suggestion that a pumpkin spiced latte could cost about $8. "The price of PSL will vary market-to-market. In company operated US stores, a grande PSL ranges from $5.75 to $6.75 and a venti PSL ranges from $6.25 to $7.25," the company said.
Starbucks isn't the only chain with customers who manipulate their digital apps in a quest for cheaper eats and drinks. Last year, Chipotle cracked down on a costly burrito hack of its menu. Customers were ordering a single taco for $3, adding unlimited toppings, and buying a 40-cent tortilla to create a $9 burrito.
Once the chain got wind of the hack, it removed tacos from its digital ordering channels.
Are you a Starbucks barista who is wise to these hacks? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Nancy Luna via the encrypted messaging app Signal 714-875-6218 or email nluna@businessinsider.com
FAQs
This is going to be a venti iced caramel macchiato with vanilla, sweet cream, cold foam, and five pumps of a white mocha sauce.
How to get free refills at Starbucks? ›
To be eligible for free refill(s) of hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, you must scan the member barcode in the App prior to purchasing your beverage and again when you request your refill or pay for your beverage using your registered Starbucks Card and scan the same card again when requesting your hot or iced brewed ...
What is the no ice trick at Starbucks? ›
The Truth Behind Starbucks Ordering Hacks
The first seemingly-clever idea originated on TikTok: Order any cold drink with no ice and an extra cup of ice on the side, then split the drink and ice between the two cups. A classic "buy one, get one" deal, right?
Does the Starbucks app save money? ›
When you visit a Starbucks and use the Starbucks app, you can come back for free refills as long as you're in the same cafe. This perk can be especially rewarding if you plan to hang out in your local Starbucks for several hours. Just order a coffee or tea and get as many refills as you want while there.
What is Barbie Starbucks drink? ›
To get your own Barbie Frappuccino, just ask for a vanilla bean creme Frappuccino with half-and-half instead of milk. Then add three pumps of vanilla syrup, two pumps of strawberry puree and dragonfruit. Don't skip the whip on top and ask for extra dragonfruit crumbles to top it off. Voila!
What is the Starbucks strategy on TikTok? ›
When looking at Starbucks' TikTok content, it rapidly gets obvious the brand's TikTok strategy is centered around the human factor. Thanks to its idea of featuring real humans in most of its TikTok videos, Starbucks succeeded in creating a strongly humanized presence through its TikTok account.
Does Starbucks do free refills if you don't leave the store? ›
Starbucks policy is free refills on hot/iced coffee & hot/iced tea if you are a rewards member & it's the same visit, so you haven't left the store. If you're not a member, but haven't left the store it's a small price, less than a dollar usually.
Do you get free Starbucks on your birthday? ›
One (1) free birthday beverage per year: On your birthday (as indicated in your Starbucks Rewards account), you will receive one (1) complimentary handcrafted beverage ("Birthday Reward"). Your Birthday Reward will be automatically added to your account on your birthday and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Do Starbucks still do free refills? ›
The ubiquitous coffee chain is known for introducing sweet deals — like its Thursday BOGO offer in spring 2024, which meant customers could enjoy two of the new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers for the price of one. Although most deals at Starbucks are limited-time offers, its refill policy is a year-round treat.
Is there really a Starbucks secret menu? ›
They're not on the official menu, but you can still ask your barista for these flavorful-packed drinks. The Starbucks menu is a treasure trove of tempting beverages, but there's a whole other “secret” menu that's full of even more drink varieties.
The Medicine Ball or Cold Buster is made with Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and a hint of honey. To jazz it up, some customers also order a pump of peppermint syrup for extra flavor in their sniffles-busting beverage.
What is Starbucks Zero? ›
Starbucks® Zero Creamer with 0g Added Sugar per Serving
Perk up your morning cup with our new Zero Creamers inspired by Starbucks® beverages you know and love, such as Caramel Macchiato and Hazelnut Latte. Now with 0g added sugar per serving.
How to get Starbucks for free? ›
To get free Starbucks on your birthday, you must:
- Join the Rewards program at least seven days before your birthday.
- Provide your birthday when completing your account information. You don't need to provide a year—the month and day is fine.
People ordering at a drive-through, over the Starbucks app or at a counter can now present their own cup for baristas to fill with the beverage of their choice.
Does Starbucks hate pay it forward? ›
Whether it's at a coffee shop or in a drive-thru, when the barista says: “Your coffee was paid for,” the world truly feels brighter and kinder for the rest of the day. And yet, according to numerous baristas, Starbucks' pay-it-forward lines are one of the habits Starbucks employees dislike.
How to order sour patch kid drink at Starbucks? ›
Sour Patch Kids Refresher
Even better, we've got a drink version, too! To order, ask for a venti Strawberry Acai Lemonade with three pumps of classic syrup and three pumps of raspberry syrup. Finish off with a splash of Passion tea on top.
How to order TikTok white mocha drink? ›
According to @starbucksdenton, you ask for a venti iced white mocha, three shots blonde roast, three pumps of hazelnut syrup, caramel drizzle around the cup, vanilla sweet cream, and extra caramel drizzle on top.
What is the Starbucks mermaid? ›
“It's the siren. She is not a real person, but we kind of think of her as one. She's the biggest symbol of our brand, really, other than our partners (employees). She's the face of it,” Steve Murray said. He's a creative director in the Starbucks Global Creative Studio.
What Starbucks drink do the Kardashians drink? ›
During an appearance on "The Ellen Show," Kardashian revealed that her Starbucks order is the smallest size (tall) white chocolate mocha with whipped cream. In a tweet, the SKIMS founder also shared that she sometimes orders a tall chai latte.
