We all have our vices, and coffee is definitely one of mine.  But it sure can get expensive, unless you know these Starbucks hacks that can save you money and stretch your coffee budget.

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Starbucks Hack #1 Get rewarded

You’re reading this article because you need a little help cutting back your weekly spend at Starbucks.  And because you’re a fellow caffeine addict you already have the Starbucks Rewards App…on your homescreen…and you’re Gold status (am I right or am I right?).  But just incase you’re not, you can download the Starbucks Rewards App and stop missing out on some freebies.

Starbucks Hack #2 Size does matter

Did you know that there is the same amount of espresso used in a Venti as there is in a Grande?  Oh yah!  So your caffeine-to-coffee ratio is the exact same, 2 shots, but costs you $0.50 more.

Starbucks Hack #3 Craving chai?

Why spend $4.95 for a Grande Chai Latte when you can spend $2.75?  With a little bit of effort on your part you can satisfy your taste buds without burning a hole in your pocket.  This is how I do it:

1. Order a Grande Chai Tea (two teabags) asking to leave room for milk
2. Head over to the condiments station and top up with milk.  I add a splash of cream too!
3. Grab the vanilla powder and stevia to sweeten to taste.
4. Let it steep for a few minutes, stir well and remove teabags.
5. Enjoy!

Starbucks Hack #4 Misto-no

Ah clever marketing at it’s best; inflating a products’ ego just to charge more.  A Grande Misto will set you back $3.45.  This café au lait or “coffee with milk” is just half brewed coffee and half steamed milk.  This is not an espresso drink!  Don’t pay a premium when you can get up to 4oz of steamed milk for free!  Order a Grande drip coffee with steamed milk for a more reasonable $2.65 (it won’t be quite a 50/50 split but you can top up with cold milk from the condiment counter to get your ideal milky-ness)

Starbucks Hack #5 Express Latte

Make your own Latte by asking for a double espresso in a tall cup (with or without ice) and add your own milk.  Not only do you save $1.30 but you get a bonus shot of espresso vs the normal single shot you get in a Tall Latte.

Starbucks Hack #6 Blend, don’t Frap

A Grande Mocha Frappucino will set you back $5.45.  Ask for an Iced Caffe Mocha instead and have it blended (double blend for a smoother texture)  Not only will you save $0.20 but it’s also 30 calories kinder to your waistline.

Starbucks Hack #7 Two Tall for Venti

Of all the Starbucks hacks this is one I wish I figured out earlier for sure!  Never buy two of the same Tall drinks.  Let’s use brewed coffee as our example again.  Two Tall drip coffees come to $4.50 for a combined 24oz (less if you take room) where as one Venti of the same drip is only $2.95 for 20oz.  So, order a Venti and ask for an extra cup or “double cup” if you want to be inconspicuous.  Split the beverage, add you milk or cream and bingo bango you’ve saved $1.55.

Starbucks Hack #8 Hold the ice

Always, always! ask for light ice on your cold beverages.  This applies anywhere, not just at Starbucks.  Typically iced coffee is 50% coffee and 50% ice, but by asking for light ice you are getting more beverage and therefore more for your money.

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Being in the customer service industry myself I am very cognizent of the demands I put to my barista just in order for me to make a small saving.  The last thing I want to do is piss off the person who makes my day!  This list of Starbucks hacks just about lets me get away with it.  With our masks now hiding our smiles it’s even harder to show gratitude or appreciation to those on the front line; don’t be one of those secret menu people.

Which of these Starbucks hacks are you going to try?