Starbucks enthusiasts are voicing their outrage as a beloved part of their daily ritual just got more expensive. What was once a simple customization to perfect your favorite drink—be it a pump of vanilla, a drizzle of caramel, or a splash of fruit—now comes with an unexpected new cost. This new upcharge, which extends beyond the previously surcharged cold foam to include syrups, sauces, fruit inclusions, and matcha powder, has left customers feeling nickel-and-dimed, sparking a wave of online frustration and calls to boycott the coffee giant.
Starbucks Rolls Out New Customization Fees
Starbucks loyalists are facing a new reality at the register: customizing their beloved beverages now comes with an added cost. As of the week of June 23, patrons began noticing a subtle, yet significant, shift in pricing, particularly for those little extras that make a drink uniquely theirs.
The change quickly sparked conversation, with one Reddit user sharing their surprise: “I always order a Grande Iced Shaken Espresso with nonfat milk, flavored cold foam, and substitute the Classic [syrup] for a flavored syrup. I noticed today that I was charged for adding Horchata Syrup to my drink.”
Unfortunately, this sentiment echoes a wider trend, as Starbucks has confirmed adjustments to its pricing structure for flavor add-ins. According to Bloomberg, the price adjustment applies to custom flavorings in drinks that don’t already come pre-flavored. This marks a shift from Starbucks’ previous policy, where only cold foam incurred an additional charge, typically $1.25.
Under the new structure, customers will now be charged 80 cents for any syrups or sauces, excluding the Classic syrup, which remains free. This 80-cent fee is applied per drink, not per pump, and it covers any mix or number of syrup and sauce flavors.
For those who enjoy a vibrant twist, adding matcha powder to a non-matcha drink incurs an extra $1. And if you’re keen on incorporating fruit elements like Starbucks’ strawberry puree or dried fruit inclusions, prepare to shell out an additional 50 cents.
To mitigate checkout surprises, Starbucks is reportedly piloting an in-app feature designed to display these new charges upfront. This aims to provide transparency, ensuring customers are aware of the adjusted cost before finalizing their order.
Starbucks’ Customization Fees Spark Widespread Anger
Starbucks’ recent implementation of customization fees has brewed a storm of customer dissatisfaction, with fans quickly taking to the internet to express their anger over the new change. Many feel that the added costs for syrups, sauces, and other popular add-ins are an unnecessary burden on their wallets and an affront to their loyalty.
The immediate reaction across social media platforms highlighted a sense of betrayal among long-time patrons. “I went to order this morning and chose to not order and went somewhere else. I’m not paying an extra d**n near dollar to swap syrup, that’s ridiculous,” one Reddit user wrote, perfectly encapsulating the frustration of those who felt the new pricing was exorbitant.
Another commenter echoed this sentiment, stating, “Going to contact corporate with feedback on this one. It’s total bulls**t,” indicating a strong desire to voice their displeasure directly to the company.
These reactions suggest that for many, the new fees aren’t just about a few extra cents—they represent a significant shift in perceived value and customer experience. For some, the upcharge marks a breaking point in their loyalty to Starbucks.
Hits and Misses in the ‘Back to Starbucks’ Era
This recent pricing shift is just one facet of CEO Brian Niccol’s broader Back to Starbucks initiative, an ongoing effort to reshape the customer experience. While some changes have been well-received—like offering free refills for dine-in customers and eliminating the upcharge for alternative milks—this latest decision has struck a sour note with many. Indeed, it’s not the first time the coffee giant has faced public disapproval under Niccol’s tenure. Earlier this year, Starbucks encountered significant backlash after revising its “open door” policy, restricting the use of its café spaces primarily to paying customers.
Sources: Bloomberg, AllRecipes