Who doesn’t love coffee? It is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and people can’t seem to get enough of it. Whether you like it black or with milk and sugar, coffee is a staple in many people’s diets. And while there are many ways to make coffee, one company has become synonymous with the drink: Starbucks. Starbucks is one of the most popular coffee chains in the world. Starbucks is the coffee lovers rejoice, but it isn’t the cheapest place to get your caffeine fix.
Starbucks’ menu has a wide variety of drinks, from classic coffee to innovative Frappuccino. Starbucks is no stranger to over-the-top, expensive drinks. While most of their beverages are reasonably priced, some can cost over $10. In 2017, the coffee chain debuted a $5 “Unicorn Frappuccino” and followed it up with an equally pricey “Crystal Ball Frappuccino” in 2018. But those are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Starbucks’ most expensive drinks. If you’re willing to spend a little (or a lot) more on your coffee fix, here are some of the most over-the-top, pricey Starbucks drinks out there.
Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
This sinfully sweet dessert beverage has your favorite fall flavors. It only tastes of pumpkin and cream because it doesn’t include any coffee.
This 420-calorie fall favorite drink is made with pumpkin spice sauce, whipped cream, and pumpkin spice toppings. All the flavors of pumpkin pie are present in this Frappuccino, which is topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Customers who enjoy Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino will now be required to pay $5.45 to $5.95 (based on region) for this beverage. This is an increase of about 4% from 2021.
Apple Crisp Frappuccino
Apple Crisp drink is a blend of oat milk, coffee, and ice with the layered flavor of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar to mimic the apple pie filling flavor.
You can start your morning with a fall-fueled sugar high by combining it with a little espresso and some milk and topping it off with some spiced apple drizzle. This drink’s cost is around $6.00.
Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino
The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino layers whipped cream and crumbled chocolate cookies on top of a coffee, milk, and ice mixture.
A blend of Frappuccino chips and Rich mocha sauce is used to top the entire drink. At its essence, it is a Mocha Frappuccino that has been enhanced. The chocolate chips greatly enhance the unique chocolate aroma, which has the flavor of a premium and extremely rich chocolate milkshake.
The flavor is derived from the texture’s rich and creamy consistency. The price of this drink is $5.45 plus tax.
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino
This drink is a heavenly blend of dark caramel and rich caffeine, all wrapped up in a whipped cream-topped package.
It is made with a dark caramel sauce, coffee, milk, and ice. The drink is then finished off with a whipped cream topping and a crunchy caramel drizzle.
The cost of this drink varies from $5.15 to $5.75 plus tax.
Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso
This drink is a unique twist on classic iced chocolate. It is made with unsweetened almond milk, mocha sauce, chocolate malted milk powder, espresso, and ice.
The drink is then topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
The cost of this drink varies from $4.25 to $4.95 plus tax.
White Chocolate Mocha Crème Frappuccino
This drink is a heavenly blend of white chocolate mocha sauce and coffee, all wrapped up in a vanilla whipped cream-topped package.
It is then finished with white chocolate shavings. This drink is undoubtedly ideal for those who enjoy white chocolate but dislike coffee.
It is quite flavorful and has a distinct white chocolate flavor. The cost of this drink varies from $4.95 to $5.55 plus tax.
Why is Starbucks so Expensive?
Do you love the taste of Starbucks coffee but cringe at the prices? If so, you’re not alone. Many people love Starbucks but think the prices are too high. Here are the main reasons Starbucks coffee is so expensive:
The Cost of Coffee Beans
Starbucks coffee is made with high-quality Arabica beans. These premium beans are grown in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia. They’re more expensive than lower-quality Robusta beans, which are typically used in lower-priced coffee.
Cost of Labor
Starbucks baristas receive comprehensive training on how to make the perfect cup of coffee. This training costs money and takes time. In addition, Starbucks locations are typically found in prime real estate locations, which increases rent and labor costs.
Cost of Overhead
Starbucks has high overhead costs, including the cost of running its global operations and maintaining its many company-owned stores.
Cost of Marketing
To maintain the popularity of its brand, Starbucks invests a lot of money in marketing and advertising, which also reflects in the prices.
Starbucks coffee is often served with extras like milk, flavoring, and whipped cream. These add-ons increase the cost of the coffee.
Prices Have Risen Due to the Inflation Rate
While the cost of coffee beans, labor, and overhead have all increased over time, Starbucks’ prices have increased faster. For example, from 1985 to 2015, the cost of coffee beans rose by about 150%. During the same period, the cost of Starbucks coffee increased by about 400%.
You’re paying for the Experience
You’re not just paying for the coffee when you buy a Starbucks coffee. You’re also paying for the experience. This includes the store’s ambiance, the location’s convenience, and the baristas’ service.
Despite the high cost of Starbucks coffee, many people continue to buy it because they love the taste and experience. Moreover, many people are willing to pay for Starbucks coffee because they know they’re getting a quality product.
If you love Starbucks but want to save money, you can do a few things, including making coffee at home, finding coupons and discounts, and opting for less expensive menu items.
So, the next time you’re at Starbucks, don’t let the prices deter you from enjoying your favorite coffee. Instead, remember that you’re paying for a quality product and a great experience.
