I Was a Starbucks Bartender – Here Are 7 Ways Customers Waste Their Money By Not Ordering Right

The easiest way to save money on coffee is to brew it at home, but some of us can’t live without Venti Java Chip Frappuccinos – a treat that has become increasingly expensive in recent years.

Fortunately, a former Starbucks bartender reveals, you don’t have to give up your visits to the popular chain — you just have to be smarter about how and what you order.

Inga Parkel, who told Business Insider she used to work for the Seattle-based coffee giant, shared seven spending mistakes many customers make — and how to avoid them.

First, she said, is to take control of the amount of ice in your drink — a simple trick to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

“The easiest way to avoid spending an arm and a leg on half a cup of ice with a hint of drink is to simply specify that you want light ice,” she said.

The option is chosen so often that ordering “light ice” is an option in the Starbucks app.

This tip will not only help you at Starbucks, but should work in most places where you’ve ordered a cold drink.

And if you’re thinking of ordering an Americano, she says no Ameridon.

A large version of the drink — just three shots of espresso and water — costs about $4. Instead, Parkel recommends ordering a double or triple espresso in a large cup and a separate pour of water, saving you up to a dollar in some places.

Another order Starbucks experts suggest skipping if you need a caffeine boost is a hot venti latte or cappuccino.

She explained that venti lattes and hot cappuccinos are made with just two shots of espresso — the same amount you get in a grande — meaning you’re getting “a more diluted caffeine-to-coffee ratio” for more money.

For Starbucks fanatics, Parkel advised that instead of paying for a mug or mug with the logo to take home, collect points using the Starbucks rewards program — with 400 points you can choose any item worth up to $20 .

Once you have that stylish Starbucks cup, don’t forget to bring it back for the “bring your own cup” discount — which works with any reusable cup, not just a Starbucks-branded cup.

The discount prevents additional plastic use, saves customers $0.10 and rewards members with an additional 25 bonus stars.

Most people come to Starbucks for a caffeinated or sugary drink, but sometimes you need a sip of water to help you stay hydrated. When this happens, the former barista asks customers to ask for just a cup of water.

“I’ve always been baffled by people who insist on buying bottled water from Starbucks. I can understand if you absolutely need something unopened, but other than that, there’s no reason to pay full price for something the chain offers for free,” she said.

But whether you follow these hacks or not, your Starbucks spending will likely shrink.

The ubiquitous chain has long refrained from offering deals, but with inflation driving people away from coffee shops and into their coffee makers at home, Starbucks has begun to break bargains on a regular basis, offering Happy Hour specials, 50 % decrease. afternoons and coffee and breakfast meal packages starting at $5.