Secrets to Saving on Your Daily Coffee Fix

Starbucks has lowered prices on simple coffee drinks and raised prices by as much as 30 cents for more labor-intensive coffee drinks.  So if you can no longer afford to splurge on a caramel mocha frappuccino, here are some money-saving tricks and ways to liven up your average daily brew. 

A Penny Pincher’s Cheap Coffee Secrets

We’re not saying you should do these all – we’re just saying we’ve heard that people have tried and may have succeeded.

1. Just add milk
You can order a shot or two of espresso over ice and fill the rest of your cup up with milk when you grab a couple of napkins. You could also try ordering a small iced coffee in a big cup and do the same if you want an iced café au lait.

2. Share and Share Alike
If you and a friend want the same drink, you can order venti sized drink and ask for a small cup on the side.  At Starbucks one venti is about equivalent to two talls/smalls.

3. Get Carded
Certain chains have perks. Example: Having a Starbucks Card entitles you to free hot or iced coffee refills.

4. Add a Little Flavor
If you salivate at the smell of a rich mochaccino or vanilla latte but you don’t want to spring for one, you might be able to settle with a regular coffee with milk, a generous sprinkle of chocolate or vanilla powder and maybe even a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.