30+ Starbucks Secrets Employees Don’t Want You To Know

1. Starbucks Over Roast Their Beans So You Spend MORE £££!

Image Source/ Slate.comA lot of customers have spoken out about how Starbucks often burn their coffee beans, meaning it tastes very different to the Italian-style roast they're used to. It's actually been told that Starbucks do this for a very specific reason: they want customers to upgrade to their sugary (and more expensive) drinks to soften the taste.

Of Course You Could Always Shove More Sugar In

Image Source / Business InsiderBut now that you know this little hack, if you can stomach it, maybe you can still order the burned basic version and train your taste buds with a few extra sachets of sugar thrown in - or maybe bring your own sweetener. Maybe there's a way to resist the more expensive versions!

2. Did You Know Can Get Your Starbucks Latte For MUCH Cheaper?

Image Source/ Tampa Bay TimesStarbucks are a money making machine, so it's plausible that they will overcharge you for the most simple drinks. Well, there's actually a way you can get your latte fix cheaper than the $4 they will charge you. Order a doppio (two espresso shots) which sets you back $1.95 and just add milk at the condiment bar! Sorted.

3. Here Is Why Starbucks Don't Do Latte Art - And It's Not What You Think!

Image Source/ Starbucks StoriesIf you're a regular coffee shop goer, you'll notice that Starbucks don't tend to do art on their coffees whereas other coffee houses do. There's actually a reason for this. Baristas have confirmed that if you request it they can try, but due to the size of their pitchers it makes it harder to do latte art.

But Maybe There's More To It

Image Source / The Coffee CompassThis makes perfect sense of course - if they literally don't have the right tools, they can't do the art. But you never know - maybe it also means they can spend less time on individual coffees if they're not doing the art, which means they can push out more and more coffees in a short amount of time = more money!

4. They Lie About The Ingredients In Their Pumpkin Lattes

Image Source/ Popsugar UKThis probably comes as no surprise to anyone who orders the beverage, considering it doesn't actually taste like pumpkin, but the halloween-themed coffee actually contains no pumpkin. Instead in contains, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, all of which are included in a pumpkin pie.

But There's No Denying The Pumpkin Latte Is Great

Image Source / CooktoriaEven if there's technically no pumpkin in the latte, it's all about the vibe, isn't it? Ginger, cinnamon and spices all bring to mind an atmosphere of cozy Fall and Halloween nights, so maybe the latte is named after the general vibe you can expect rather than specific ingredients... maybe. Either way, there's no denying it's great!

5. DO NOT Order A Frappuccino During Rush Hour

Image Source/ DelishBeing the most time-consuming and tedious drinks to make, it's obvious that Starbucks employees don't enjoy making these when there's a queue to the door. This might mean that your drink is made half-heartedly, and not up to the standard that you're used to.

6. Is there REALLY A Secret Menu?

Image Source/ The MirrorFor some time, people have speculated about a Starbucks 'secret menu'. Well, you will be surprised to find out that there actually isn't one! That's right, so when you go in to order your Kinder Bueno Frappuccino, the workers have no idea what you're talking about. Just tell them what you want in your drink and they will do it!

7. You Could Get A Free Drink At Starbucks - Here's How...

Image Source/ Totally The BombFancy a free beverage? Well, just download the Starbucks app and wait until your birthday. Starbucks actually award their loyalty card holders with a free drink or food item on their birthday, but only if they are signed up. Better still, you don't have to actually make a purchase to receive your birthday gift.

8. Here's The Catch

Image Source/ Starbcuks.ttRemember how we just promised you a free drink at Starbucks? Well, you can get it, but there is a maximum to what you can order, and that's eight espressos at one time. Believe it or not, customers have actually argued for more free shots, how greedy!

9. Iced Coffees Will Make You FAT!

Image Source/ Tasting TableOne Reddit Starbucks employee revealed a big secret about Starbucks' iced coffees and iced teas. It actually turns out that they are automatically sweetened using a syrup, which means that those drinks aren't friendly to dieters. A very sneaky (and fattening!) tactic.

10. But You Can Have A Non-Fat Cappuccino Instead If You're Looking For A Better Option

Image Source / Brand EatingA non-fat Cappuccino is a great option if you're looking to not compromise on an iconic coffee - with a frothy and milky cappuccino being one of the most dependable - whilst also watching the calories. It comes in at around only 60 calories.

11. And There Are Actually Quite A Few Diet-Friendly Options You Can Try

Image Source / FatSecretIt's usually the case when you're trying to be healthy that there's only one or two standard options you have to compromise with - but Starbucks actually have quite a few tasty options you can enjoy. These include skinny vanilla latte, a light Frappuccino or a blonde flat white.

12. Or, You Can Try These Diet-Friendly Hacks For Having A More Guilt-Free Trip To Starbucks

Image Source / CNNIf you don't want to compromise on your actual drink of choice, there are a few calorie-saving hacks you can try. These include: using a sprinkle of cinnamon to sweeten your drink rather than sugar, asking for non-fat milk instead of whole milk (which Starbucks uses automatically), avoid the whipped cream on the coffee you like and buying a smaller version of your chosen drink.

13. The Pastries Are Not Fresh

Image Source/ KNXKKNope, there is no super-giant oven in the back of your Starbucks where employees bake cookies, croissants and pan-au-chocolats. Actually, the pastries that Starbucks sell are baked elsewhere and shipped to the store frozen. So be way every time that you buy the pastries that they are far from fresh!

14. Don't Be Fooled By A Venti Sized Drink

Image Source/ Everybody CravesWhen customers upgrade their drinks from grande to venti, they often think that with that they're getting an extra shot of coffee. Well, that's not actually true. The only difference between the two sizes is how much milk and syrup is used in your drink. So save your money!

What Do The Drink Sizes Actually Mean?

Image Source / Taste of HomeAnd to make sure you're not wasting money ordering the wrong size if you're too embarrassed to ask what they even mean, here's what you need to know. The available sizes are Tall, Grande and Venti. Tall might sound like the biggest option, but it's not. Tall is the smallest, Grande is medium and Venti is the largest you can get.

15. There's A Secret Menu For Dogs!

Image Source/ MetroDo you have a dog? Well, if you don't, why not? And if you do, get down to Starbucks NOW and buy them their very own puppicino. The beverage is actually just made up of whipped cream, but go down very well with their canine customers, who are easy to please.

16. Starbucks Don't Actually Have To Give Military Discount

Image Source/ Starbucks StoriesWhile many Starbucks actually do give discounts and free drinks to police officers, firefighters and the military, they technically don't have to. It's not a company policy to give discount to these customers, but is often agreed between baristas that they will get discount.

17. You MUST Shake Your Drinks In The Right Way

Image Source/ TwitterIt's not hard to believe that every Starbucks drink has its very own peculiar and specific way of being made, which all baristas should adhere to. One of these rules is that iced teas should be shaken 10 times. Just don't complain if they only shake it once or twice during their busiest periods.

18. Your Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Tastes Different In The US Than It Does In The UK

Image Source/ RedditThe recipes for Starbucks drinks actually differ depending on what country your in. For example, in the US drinks they have half the espresso than the drinks that are made in UK. Baristas have openly spoken about this on Reddit.

So What's The Difference?

Image Source / Encyclopedia BritannicaA barista on Reddit said:

"I'm fairly certain it's meant to be stronger in the U.K. because U.S. customers seem to just want sugar with a lil' bit of espresso."

To be fair, both US and UK people love a lot of sugar when it comes down to it.

19. Be Careful How You Treat Employees... You Just Might End Up With Decaf

Image Source/ NewsweekA few baristas have confirmed that the way of retaliating with grumpy customers is to swap their normal coffee out for decaf. However, despite the tampering, Starbucks baristas do deny that they take part in any serious foot tampering, but are just restoring customers' karma balance.

Although The Opposite Might Be Worse

Image Source / Bipartisan CafeGranted, it's definitely a disappointing taste if you're a full-caffeine kinda person and get a watered down decaf instead. But the opposite might be more of a revenge plot, if you have someone seriously trying to watch their caffeine intake and end up getting full caffeine instead of the decaf they ordered... Yikes.

20. No, The Ice Isn't Contaminated!

Image Source/ Foodservice Equipment JournalA lot of people are conscious about ordering ice, given the rumours of cleanliness surrounding various fast-food ice machines. However, one Starbucks barista confirmed that the coffee chain takes its ice contamination very seriously, and the ice machine is cleaned several times a week.

21. Just Say Small And Large!

Image Source/ The Cozy CoffeeCustomers seem to have it in their heads that Starbucks employees get fussy when you don't specify the size in their lingo. Well, it's actually a myth. According to one barista on Reddit: "I'm never going to correct you. You say the size you want, and I'll work with you."

22. But It Might Be Better To Check The Menu Before You Go

Image Source / Business InsiderYou've every right to spend as long as you like checking the menu before choosing your coffee, but when it's busy and you have a line of people battling rush hour and trying to wake up, it's never fun being stuck behind a person taking a while. You might want to pick out what you want by checking the menu online before you're actually stood at the counter.

23. And Don't Say 'Regular'

Image Source / SquareMealIt's easy to say large or small, as they'll still know what you mean even if you don't say venti or grande. But when you say 'regular' that can make everything take longer, because 'regular' can mean something different to everyone. Is regular a small to you? Or is a regular a medium? Just make sure to try to be more specific!

24. But Make Sure You Say A Size At Least!

Image Source / iNewsThat being said, even regular is better than saying no size at all. Some people might go in and simply say 'a black coffee, please.' This isn't helpful, and it's good to have an idea of the size you once. Even worse might be not specifying a size, and then saying 'regular' when asked... Having some idea of the sizes they do is always helpful.

25. You Want Your Coffee Making By A Black Apron

Image Source/ Taste of HomeThose black Starbucks aprons aren't just a fashion choice, they actually mean something. Beginning with the usual green aprons, a black apron is only adorned to those who've undergone Starbucks own education programme and have reached the title of Coffee Master.

26. Employees Have A Strict Code On Piercings

Image Source/ Scott LushBeing a modern company and targeting its drinks at hipster customers, you'd think that Starbucks were forward-thinking when it comes to their employee dress policy. However, you'll be surprised to find that Starbucks impose a two earrings per ear policy, plus the removal of face piercings. Eeeesh.

27. And The Dress Code Extends To Hair Colour, Too

Image Source / AllureIt isn't just about visible piercings, either. And obviously when you're trying to have a sanitary environment, tying your hair back is probably a must which means earrings would be more easily on display. But the dress code extends to hair, too - no unnatural hair colour is permitted. It's unclear why this would affect the taste of your coffee, though.

28. Get Your Hand On The Starbucks Employee Discount

Image Source/ TIMEIf free drinks and food items on shift wasn't enough, Starbucks employees are offered a really generous discount. They're entitled to 30% off food and drinks whenever they visit Starbucks stores on their days off. This discount is even bigger around holidays too.

29. If You Want To Annoy Starbucks Baristas, Order A Fizzy Drink

Image Source/ CNBCStarbucks employees hate it whenever customers order from their range of fizzy drinks. The carbonated beverages are the most time-consuming drinks that they will make. One Reddit Starbucks employee wrote: "Please don't order the berry sangria, or any carbonated drinks for that matter. We hate making them, they are simply the biggest pain."

So You Might Want To Choose A Bottled Option Instead

Image Source / Encyclopedia BritannicaTo be fair, the bottled fizzy drinks might be a lot cheaper than the (insert fancy name) fizzy drinks from the menu - and if it saves the baristas time and energy, then it's a win win for everyone. So you might want to have a quick glance at the ready-made fridges, first, if a carbonated drink is really what you're looking for.

30. The Price Of Your Frappuccino Will Depend On Where You're Buying It

Image Source/ InsiderYou can't get mad at the Starbucks employees if your drink you ordered in New York is different priced than the one you got in Wisconsin. The prices are actually dependent on where they are sold. One barista wrote: "They are mostly standardized throughout the country, but local and state taxes will change the final price of drinks."

31. Starbucks Employees Get More Than A Coffee Discount

Image Source/ American BankerAside from the steep 30% off that all Starbucks employees get, they are also treated to an extra discount on certain devices. Due to Apple and Starbucks' partnership program, employees of the coffee chain are offered significant discounts on an array of Apple products.

32. BEWARE VEGANS - Some Syrups Contain Milk

Image Source/ MashedI mean, if you're a vegan and an avid Starbucks fan then you probably already know this. But if you didn't, then this one's for you. Did you know that not all Starbucks' syrups are vegan-friendly, one employee has revealed that the thicker syrups contain milk.

So What Are Some Of The Best Vegan Options?

Image Source / ChooseVegIf you're therefore worried about risking it when it comes to syrups, you may want to try these vegan-friendly Starbucks options instead: you of course have your vegan-friendly milk options, like oat and soy, which you can have in any coffee without syrup; you can also have caffeine-free drinks like mint tea and peppermint hot chocolate with vegan-friendly milk.

33. Ordering A Darker Roast Means Less Caffeine

Image Source/ StarbucksIf you're looking for a hard and quick caffeine fix, then get yourself a lighter coffee roast. Believe it or not, the darker the roast, the less caffeine it actually has in it. A lot of people don't realise this and wonder why they're still feeling drowsy after their dark roast.

34. Ordering Two Pop Dots Might Get You A Discount

Image Source/ YouTubeStarbucks baristas have actually confirmed that if you order two cake pops at one time, you might just get a random discount. Usually between 40 and 60 cents, the barista will know the price off at the till. Probably better to ask about this one before you go in and try your luck.

35. SAVE £££! Order A Steamed Milk With Chocolate Syrup

Image Source/ Business InsiderWanting to save money and calories on your Starbucks hot chocolate order? Well, here's how you can do it. By ordering a steamed milk with chocolate syrup instead of your overly-priced usual hot chocolate, you will actually save yourself a few cents while consuming less calories.

36. Starbucks Baristas Aren't A Thing

Image Source/ StarbucksIf you work at Starbucks, you'll know that this one is a genuine thing. Starbucks employees aren't actually referred to as baristas, but rather partners. Not only does it add a manner of professionalism to the role, it also comes considering they are gifted shares in the company a year after their employment.

Though There's Nothing Wrong With 'Baristas'

Image Source / USA TodayThat being said, there's nothing any less professional being called a 'barista'. Partners sounds a lot more welcoming, but then it's interesting to think 'partners' of Starbucks still aren't allowed to have unnatural hair colours or too many piercings. Oh well!

37. Here's How To Avoid A Full Cup Of Ice

Image Source/ Thompson Coburn LLPA hinderance for a lot of iced drink lovers is how much ice is actually put in the cup. Not everyone wants that much ice. One barista took to Twitter with her ice scoop tips: "Starbucks uses ice scoops based on their cup sizes. You can order a yellow scoop of ice, which is the one they use for their small drinks, to avoid half a cup of ice."

38. Check Your Change

Image Source / CNETWe already mentioned about Starbucks employees potentially switching out your full roast for decaf if you get a little short with them. But the 'short' mentality extends to change, too. You may find that you've been short-changed if you've been rude to a server or two.

39. They'll Be Happy To Redo Your Order If It's Wrong

Image Source / PexelsDepending on how polite you are, you might either force yourself to drink an order that's wrong just to save on the hassle, or else shout at the server who got it wrong. Either way, if you simply ask and explain why your order is wrong, the server will be happy to redo it.

40. Politeness Could Even Get You Extra Perks, Too

Image Source / MediumIt goes without saying not to be rude, but being polite doesn't have to mean simply getting what you've asked for and paying for it, either. There's always a chance that if you're really sweet and considerate, your server might waive certain charges, like charging for a different milk or an extra shot of something.

41. There's A Reason Your Milk Is That Temperature

Image Source / InsiderA lot of people might complain to their server to heat up the milk more, or that their coffee isn't hot enough, but there's a reason for that. Servers need to make sure to avoid burnt milk, as well as health and safety issues like, you know - making your coffee so hot that you suffer first degree burns.