With rising costs everywhere—from rent to groceries—it’s hard to ignore how inflation is affecting daily expenses, even your regular Starbucks drink.
Over the last ten years, Starbucks has raised its prices by a staggering 39%. The national inflation rate, which stands at about 31%, still lags behind this. Remember that Mocha Frappuccino you enjoyed all summer? It’s gone up by 32%. Your go-to chai tea latte? That’s now 30% more expensive. And a medium latte? It’s currently $4.45, up from $3.65 in 2014.
Despite these steep price increases and recent changes to their rewards program by CEO Brian Nicol, die-hard fans of Starbucks seem undeterred and are willing to spend even more.
Some Starbucks fans are now shelling out as much as $45 just to get their caffeine fix.
The priciest option available is the Venti Matcha Crème Frappuccino, which can climb to $44.97 when you customize it—with the addition of an impressive 12 shots of espresso and another 12 affogato-style shots for those who like their drinks adventurous.
Let’s break down the costs:
- Venti Matcha Crème Frappuccino: $6.25
- 12 Espresso Shots: $15
- 12 Affogato Style Shots: $15
- Mocha & Dark Caramel Sauce: $1.60
- Caramel Drizzle: 60 cents
- Frappuccino Chips + Chai: $1.60
- Caramel Crunch Topping: 50 cents
- Vanilla Bean & Chocolate Malt Powder (4 Scoops each): $1
- Whipped cream: Free (thank you)
So, that brings the pre-tax total to $41.55. After tax, you’re looking at about $44.97, which is well above what you’d pay for some medical co-pays.
Crafting your drink at Starbucks is somewhat strategic. Espresso shots and cold foam are among the priciest additions at $1.25 each, while syrups and drizzles hover around 60 to 80 cents. The affogato shot can only be added to the Frappuccino, and, oddly enough, you can’t throw cold foam into that mix.
Interestingly, hot drinks don’t even come close to the costs associated with a Frappuccino. The priciest hot drink, a matcha latte, totals only around $40.37.
But really, is it worth it? Does it taste any good? And how does your stomach feel afterward? Probably not great.
