10 Secrets Of Starbucks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

There are more than three drink sizes

Tall. Grande. Venti. Most people are familiar with the coffee chain's distinctive names for small, medium, and large drinks. However, did you know that Starbucks actually offers three additional size options?

The 12-ounce Tall has a fitting counterpart in the 8-ounce Short, which is exclusively for hot beverages. This size can only accommodate drinks that contain a single shot of espresso along with a small amount of steamed milk or water, depending on your choice. On the other end of the scale is the 30-ounce Trenta, designed solely for iced drinks. This size is a remarkable 10 ounces larger than the cups used for hot Venti beverages and 6 ounces larger than the iced Ventis.

While you may occasionally need a Short or a Trenta, the 3-ounce Demi is the Starbucks size you’re least likely to encounter unless you prefer straight espresso. The Demi is just the right size for a shot or two of espresso (or a small serving of whipped cream for your furry companion) and is served in a tiny cup.

The blonde roast has more caffeine than the dark roast

When you order a dark roast at Starbucks, its bold and rich flavor might give you the impression that it’s packed with caffeine, especially when compared to the milder blonde roast. You might think that a stronger coffee flavor means a greater energy boost, but that’s not always the case.

The blonde roast, which undergoes a shorter roasting time, offers a brighter and more acidic taste, and it actually contains more caffeine. If you stop by your local Starbucks for a Grande Veranda Blend blonde roast, you’ll consume approximately 360 milligrams of caffeine. In contrast, the same size dark roast contains only about 260 milligrams.

It’s also worth mentioning that the way your coffee is prepared can influence its caffeine content, regardless of the roast you select. If you’re feeling sluggish, don’t ask your barista for an extra scoop of grounds; the extra caffeine you think you’ll gain is a common misconception that many people hold.

The Medicine Ball isn't actually all that medicinal

If you've caught a cold, you might be tempted to grab a honey citrus mint tea, also known as the Medicine Ball, from Starbucks. While this warm drink can feel soothing, it doesn't do much to actually alleviate your illness.

Although Starbucks baristas prefer you stop referring to it as the Medicine Ball, it does offer some benefits for those feeling unwell. It provides hydration, a bit of honey (which can soothe a sore throat), and a small dose of vitamin C, but that's about it. Composed of citrus mint tea, peach tea, hot water, honey, and steamed lemonade, this beverage lacks any ingredients that can truly cure your cold. Additionally, the Grande size contains a hefty 30 grams of sugar. If you want to manage the sugar content better, you can easily make the Medicine Ball at home.

This drink has been part of the regular menu as honey citrus mint tea since 2017. Prior to that, the Medicine Ball was a secret menu item, similar to the Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, which is ideal for pumpkin spice enthusiasts who prefer to avoid extra caffeine.

Some locations will turn their oven off early

Craving a delicious blueberry streusel muffin or those irresistible egg bites? Whatever your desire, be sure to place your order before it gets too late in the day. While the coffee giant often runs out of certain food items, you also need to keep in mind that the oven may not be on to heat them up.

This can differ by location, but your local Starbucks might turn off its oven early. Stores with only one oven may shut it down about an hour before closing to allow it to cool completely before cleaning. So, if you swing by just 10 minutes before the baristas close up shop hoping to grab a warm chocolate croissant, you could be disappointed. After all, a room-temperature chocolate croissant simply doesn’t compare to one that’s fresh and gooey right out of the oven.

The coffee used in Frappuccinos isn't the same as other beverages

If you've ever wondered why the coffee in your Frappuccino tastes different from that in your regular drinks, you're not imagining things. While the high sugar content in Frappuccinos may contribute to some of that flavor difference, these frozen beverages actually use a distinct type of coffee.

Frappuccinos are crafted with what is known as Frappuccino Roast—described by one Reddit user and Starbucks employee as a "concentrated powdered instant coffee." Using a fresh shot of espresso would cause the ice in a Frappuccino to melt, changing the drink's texture. The Frappuccino Roast is preferred because it provides the coffee flavor and caffeine boost while keeping the ice intact. It's also important to note that the caffeine content in a Starbucks Frappuccino can vary based on the flavor you choose.

You can customize the amount of coffee in your Frappuccino by adjusting the number of pumps in the Starbucks app or by asking your barista when ordering at the counter or drive-thru. If you're craving a blended drink but still want some espresso, try the Espresso Frappuccino—it's the only option made with real espresso instead of Frappuccino Roast.

The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino and Java Chip Frappuccino are nearly identical

When it comes to Frappuccinos, two options on the Starbucks menu are strikingly similar: the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino and the Java Chip Frappuccino. A glance at the ingredients reveals that both drinks include three scoops of Frappuccino Chips, three pumps of Frappuccino Roast, three pumps of mocha sauce, whole milk, and whipped cream. The sole distinction in their ingredients is that the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino features a chocolate cookie crumble topping.

There’s also a difference in how they’re made. The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino has a layer of whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumble both at the bottom and the top, while the Java Chip Frappuccino lacks that whipped cream layer at the base.

So, if you're craving a Mocha Cookie Crumble but aren't a fan of the topping, don’t simply request it without the cookie crumble. Instead, opt for the Java Chip Frappuccino – it will be more economical.

Order your hot beverage at kids' temperature if you want to drink it right away

We've all experienced the discomfort of burning our tongues on a drink we were excited to try, but you can sidestep that issue at Starbucks. If you're pressed for time or just can't wait for your drink to cool, consider ordering it at "kids' temperature." This means your beverage will be served at 130 degrees Fahrenheit—30 degrees cooler than the usual serving temperature—making it much more enjoyable to sip right away.

In addition to protecting your taste buds, there’s another compelling reason to opt for kids' temperature at Starbucks. A drink that's too hot can diminish its aroma and flavor, while one served at a lower temperature allows the delightful coffee scent and taste to shine through. So, the next time you visit your local Starbucks, don’t hesitate to request that cooler temperature. This way, you can fully appreciate the rich flavors and start enjoying your drink as soon as the barista hands it to you.

The refill policy is one you should be taking advantage of

Individuals who frequent the coffee chain to work remotely, socialize with friends, or simply savor a cup of coffee should definitely take advantage of the refill policy—it's one of the smartest ordering tips at Starbucks.

Starbucks Rewards members can enjoy a complimentary refill of hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, but there are a few important details to keep in mind when you go for your second cup. First, you must scan the in-app member barcode before purchasing your initial drink. Then, when you request your refill from the barista, you'll need to scan the barcode again.

Additionally, it's important to consider where you consume your first beverage. You must enjoy your initial coffee or tea on the premises to qualify for a refill. You can't simply grab a drink, take a stroll, and return expecting a top-up. Those using the drive-thru will also miss out on this offer.

Refreshers have caffeine, and it's more than you might expect

If you're aiming to eliminate caffeine or need a drink for your little one, Starbucks Refreshers might not be the best choice during your next visit to the coffee shop. Although these vibrant, fruity beverages offer a refreshing change from your usual coffee order, they still provide an energy lift.

So, how much caffeine is in a Starbucks Refresher? Each Grande Refresher contains between 45 and 55 milligrams of caffeine. The larger the size, the more caffeine you'll consume. If you're not mindful, you could end up with a drink that has as much caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. Therefore, the next time you stop by your local Starbucks for a caffeine-free option for yourself or your children, consider choosing a lemonade. Like the crème Frappuccinos and steamers, it's one of the many caffeine-free (or low-caffeine) options available on the Starbucks menu.

Your local Starbucks could let you take its used coffee grounds

This is for all the gardening enthusiasts out there: Ask your nearby Starbucks for their used coffee grounds, and they may be happy to provide them. The coffee chain introduced the Grounds For Your Garden initiative back in 1995. Through this program, Starbucks baristas collect used coffee grounds and place them in empty espresso bean bags to distribute to community members who want to enrich their houseplants or garden.

Although Grounds For Your Garden has been around for nearly thirty years, not everyone is aware of it, and participation can vary by location. Some stores may prominently display the used grounds, while others may only offer them if you specifically ask. If your local Starbucks doesn’t advertise its used grounds, check with a barista to see if they have any available. It’s best to visit in the afternoon; during the busy morning hours, baristas may be too occupied to assist. If you manage to get some used coffee grounds, mix them into your soil. The extra nutrients will help your plants thrive.