A few things have changed since I first created this page. For one thing, I no longer work for Starbucks -- I quit to focus on school. But I still frequent many of the local Starbuckses, so I do my best to keep on top of the new products and whatnot. 

Few things inspire as much confusion, doubt, and ire as coffee seems to. Combine this with the instinctive hatred for big companies, and you get a lot of people who have, shall we say, a less-than-satisfying experience at their local Starbucks.

That's where I come in. I worked at Starbucks for almost two years, made (and drank) zillions of drinks, and flipped through the various corporate manuals in my spare time. On this page you'll find answers, in mostly-plain English, to some of the more common questions. See also my Guide to Starbucks Drinks, where I attempt to explain as many of the drinks and variations as I can.

Please note: The information on linked to on this page may be out of date -- updating it is a long and ongoing process, so I may miss a few things here and there. For up-to-the-minute information check out the official website.

Plain Coffee

Why so much for a cup of coffee?
Starbucks coffee tastes like crap!
Is there really a difference between all the different kinds of coffee beans you sell?
Why only one shade-grown coffee? And one fair trade coffee?

Frappuccinos

I ordered an iced mocha, but it didn't look like I expected it to ...
What's this new Frappuccino I've heard about?
What do you have against Frappuccinos, anyway?

Special Needs

What can I order if it's late and I don't want to be up all night? What if I'm allergic to caffeine?
I'm vegetarian/vegan/lactose intolerant, is there anything I can drink?
What options do you have for diabetics?

Stores

What's the difference between a regular Starbucks and one inside another store? Why can't I use my Starbucks card at all of them?

Marketing

What's up with all the weird names? And those ridiculous sizes?
Sometimes I hear the people behind the counter saying strange words. What do they mean?

What's the deal with the logo? What is that?
What's the difference between a latte, cappuccino, etc?
What's with all the new drinks?
What's that Doubleshot thing I've seen in the grocery store?
Where can I buy the white chocolate used to make the White Mocha?
What's this Vanilla Creme thing on the posters?

Holidays

What's up with the holiday drinks?
What's in the Eggnog Latte? I can order that nonfat or lowfat, right?

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Legal disclaimers: The author does her best not to disclose any information that is confidential, or that wouldn't be available to the average customer if he asked the helpful person behind the register. She is also, other than her previous entry-level retail employment, not affiliated with Starbucks Coffee Company or its subsidiaries, nor with Folgers, McDonalds, Ghirardelli, Torani, or whoever makes Redi-Whip. No insult or disparaging is intended toward any persons or companies mentioned. Various Starbucks products and names are trademarks of Starbucks Coffee. All statements are advice only and any injury, tomfoolery, hooliganism or shenanigans resulting from it are not the responsibility of the author. The above remarks do not necessarily reflect the opinions or ideas of Starbucks Coffee and are not endorsed by it in any way. Stores vary geographically; your mileage may vary. Void where prohibited. Please drink responsibly.