This Starbucks Drink Customization Will Cost You an Extra $1

What happened

As of May 9, 2023, customers who order one of the popular Refreshers beverages from Starbucks with no water will pay an extra $1. The coffee company will impose a $1 fee to cover the additional ingredients used to replace the water so the cup is filled. However, there is some good news. Customizations, such as no ice or light ice, will not incur additional fees.

So what

Refreshers are a popular cold beverage sold at Starbucks, especially in the spring and summer. These fruity drinks are caffeinated, and some include milk or lemonade. Some customers have been ordering their Refreshers beverages without water for a more flavorful taste.

Starbucks noticed this customization is becoming more common. When customers don't want water added to their drink, more juice base is added to fill the cup. Starbucks wants customers to pay for the extra ingredients used.

There has been some confusion regarding the fee on social media. While some thought the fee also applied to beverages ordered with light or no ice, that's not true. As reported in a recent article by USA Today, a Starbucks spokesperson noted, "Starbucks Refreshers Beverages can still be customized with light or no ice free of charge."

Now what

Before ordering a Refreshers beverage at your local Starbucks, be mindful of this change. If you order your drink without water, you'll pay an extra $1, making your sweet treat more expensive. Regularly ordering your drink with this customization could hurt your personal finances.

If you want to save money, consider a customization that won't impact your checking account. Ordering your drink with light or no ice may help make the drink taste less diluted. Another customization that won't cost you is adding extra freeze-dried fruit to your drink.

If you're a Starbucks loyalist, you may want to utilize the free Starbucks Rewards program to earn rewards. You can redeem your earned rewards for free drinks. While recent program changes have made some redemptions more costly, it's still worthwhile if you're a brand loyalist. Earning one or more complimentary beverages a year can be a win for your wallet.