The absolute cheapest item you can get at Starbucks would be completely free and that is a cup of filtered water.
However, that is not technically an item made by Starbucks.
If you’re looking for an item produced by Starbucks, the cheapest item would be simple Brewed Coffee in the “short” 8 fl. oz. size. Depending on where you live, this could cost anywhere between $1.95 to $2.15. On the food side of things, the cheapest item will likely be the Avocado Spread or String Cheese both for $1.25.
Keep reading below for a breakdown of the cheapest Starbucks items in different food/drink groups!
Cheapest Items at Starbucks
Since many items share the same cost, it can be tough to narrow it down to just one. Also, so many people have different preferences when it comes to treats.
That is why we’ve narrowed it down to a few different items in each category so that you can mix and match. Please note, however, that each Starbucks location may carry different items or may not have an item that is listed here.
Drinks go from smallest to largest by using these terms: short (8 fl. oz.), tall (12 fl. oz), grande (16 fl. oz.), and venti (20 fl. oz.). If you don’t want much and want the cheapest option, the short size is the best. However, the drink listings below will show the cheapest price as the tall option. This gives you 12 fl. oz. of deliciousness for a reasonable price.
Cheapest Starbucks Bakery Item:
The cheapest pastry items available are Cake Pops and a Chocolate Chip Cookie both at $1.95. These can be a wonderful treat if you’re craving something sweet. They can help you to reduce your sugar cravings in a small, inexpensive bite-size before choosing a larger item with more calories.
Another great choice is a Croissant at $2.45. These are simple, relatively healthy, and a great item to have alongside your drink of choice. They also have fewer calories compared to other items.
You can also grab a Double Chocolate Chunk Brownie at $2.35 if you’re looking for a decadent treat on a budget or have chocolate cravings.
Lots of items in this category are listed at $2.45. These include Morning Bun, Iced Lemon Pound Cake, Blueberry Scone, and Cheese Danish. These can be wonderful breakfast items to start your day off right.
Cheapest Starbucks Breakfast:
For Breakfast, one of the best options is their Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal for $3.45. Not only is oatmeal going to provide quality energy to get you through your day, but the blueberries also provide healthy sugars and antioxidants.
Another option if you’re looking for something more savory is their Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich for $3.45. If you’re on the go, this can be an easy breakfast to eat.
Overall, breakfast items are much more expensive than pastry and snack items so it may be a good idea to choose one of those for breakfast instead.
Cheap Starbucks Snacks:
Starbucks has many different snack choices, and these can be a great choice over a sugar-filled bakery item. Kind Bars will run you $1.95 and provide healthy fats and proteins. Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups for $2.25 can fulfill your sweet tooth while also providing protein. A Vanilla Biscotti with Almonds is only $1.95 and can be wonderful dipped in a hot coffee.
You can also snatch some Avocado Spread for $1.25 and use $1.25 String Cheese to scoop it out and eat it. A simple pack of Classic Almonds from Squirrel Brand® are only $2.25 and can provide quick energy on the go.
Cheapest Starbucks Coffee:
Nothing could go wrong with a simple Freshly Brewed Coffee for $1.85 in a tall size. An Iced Coffee with or without milk is another very popular option that is only $2.25 in the tall size.
If you only get 1 shot of espresso in your tall-sized Americano, it will only cost $2.45. You can also order a single shot of Iced Espresso for $2.25.
Cheapest Starbucks Drinks:
A Teavana® Shaken Iced Tea in Tall size is only $1.75. This can be a great inexpensive refresher on a hot day. If you’re looking for something more and love lemonade, then a Teavana® Shaken Iced Black Tea Lemonade can be another nice choice at $2.45 in tall.
If you need some water, don’t buy a bottle as this can be expensive. Ask for a cup of water and this will be completely free. Also, this will be higher quality filtered water.
If you would like hot tea, you can get any hot teal like Earl Grey, Peach Tranquility®, Mint Majesty®, Jade Citrus Mint®, and Emperor’s Clouds & Mist® for only $2.45 in the tall size.
No Sacrifices!
Oftentimes, the first thing you’ll hear a financial advisor say is “cut out buying Starbucks!” However, there are so many different ways you can enjoy your morning or anytime treat without breaking the bank.
Sometimes, gaining that little extra motivation from treating yourself with Starbucks can directly translate to more money in the bank if it helps you to work harder!
Or, if you do not have time to brew your own cup of coffee in the morning or need a quick pick me up during the day, Starbucks can be a great choice for the convenience.
Let’s take a look at a few different tricks and secrets that can be used on their own or combined to bring you savings.
Starbucks Hacks
There are so many different “hacks” and hidden drinks that always circulate around the web. Here are just a few examples of ways that you can save money.
- If you bring a reusable container to have them put your coffee in, you will save 10 cents off of your order.
- You can add extra flavor for no charge if you get an iced coffee either with milk or without. A tall Iced Coffee with 3 pumps of caramel syrup is the exact same price ($2.95) as an iced coffee without it. This should definitely be taken advantage of!
- Signing up for Starbucks Rewards can get you free refills, however, if you do not have the app and you’re in-house, you can get just plain coffee or tea refill for 54 cents.
- Another way is to order a larger drink with more caffeine such as a brewed coffee and drink half and save the other half for later. You can also pour this over ice and make it an iced coffee.
- By ordering a larger drink, you could also just ask for an extra cup and split it between you and a friend.
- Sugar, honey, and some syrups are free at most locations.
- Choosing the “short” size is the cheapest option for all drinks. This is only 8 fl. oz. but could be a sufficient choice if you’re sensitive to caffeine or just want a small refreshment.
Added Discount Options
Starbucks Rewards
Signing up for a Starbucks Rewards account is free and allows you to order online, get a free item on your birthday, and over time accumulate stars with which you can get free items. There is no reason not to use this if you’re already going to Starbucks!
If you have green or gold status, you can get free coffee and tea refills which is a huge benefit to take advantage of. Green status is the status you automatically start out as. You can get a gold tier if you earn 300 stars within a 1-year period since you earned the first star.
Happy Hour
On select Thursdays every couple of weeks, Starbucks runs a “Happy Hour” from 2 pm to 7 pm. The rules are that you need to buy at least a grande size for your first drink, and then can get another drink that is of equal or lesser value for completely free. Even if you don’t need a second drink that day, you can put the second free drink in the fridge and drink it the next day or give it to a friend. You could also purchase 4 drinks and get 4 free to cover you for a whole week if you make sure to refrigerate them.
Ways to Spruce Up a Simple Drink
If you do order just a brewed coffee or americano, it may be less expensive to add flavor, milk, or an extra espresso shot compared to buying a drink that has all these already included.
You can add flavor for an extra 50 cents. You can also add milk for 50 cents. An extra espresso shot will cost you 80 cents.
If You Want to Save Even More…
Although Starbucks may be convenient, it will always cost less to brew your own coffee at home and take it with you in a special tumbler.
Part of the cost at Starbucks is because of the brand and the convenience.
By learning how to make your drinks at home, not only do you learn a new skill, but you can also make your drinks exactly to your personal liking. You can also use the new skill to make delicious drinks for others!
