Claims that Starbucks will be charging for requests of light ice, no ice or water from next month have not gone down well. After a TikTok video went viral after a user announced the rumour, fans and workers of the franchise are not happy with the supposed upcharge for ice decision.
Whether you get more for your money if you don’t have ice has been something debated for years. Not just with Starbucks, but other chains such as McDonald’s too. Well, it seems answers have been delivered by the coffee franchise, as an apparent upcharge for ice is being introduced in US Starbucks stores.
The Starbucks Upcharge For Ice Rumour Began On TikTok
As many things do nowadays, it all began on TikTok. Starbucks fanatic and TikTok user Rayah published a video at the beginning of the month, telling her fans about a price increase from Starbucks.
Now on 1.3 million views, the video details how, from May 9, US stores will be charging an extra dollar when customers request either no ice, light ice, or no water. Luckily, the rumours changes aren’t meant to affect all drinks but will be in place for the summer favourite Refresher drinks.
Supposedly, the Starbucks ice upcharge is because extra base is needed. This makes up for the lack of ice and the drink is the same size. Anyone who gets an iced drink from the franchise will know that sometimes the amount of drink-to-ice ratio is a little off.
What Are The Starbucks Refreshers?
Popular as soon as the sun comes out, it’s these drinks that will be affected by the Starbucks ‘no ice’ charge. If you’re not sure what they are and want to avoid the upcharge, then here are the Refresher drinks:
- Dragon Drink
- Mango Dragonfruit
- Mango Dragonfruit lemonade
- Paradise Drink
- Strawberry Açai
- Strawberry Açai Lemonade
- Pineapple Passionfruit
- Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade
- Pink Drink
It does cover quite a few of the summer drinks. So, the Starbucks ice upcharge is worth keeping in mind if any of these are your go-to.
Starbucks has not confirmed or denied the changes. Freshered has reached out to Starbucks for comment but has not received one as of publishing.
Fans Are Outraged At Possible No Ice Charge At Starbucks
It’s safe to say that even though it’s only speculation at this point, the news has not gone down well. Though fans will face the charge, they won’t be the only ones paying the price.
One commenter made the following point: “Just a reminder this is the company’s doing and us baristas have no control so please don’t take this out on the barista we hate price increases too.”
Another agreed, “can’t wait to get yelled at over this even though our wages aren’t being increased at ALLLL.”
A fan pointed out that Starbucks are unlikely to reduce the price if someone requests more ice: “So can they take a $1 off since I always ask for extra ice? Same logic, they are using less base now.”
Many said the following, taking drastic messages at the news of the price increase: “Fr I’m not buying Starbucks anymore.”
If it will actually happen remains to be seen. Currently, the rumours only concern US stores, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen in Europe too. Whatever happens, it’s caused an internet outcry already. Just make sure you’ve got your Starbucks Stanley cups ready to get the discount just in case!