Emily Duprie
TikToker and Starbucks customer Jaeda (jaeda_skye) went viral for claiming her Starbs barista got mad at her when she requested extra cream for her drink in what many speculated was a “drink hack.” In the video, Jaeda said, “Okay, just tried to order this drink and it was too bitter. So, I went and asked for extra cream and the barista got mad at me but then she gave me a little shot glass of it.”
It’s no secret that Starbucks is known for specializing in customers’ orders to fit their liking. Though some people believe that the specificity of drinks has gone too far. Many customers have found loopholes in discounts on items such as milk and flavorings through viral trends. One of these is ordering a drink with “light cream” and then requesting more afterward in hopes of getting it for free.
The addition of milk, especially non-dairy products such as oat, almond, and coconut, can add up to $1-3 to your overall costs depending on the location. Jaeda’s video received backlash when viewers noticed she had ordered “light cream” with her beverage and then complained when it was “too bitter.”
TikTokers took the side of the Starbucks barista after one customer tried to take advantage with a viral ‘drink hack’
Viewers were divided on who was in the wrong in this situation. Some TikTokers observed that Jaeda had requested “light cream” in her drink. Given this information, they claimed it wasn’t fair of her to ask for additional milk when she had intentionally ordered a drink with less milk. Many people sided with the barista.
On the other hand, some viewers argued that Starbucks workers are making too big of a deal about specializing drinks. Given that the company policy is guest satisfaction, it shouldn’t be a problem when customers attempt to make their order perfect. It’s fair to say that the drink hacks are getting a little out of hand. However, when I’m paying for an $8+ coffee, I generally expect it to be what I ask for.
Some viewers took the side of the Starbucks barista, while others commended Jaeda’s persistence to correct her drink.
