Remember when you could get a Starbucks latte for under $4? Good luck finding that kind of deal in today’s economy.
FinanceBuzz reports that Starbucks’ prices have increased an average of 39% since 2014, exceeding the national inflation rate of 31%.
These price increases will make you think twice about your next Starbucks order:
Since when did Starbucks get so expensive?
While Starbucks hasn’t seen the same increases as like McDonald’s, which has seen some menu items double in price in the past decade, it still means trouble for your wallet. According to Vox, Starbucks blames overall inflation and higher labor costs for the menu price hikes. With taxes and tips, you could pay over $7 for one coffee—an expensive habit if you go multiple times a week.
By comparing Starbucks menu prices from 2014 to 2024, FinanceBuzz identified the items most impacted by inflation. Once you see the worst offenders, you might swear off the coffee chain altogether.
1. Cake Pop
Price increase: 97%
Starbucks’ cake pops have seen the highest price hikes in the past decade. In 2014, a cake pop cost just $1.50. Today, the same sweet treat is almost $3.
2. Bagel
Price increase: 80%
Are you thinking of grabbing a bagel for a quick and convenient breakfast? You may reconsider once you hear that the price of this Starbucks item has increased by a staggering 80%, jumping from $1.25 to $2.25.
3. Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
Price increase: 44%
Another Starbucks food that’s become significantly more expensive since 2014 is the sausage and cheddar breakfast sandwich. You used to be able to snag one for under $3, but now it’s priced over $4.
4. Spinach and Feta Breakfast Wrap
Price increase: 37%
The spinach and feta breakfast wrap at Starbucks is no stranger to inflation. It was available for $3.25 in 2014 but now costs $4.45.
5. Tall Mocha Frappuccino
Price increase: 32%
In 2014, you could order a tall mocha frappuccino for under $4—reasonable for a small frozen coffee. As of 2024, the same drink is just a few cents shy of $5.
6. Venti Chai Tea
Price increase: 30%
Even Starbucks’ teas have felt the effects of inflation. Over the past decade, the price of a venti chai tea has risen from $3.95 to $5.15.
7. Grande Caffe Latte
Price increase: 22%
The price of a Starbucks grande caffe latte has increased 22% since 2014. It used to cost $3.65, but it is now $4.45.
8. Grande Caffe Mocha
Price increase: 19%
Similarly, a grande caffe mocha costs $4.95 today. Ten years ago, the same coffee drink was just $4.15.
9. Venti Caramel Macchiato
Price increase: 17%
If you’re craving a sweet coffee, you might want to reconsider a venti caramel macchiato from Starbucks. This menu item was $4.65 in 2014 but is now well over $5.
10. Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich
Price increase: 15%
The tomato mozzarella sandwich also ranks among the top Starbucks items most impacted by inflation. Its price has risen from $5.45 to $6.25 in just ten years.
Your favorite fast food items are more expensive than ever
Fast food is no longer the affordable option it once was. These overpriced menu items aren’t worth your money anymore.
12 Overpriced Fast Food Orders Ruined by Inflation
McDonald’s has become ridiculously overpriced
Some McDonald’s items have risen dramatically in price since 2014. Inflation has hit these menu favorites hardest over the past decade.
McDonald’s Prices Skyrocket — 5 Items With the Highest Hikes
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
