Food Culture

21 Cheapest Starbucks Items in 2025

Published on September 18, 2025 | 0 Comments
Coffee drinks are among the cheapest Starbucks items

If your morning routine involves a regular run to your local Starbucks, then you probably already have a good idea of the cheapest Starbucks items. After all, knowing what to order when you need a caffeine boost and something to curb your hunger cravings without breaking the bank is key for many patrons.

In fact, finding great deals is more important than ever. With numerous sources, such as Forbes, reporting that two-thirds of American consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending (think: daily Starbucks habit), a treat from Starbucks only feels justifiable for many if it offers good value and costs less than $5.

Luckily, there are some cheap Starbucks items you can turn to. Even if you already have a few thrifty menu finds up your sleeve, chances are that there are a few items on the chain’s extensive menu that you don’t yet know about. These could help bring costs down even further, ensuring that you only ever place the cheapest Starbucks order.

And, discovering these great deals is precisely what we’re here to help you achieve. In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest Starbucks drinks for those who need a cost-effective dose of caffeine. We’ll also cover the cheapest items at Starbucks for those who need a snack.

In other words, whether you're a Starbucks frequent flyer or wondering whether you could save on costs by changing your usual coffee shop allegiance, this guide to the cheapest Starbucks items has everything you need to know. 

 

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How We Found the Cheapest Items at Starbucks

For those who visit Starbucks frequently, keeping costs down by ordering the cheapest Starbucks items is key to ensuring that a Starbs habit doesn’t ruin finances. But who has time to sift through the chain’s extensive menu, especially first thing in the morning when you’re already running late for work? 

With that in mind, we thought we’d do the work for you. By reviewing the menu ourselves, not only were we able to discern exactly what the cheapest things at Starbucks are, but we were also able to curate a “mini-menu” of wallet-friendly drinks and snacks, allowing you to place the best Starbucks order without breaking the bank.

Of course, it’s not enough to simply list a bunch of inexpensive Starbucks drinks and snacks. At Cozymeal, we understand that our readers also want to know how these items taste. 

For this reason, we also dove deeply into what each item is, how it tastes, who it’s likely to appeal to and even the time of day you’re likely to enjoy. 

Finally, when combing the menu for the cheapest Starbucks items, we focused exclusively on those that are made by Starbucks, instead of opting for the few products sold at Starbucks that are produced by other brands. 

A Note on Starbucks Pricing 

It’s important to highlight that Starbucks pricing varies by location. While all items will be in a similar range (i.e., the cheapest Starbucks items on this list will be the cheapest option among all menu items everywhere), the exact price may vary when you order from your nearest store. 

While this may mean the price is a little higher than we have listed below, it may also be cheaper! To get the prices we have assigned to each item, national averages at the time of publication were used. This ensures that the price you see below is as close as possible to what you will pay for the cheapest Starbucks items. 

The cheapest Starbucks items include different types of coffee
via Starbucks

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The 21 Cheapest Starbucks Orders

1. Pike Place Roast

Harking back to the chain’s roots at its first store in Pike Place Market, Seattle, this eponymously named medium roast is one of the most inexpensive Starbucks drinks for those who need a boost on a budget.

It was first blended in 2008, resulting in a smooth, well-rounded brew that draws on a blend of Latin-American coffees. Designed to be enjoyed throughout the day, with subtle notes of praline and cocoa, it’s served fresh every single day. 

If you want a decent, reliable cup of joe to keep you going on busy days, add a cup of Pike Place Roast to your go-to order of cheapest Starbucks items. While a cup of this delicious blend is one of the most caffeinated drinks at Starbucks, it’s also available in decaf at the same price. 

Pike Place Roast Price: $3.55 to $4.75

A glass mug with black coffee on a dark green background
via Starbucks

2. Blonde Roast - Veranda Blend

This coffee is named for the verandas on which Starbucks’ taste testers sat as they sipped on the produce of Latin American coffee farms. After more than 80 attempts to re-capture that same soft, mellow flavor, they came up with Starbucks’ Blonde Roast, which is now one of the most popular brews on the menu.

It’s also one of the cheapest Starbucks drinks, available for less than four bucks for a Short and under $5 for a Venti. If you want a coffee that transports your taste buds to Latin America, this is one of the cheapest Starbucks items with which to do it.

Blonde Roast - Veranda Blend Price: $3.55 to $4.75

3. Espresso Macchiato

This European classic has been a Starbucks fan favorite for time immemorial. It’s also one of the cheapest Starbucks items, perfect for those who need an espresso-style boost without doing away entirely with milk. 

Macchiato is Italian for “marked” or “stained,” which is a great way to describe this addition to our list of the cheapest Starbucks items. Order one, and you’ll receive a rich espresso, topped with (or “stained” with) a small amount of steamed milk and foam. 

Priced at less than $4 for a single, if you need a boost after lunch, this is one of the most inexpensive Starbucks drinks with which to get it. If you want an even bigger boost, you can add an extra one to three shots of espresso, with the largest type, a Quad Espresso Macchiato, around $5; not bad for that much caffeine!

Espresso Macchiato Price: $3.85 to $5.05

One of the cheapest items at Starbucks is an espresso macchiato
via Starbucks

4. Dark Roast - Caffè Verona 

Another of the cheapest Starbucks items is its signature dark roast coffee. Roasted at a higher temperature for longer than lighter and medium roasts, dark-roast coffee is the joe of choice for those who prefer to sip on something smooth in the morning hours. 

As with the above items, it’s also very low in calories (around 5 calories per cup when served black), making it one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks for those who are watching calorie intake. As you may have guessed, it’s also one of the cheapest Starbucks items, and while the chain tends to rotate its dark roasts with special featured brews that change weekly, its Caffè Verona blend is always available. 

And it’s easy to see why; it’s rich, well-balanced, and brings notes of cocoa and caramelized sugar to your palate. Starbucks recommends pairing it with a piece of dark chocolate, and who are we to disagree with them?

Dark Roast - Caffe Verona Price: $3.65 to $4.75

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5. Espresso Con Panna

Incorporating a shot of the espresso that forms the base of so many other beverages featured in this guide to the cheapest Starbucks items, espresso con panna delights patrons with an indulgent dollop of whipped cream. 

This enhances the already-caramelly notes of the espresso, adding a layer of richness that those in the know can’t get enough of. It’s also one of the cheapest Starbucks items. Priced at just $3.55 for the standard one-shot, up to $8 for five shots of espresso (yes, this is an option!), it’s perfect if you need something cheap to restore focus without sacrificing the needs of your sweet tooth.  

Espresso Con Panna Price: $3.55 to $8

A glass mug with espresso and milk foam
via Starbucks

6. Espresso

A shot of espresso is perhaps one of the most ritualistic coffees available at any coffee house. In Italy, it’s enjoyed at the end of a meal — often lingered over and paired with convivial conversation. 

It’s also often enjoyed after heavier meals as a pick-me-up, making it a go-to order for those who need to restore workplace focus after lunch. One of the cheapest Starbucks items, the chain’s signature espresso roast is rich in flavor and enjoys just a hint of caramelly sweetness. 

Espresso is at the heart of the chain’s global success as well, forming the coffee base for an array of other, more expensive Starbucks coffees. Don’t worry, though — it’s available as a solo shot, and at just $3.55, it’s one of the cheapest Starbucks items on the menu. 

Espresso Price: $3.55

7. Caffè Misto

Made with a straight-up, one-to-one blend of freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk, the caffè misto is a Starbucks fan favorite. This is in part because of how it tastes, and in part because it’s one of the cheapest Starbucks items available. 

Typically made with whatever standard drip coffee is being used — often, the chain’s signature Pike Place Roast — it’s simple, comforting and ideal for those who prefer a milder tonic to a fuzzy head. Its texture is also exceptionally rich, and at just $4.05 for a Tall, it’s one of the cheapest Starbucks items you’re likely to find that retains a high-quality flavor.

Caffè Misto Price: $4.05 to $5.05 

A milky coffee in a glass mug with a foam top
via Starbucks

8. Iced Espresso

If your hunt for the cheapest Starbucks items centers around a need for caffeine on a hot summer’s day, then an iced espresso might just be for you. As one of the cheapest Starbucks items, it costs significantly less than any of the equally refreshing Frappuccinos and Refreshers.

Smooth, rich, robust and with just the right amount of caramelly sweetness, an iced espresso draws on the same signature recipe that underpins the rest of its world-renowned coffee menu. It’s one of the best cold coffees at Starbucks for a pick-me-up on a hot day.

Iced Espresso Price: $3.55 to $4.55 

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9. Iced Passion Tango Tea

On a hot day when you don’t want to stretch your budget — or sugar intake — by ordering one of the best Starbucks Frappuccinos, an Iced Passion Tango Tea is an excellent order to go for. This incredibly popular Starbucks drink without caffeine features a delicious blend of apple, lemongrass and hibiscus, all infused with a vibrant tea base. 

Served over ice, it’s not only incredibly thirst-quenching but also one of the cheapest Starbucks items at only $4.65 for a tall. Even the largest size sits under $7.

You can also turn this into one of the most delightful sweet Starbucks drinks by adding coconut milk (or any other milk of your choice, but we highly recommend coconut for a summery and tropical vibe) and a little sweetener; all at no added cost! 

Iced Passion Tango Tea Price: $4.65 to $6.55 

Iced Passion Tango Tea is one of the cheapest items at Starbucks
via Starbucks

10. Iced Black Tea

A steaming mug of tea is often just the ticket to soothe an anxious mind and provide a gentle boost on busy days. But when the sun’s shining and you find yourself in need of real refreshment, a hot drink is often the furthest thing from what you fancy. Instead, why not order yourself an iced black tea? 

At just $4.65, it’s one of the cheapest Starbucks items — far cheaper than many of the other cold teas, Refreshers and Frappuccinos on the menu. It’s also made with premium black tea, which is shaken over ice to produce one of the most refreshing drinks on this list. 

While you can add a sweetener, it’s delicious as is and earns top marks for being one of the best sugar-free Starbucks drinks in a sea of sugary options. 

Iced Black Tea Price: $4.65 to $6.55

11. Birthday Cake Pop

Who doesn’t love birthday cake? As one of the cheapest Starbucks items (costing just $3.55), birthday cake pops allow you to indulge your inner child’s sweet tooth at just a fraction of what you’d pay for a full-sized cake. 

Each pop features moist vanilla cake and vanilla buttercream, which are dipped with delicious abandon in pink chocolate icing. Topped with white sprinkles, it’s a genuine, bite-sized treat that sweet tooths of all ages are sure to love. And since it’s one of the cheapest Starbucks items, it’s the sort of treat you’re unlikely to regret buying. 

Birthday Cake Pop Price: $3.55 

A pink cake pop with white sprinkles
via Starbucks

12. Avocado Spread

Not only is avocado spread one of the cheapest Starbucks items, it’s also one of the healthiest Starbucks foods on the menu. A portion pairs perfectly with your choice of Starbucks bagel (more on these later) and offers hints of sea salt, lime and garlic, plus a little spice that all blend excellently with the creamy avocado. 

Best of all, each portion costs just $1.45, meaning you can get all the health benefits of healthy-fat-packed avocado without breaking the bank.

Avocado Spread Price: $1.45 

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13. Plain Bagel

If you’re perusing the menu in search of breakfast food ideas, then why not grab yourself a plain bagel? At just $3.20 (and only $3.95 with a schmear of cream cheese), it’s one of the cheapest Starbucks items you’re likely to find. 

Even if you don’t fancy a bagel by itself, don’t worry — a portion of avocado spread costs just $1.45, meaning you can buy both and have breakfast sorted for less than five bucks. 

Sure, that doesn’t account for coffee. But if you’re in a hurry and haven’t had a chance to grab a bite at home, it’s reassuring to know that two of the cheapest Starbucks items add up to a healthy, nutritious meal without breaking your morning budget.

Plain Bagel Price: $3.20

A plain bagel is one of the cheapest Starbucks items for breakfast
via Starbucks

14. Everything Bagel

Soft, chewy and thick, the everything bagel is topped with onion, garlic and salt, plus poppy and sesame seeds. By itself, it costs just $3.50, making it one of the cheapest Starbucks items. But it can also be customized with a schmear of cream cheese for around $0.75 extra. 

Alternatively, grab a pot of avocado spread for just $1.45. Either way, at less than $5 for a meal that’s guaranteed to keep you going, it’s one of the cheapest fast food breakfasts for fueling yourself on a budget.

Everything Bagel Price: $3.50 

15. Madeleines

Starbucks has a delicious range of baked goods and other treats to accompany your coffee. Its feather-light, rich and buttery madeleines are one of the best options, along with being one of the cheapest Starbucks items. 

Soft and moist on the inside, with a satisfying crisp around the edges, these French sweets can be dipped into your chosen cup of caffeine or just enjoyed alongside it. 

Each pack comes with three biscuits, which is a real treat. And since those three biscuits cost a total of $3.05, this is one of the cheapest Starbucks items with which to curb your sweet cravings without overspending. 

Madeleines Price: $3.05 

Madelines are a great choice among the cheapest Starbucks items
via Starbucks

16. Vanilla Biscotti With Almonds 

Crisp, delicious and packed with vanilla flavor, these cookies come topped with crunchy almonds. As Starbucks itself puts it, when you first try one, it’s likely to be “love at first bite!” That’s a lot to live up to for what is one of the cheapest Starbucks items, but hear us out. 

Biscotti is synonymous with great coffee, which means that Starbucks’ vanilla biscotti is the ultimate “dipper” for your chosen cup of joe. And since this is one of the cheapest Starbucks items (with a price tag of just $2.45), each bite feels like an absolute steal. 

Vanilla Biscotti With Almonds Price: $2.45 

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17. Petite Vanilla Bean Scone

Moist, fluffy and topped with an irresistible vanilla bean glaze, these scones, while petite, are just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth without overfilling yourself between meals. In other words, they’re a treat, but without the price tag you’d usually associate with a quality bakery. 

In fact, at just $2.85 apiece, the Petite Vanilla Bean Scone is one of the cheapest Starbucks items you can buy. It’s also the perfect accompaniment for black coffee, complementing the undertones of caramelly sweetness that characterize Starbucks’ various signature blends.

Petite Vanilla Bean Scone Price: $2.85 

A scone with vanilla icing on a green background
via Starbucks

18.  Marshmallow Dream Bar 

Considering that this is one of the cheapest Starbucks items, its name leaves it with a lot to live up to. Fortunately, it features ooey, gooey marshmallow and crispy rice, which pair perfectly to produce a crispy, chewy and oh-so-sweet popular snack that’s bound to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sure, it’s not the healthiest item on the menu. 

But it’s not designed to be. It’s designed to be a treat — the kind that takes you back to your childhood. And as one of the cheapest Starbucks items, it’s precisely the sort of treat a child would buy with their allowance!

Marshmallow Dream Bar Price: $3.15 

19. Chocolate Chip Cookie

That’s right, this list of the cheapest Starbucks items includes a cookie! Featuring a thick, chewy cookie base that’s soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, each cookie comes with a generous dashing of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

It’s every bit as decadent as it sounds, and the best part? The chocolate chip cookie is one of the cheapest Starbucks items, costing just $3.65 apiece.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Price: $3.65

A chocolate chip cookie on a dark green background
via Starbucks

 

20. Cinnamon Coffee Cake 

Having chosen your favorite coffee, you may want to pair it with one of the cheapest Starbucks items from the bakery case, and the Cinnamon Coffee Cake is the perfect choice.

This delicious and affordable cake comprises a buttery and rich cake paired with a cinnamon sugar swirl and a delightful crunchy streusel topping. Full of flavor and sliced in just the right portion, it’s an affordable treat that feels indulgent. 

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Price: $4.95

21. Blueberry Streusel Muffin 

Muffins are the breakfast of choice for those with a sweet tooth, and at Starbs, there are more options than the standard blueberry. Instead, this cheap Starbucks item takes the classic blueberry muffin, complete with plump, juicy blueberries and moist cake, and pairs it with a decadent cinnamon-streusel topping.

With hints of vanilla and a perfect balance of flavor, this is one of the cheapest Starbucks items that doesn’t taste like a budget product. 

Blueberry Streusel Muffin Price: $4.65

A blueberry muffin with a streusel topping
via Starbucks

 

What Is the Cheapest Thing at Starbucks?

The cheapest Starbucks item is the chain’s avocado spread — a popular part of the Starbucks breakfast menu and a recommended accompaniment for the chain’s signature plain and everything bagels. 

Made with superfood avocado, plus lime, garlic, sea salt and spices, it’s absolutely delicious, but the best part? A portion costs just $1.45. 

Even when bought with an Everything bagel, it’ll cost you less than five bucks, and it’s fair to say that there are few places nowadays where you can get a healthy, nutritious breakfast for that kind of value. 

What Is the Cheapest Drink at Starbucks?

The cheapest Starbucks item from the drinks menu is a single shot of espresso. Priced at just $3.55, it can be ordered hot or iced. This is the same espresso that forms the base of many of the chain’s more expensive coffees, cold brews and Frappuccinos, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.

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All Starbucks Menu Items Under $5

While “cheap” and “expensive” are subjective terms, we think it’s fair to say that anything priced under $5 — especially at a chain as renowned for its quality as Starbucks — can broadly be considered cheap. 

With that in mind, and in addition to our rundown of the cheapest Starbucks items above, we thought we’d pull a list together of everything priced $5 or less at the iconic coffee chain, helping you to skip straight to the best and cheapest Starbucks items.

Cheapest Starbucks Coffee Under $5

  • Blonde Roast - Sunsera, Short 
  • Pike Place Roast, Regular & Decaf, Short
  • Featured Dark Roast, Short
  • Caffé Misto, Short
  • Caffe Americano, Short
  • Espresso Macchiato, Solo
  • Espresso, Solo
  • Espresso Con Panna, Solo
  • Iced Coffee, Tall
  • Iced Espresso, Solo
  • Iced Caffe Americano, Tall

Cheapest Starbucks Tea Under $5

  • Iced Black Tea
  • Iced Green Tea
  • Iced Passion Tango Tea
  • Chai Tea
  • Earl Grey Tea
  • Royal English Breakfast Tea
  • Chamomile Mint Blossom Tea
  • Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea
  • Mint Majesty Tea

Other Cheapest Starbucks Drinks Under $5

  • Steamed Apple Juice
  • Cold Milk
  • Steamed Milk

Cheapest Starbucks Food Under $5

  • Avocado Spread
  • Plain Bagel
  • Everything Bagel
  • Butter Croissant
  • Chocolate Croissant
  • Cheese Danish
  • Banana, Walnut & Pecan Loaf
  • Iced Lemon Loaf
  • Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf
  • Cinnamon Coffee Cake
  • Petite Vanilla Bean Scone
  • Blueberry Streusel Muffin
  • Birthday Cake Pop
  • Chocolate Cake Pop
  • Chocolate Chunk Cookie
  • Double Chocolate Brownie
  • Madeleines
  • Vanilla Biscotti With Almonds
  • Marshmallow Dream Bar
Two people holding Starbucks coffee drinks
via Starbucks

How To Save Money at Starbucks

If you’re on the hunt for cheap fast food and drink, there are a few ways to help look after your pennies when ordering at Starbucks. The first is to review our above guide to the cheapest Starbucks items — this should give you a good idea of which products are likely to cost you the least. 

Starbucks Secret Menu

The second tip is to review the Starbucks secret menu. While not every item there could be considered cheap compared to the cheapest Starbucks items, there are some tips and tricks to help you customize your order to your liking, ensuring you get the most value for your money.

Take Advantage of Free Refills

If you’re dining in at Starbucks for an extended period of time, such as to work or study, making the most of the free refills offer can save you big bucks, without the awkwardness of sipping on the same beverage for hours to keep your seat! 

Simply order any hot and iced brewed coffee or tea, and you can get free refills of the drink until you leave the store. With most simple hot and iced teas and coffees coming in at under $5, you’re unlikely to find a better deal for multiple drinks anywhere else. 

Bring Your Own Cup

Not only is bringing your own reusable cup better for the environment, but it can also save you money. Currently, customers get $0.10 off when they use their own cup. While that doesn’t seem like much, the savings can add up quickly if you visit Starbucks frequently. 

Split a Larger Drink

The increases in cost as you size up at Starbucks aren’t too bad. While limiting yourself to the smallest size can be a good way to save money when visiting alone, splitting a large drink (such as a Venti or Trenta) can be a great money-saving tip if searching for the cheapest Starbucks items when visiting with someone else. 

Simply order the largest size of the drink you want and ask for it to be split into two cups or ask for an extra cup and split it yourselves. Doing this can cut the price of the smallest drink in half while still getting the same amount as if you had both ordered a small beverage separately. 

Get the Starbucks App

If you’re regularly stopping by your local Bucks, it’s also worth knowing that Starbucks has one of the best fast food apps for those hoping to snag a few extra perks. With the app, you can earn points with every order, and as the old saying goes, points mean prizes! 

When you collect enough points, you can claim free food and drinks. What’s more, as a member, you’ll be eligible for free birthday food every time you complete another turn around the sun.

The cheapest Starbucks items include iced teas
via Starbucks

Hopefully, this guide has given you an idea of how to stretch your budget on your next trip to Starbucks. 

Whether you’re hungry, thirsty or in serious need of caffeine to kickstart your morning, with this guide to the cheapest Starbucks items, you can easily keep costs to a minimum, all while enjoying the premium sips and snacks for which Starbucks is loved around the world.

For even more ways to enjoy your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.