Starbucks is enacting a new charge that might have fans of a certain drink upset.
The chain announced that starting May 9 they will begin charging customers a $1 fee if they request “no water” in their Starbucks Refresher.
A Starbucks spokesperson told Insider about the reasoning behind the new fee: “This change allows us to provide a more consistent approach to customization, similar to other beverage customizations such as adding an espresso shot or syrup, which incur an additional charge.”
While some people were confused about the news, wondering if there will also be a fee if you request less or no ice, the spokesperson clarified that there will not be. It only affects requests for no water.
Insider also spoke with several Starbucks employees who are wary of the change as they expect a backlash from customers.
One employee told the publication, “As with other such changes, the responsibilities of informing customers will largely fall to partners in store.”
Whenever Starbucks makes changes like this, whether it’s extra charges or removing a fan-favorite item or syrup from the menu, the employees generally feel the brunt of customers’ dissatisfaction.
Many fans of the Starbucks Refreshers took to Twitter to voice their frustration, with one person saying, “sounds like Starbucks needs a refresher on not messing with my summer drink order.”
sounds like Starbucks needs a refresher on not messing with my summer drink order pic.twitter.com/ZuAc0mcG9i
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) May 8, 2023
Based on Starbucks’ past actions, the company is unlikely to remove the new fee despite possible backlash from customers.
Right now, Starbucks offers its popular Refreshers in flavor variations featuring strawberry açaí, pineapple passionfruit, and mango dragonfruit. You can also get them with lemonade or coconut milk.
Recently, Starbucks introduced its customers to a new beverage when rolling out its coffee drinks with olive oil. The first reactions to the Oleato line of drinks were decidedly mixed, with some people complaining of stomach issues after trying them.
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