Think Twice Before Ordering These Starbucks Menu Items

Don’t Buy: Blended Cold Brew Protein Shakes

Starbucks is known for its signature and delicious drinks, from Frappuccino to espressos. However, one drink that didn’t make the cut was their blended cold brew protein shakes. Several Redditors share that these drinks didn’t live up to the Starbucks name. Some even call it one of the worst drinks to buy here.

Instead Buy: Peppermint Mocha

If you are looking for a yummy treat right around the wintertime, try the peppermint mocha. This specialty drink comes highly recommended. It could be because of the distinct holiday flavor or because of the nostalgia that ensues. Whatever the case, the peppermint mocha is one of the more popular Starbucks’ menu items.

Don’t Buy: Glazed Donuts

The glazed donuts from Starbucks are a mixed bag. Some customers love them, but to others, they aren’t worth eating. One Redditor called it a ‘step up from a school donut.’ Meaning the freshness just wasn’t there and the aftertaste left something to be desired.

Instead Buy: Iced Lemon Pound Cake

If you are craving something sweet from Starbucks that isn’t in the form of a drink, try their iced lemon pound cake. Customers rave about it being the best lemon cake they have ever tasted. The cake is moist and lemony making every taste worth it.

Don’t Buy: Protein Boxes

In theory, the protein boxes sound like a good idea. However, the quality of these boxes has gone down in recent years. Additionally, they are marketed to be healthy but many of them are still pretty processed. Not to mention you aren’t really getting your money’s worth.

Instead Buy: Classic Whole-Grain Oatmeal

However, if you are looking for a good source of protein from your favorite Starbucks location, try the classic whole-grain oatmeal. You get a good dose of protein not to mention it is more delicious than the protein boxes.

Don’t Buy: Chai Frappuccino

Taking the distinct flavor of chai tea and adding in the overwhelming sweetness of a Frappuccino can either be a genius or a recipe for disaster. In this case, it is the latter. These drinks do not have enough spice carryover from chai, and they tend to be extremely sweet and concentrated. It’s better to just pass on these.

Instead Buy: Iced Caramel Macchiato

If you are craving sweetness, one of the more popular Starbucks menu items to try is the iced caramel macchiato. It combines just enough milk, caramel sweetness, and espresso to give you a pick me up.

Don’t Buy: Espresso Frappuccino

The espresso Frappuccino is a strong mixture of sweet Frappuccino flavor and rich espresso taste. This can be a bit overwhelming for those who aren’t used to strong flavors. The espresso flavoring though is said to be diluted and the smell of this drink is hard for some customers to get past.

Instead Buy: a Mocha Frappuccino

If you love Frappuccinos but aren’t feeling the espresso flavor, give the mocha Frappuccino a try. The chocolatey taste adds to the already sweet and condensed drink and can be exactly what one needs to quench that sweet tooth.

Don’t Buy: Breakfast Wraps

The Starbucks breakfast wraps are labeled some of the worst foods to buy at this chain. Some state that for what the wraps cost, the flavor is sorely lacking. The potatoes are not always cooked all the way, and it feels like there’s just so many potatoes, making it hard to eat.

Instead Buy: Spinach and Feta Wrap

If you want something delicious in the morning and healthier for you, try the spinach and feta wrap. While it is still high in sodium, this wrap is considered one of the chain’s “healthier” food options.

The spinach and feta wrap can be a great way to get your protein and some carbs to help you kickstart your day.

Don’t Buy: Grilled Cheese on Sourdough

Sometimes there’s nothing we need more than your run of the mill classic comfort foods. Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, however the grilled cheese on sourdough at Starbucks just isn’t where it’s at. While it can be a tossup, many customers agree you just never know whether or not it will be good. At some locations the half-melted cheese in the middle really ruins the meal.

Instead Buy: Italian -Style Ham and Salami Panini

Those who are fans of strong flavors may enjoy the Italian-style ham and salami panini. It comes with calabrese salami, slow roasted ham, spicy red peppers and more. The flavors are strong enough to give customers a savory taste in every bite. Added to the delicious crunch of the toasted bread, you have a sandwich that is far from mild.

One Last Note

Starbucks has grown to become one of the most popular coffee chains in the United States and the world. But it doesn’t just sell coffee. There are so many different options available here that it can be confusing what to order. You may want to think twice before ordering these Starbucks menu items off this list, for various reasons. Whether it’s because of the lack of nutrition, non-appetizing flavor, or being overly sweet. Instead, try items like the lemon pound cake or the iced caramel macchiato. After all, they are popular for a reason. (Read: Dunkin’ Has Great Donuts, But These 8 Alternatives Are Better.)