Once My Go-To Coffee Chain, These 5 Reasons Made Me Stop Going to Starbucks

If you’re anything like me, Starbucks may be your go-to coffee shop. There are plenty of benefits to choosing this place as your go-to chain, especially when you’re traveling. There are over 17,000 locations across the country as of 2025, so you’re guaranteed to find one no matter where you are. However, some factors have made me question whether Starbucks is the best coffee spot for me.

The main reason I go to Starbucks, whether it’s for a quick breakfast and coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, is for the sake of convenience. There are at least three different Starbucks locations right around the corner from me, and there’s even one inside of Target when I’m out shopping. But several factors have led me to find another coffee shop to visit or even make coffee at home to save money.

Starbucks is the largest coffee chain in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option for your morning brew or afternoon cup. Here are five reasons that I’ve stopped making Starbucks my go-to spot.

This might come as no surprise, but Starbucks isn’t cheap. Over the past 10 years, prices at Starbucks have gone up quite a bit. Between 2014 and 2024, for example, the cost of a Grande Caffe Mocha went up 19%. The item that saw the greatest increase was the iconic cake pop, which saw a 97% increase.

A specialty latte or cold brew costs about six dollars for a Grande. That means if I grab one for me and one for my husband, it costs close to $15. Add on a treat like a cake pop or cookie for the kids, and I’m spending more than I would on lunch.

Coffee is a necessity in our household, but getting a specialty drink at a coffee shop isn’t. Sometimes, we just skip the coffee and make it at home. Or, we buy ready-to-drink coffee like the ones La Colombe sells. At about $2.50 per drink, this saves us a ton of money, and we still get a special drink that’s different from our morning cup.

There are some restaurants or coffee shops where you know exactly what you’re getting when you go in. I’ve found that with places like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, this is not the case. If you get a pretty standard drink, you might experience the same quality every time. But if you order any customization with your drink, it might be a bit different each time.

If I order something like an iced espresso with a splash of cream at Starbucks, how much cream is in it might differ between locations. Or, if I order one of the drinks like a Shaken Espresso, I've noticed it is often slightly different at different stores.

Instead of dealing with an inconsistent order, I go to an independent coffee shop near me where I know the order will be made the way I want. And if I do go to a place like Starbucks, I stick to the standard items that are more popular, so I know what to expect.

Don’t get me wrong, I can enjoy a Matcha Latte from Starbucks or even a Pumpkin Spice Latte during the fall like any other coffee-drinker. But Starbucks is not one of the coffee shops where I can drink a regular brewed cup of coffee. The beans at Starbucks are often way too bitter for my taste, which means they only taste decent if they’re masked by the flavor of syrup or milk.

If I want a regular brewed cup of coffee or even an iced coffee, I always skip Starbucks because I know the beans I have at home will taste better. If I want a cold brew or something similar, then I might go to Starbucks for a treat. Also, the Starbucks Blonde Espresso is a lot milder, so I swap the regular espresso for the blonde if I do end up getting Starbucks.

I’ve spent many hours sitting at Starbucks, both when I was a college student and had homework to do, and once I graduated and needed a place to write. The cozy atmosphere is what I love most about some of the stores I used to frequent. However, some of the remodeled stores have a much less cozy environment.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still been in Starbucks locations that look exactly like the type of coffee shop I want to cozy up in. But I’ve also been in remodeled locations that have more of a feel of a fast-food chain than a cozy coffee shop. This atmosphere isn't the kind of place I would sit and read with a cup of coffee. Instead of heading to Starbucks, I’ll usually find a cozier shop or a bookstore to sit in.

For the average coffee-drinker, Starbucks has plenty of options. The lattes and cold brew are popular choices, and for those who prefer a sweeter, frozen drink, they also have a variety of Frappuccinos. However, if you prefer classic coffee beverages like macchiatos, flat whites, or cortados, Starbucks may not be the best option.

Starbucks does have a Flat White on the menu, and the chain recently added a Cortado to the menu. But the quality at Starbucks often isn't comparable to an independent coffee shop. When I go to Starbucks, I usually stick with cold brew or something flavored for a treat. Otherwise, there are many independent coffee shops that I prefer.

There are many things I love about Starbucks. Especially during the fall and winter seasons, when there’s an element of nostalgia for me. But now, as a busy mom of three, it’s not always the best choice for me or my family when we’re out and about. You might still see me in line getting a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but there are also many reasons why Starbucks is no longer my go-to coffee spot.