Your Starbucks fix is going to cost you more: Prices going up about 3% starting July 31
SEATTLE — Starbucks Corp. said today it was raising prices for its coffee and other freshly made drinks in most of its U.S. stores by 9 cents this month, citing rising costs, including dairy products, energy and fuel. In a statement issued after markets closed, Starbucks said the price hike will take effect July 31, bumping the cost of most drinks by about 3 percent.
Interesting, isn’t it? In an era of aggressive campaigning against the evils of drug use (Anyone catch those “before” and “after” pictures of meth addicts? That’ll put you off your feed….), somehow we never seem to see the same zeal applied to alcohol and caffeine. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. While I don’t drink much, I’m one of the millions for whom a morning five-gallon bucket cup of coffee is not just a ritual but a prerequisite for continued functionality.
When you think about it, coffee companies really have a captive audience. With caffeine being the national drug of choice, Starbuck and other dealers purveyors of caffeinated goodness can charge just about anything…and we’ll pay it. Hey, it’s not like there’s another alternative out there. Coke? Please…. Tea? Do I look British? Chocolate? Only if I want to look like Michael Moore…. Let’s face it, America; there really is no viable alternative out there, and if you’re one of the snobs like me who refuses to drink swill like Folger’s and other canned caca…well, let’s just say that Abe Lincoln will be seeing the light of day a fair bit more often.
Then again, I don’t have anything to worry about, because I know I can quit any time I want to. I simply choose not to.
After Starbucks scaled up their operations the quality of their product declined. I think its overroasted, overcooked and overpriced. The last bag of beans I bought there (a couple of years ago) was almost stale at the time of purchase.
Green coffee beans will last about a year, and there's really nothing like a freshly ground, home roasted cup of brew.
All you need is a little time, and a popcorn popper.
Haven't paid more than about a buck for a cup of joe in a long time, don't intend to start the habit now. Starbucks can raise their prices all they like, won't put a dent in my disposable income.
ah, Northstar?
You really should try a couple simple tricks.
Use good fresh ground coffee.
Make it in a press.
It'll cost about $0.40 cents a cup.
And Starbux burns their beans.
Using filtered water is also a good idea. I think the biggest hitter in coffee quality is grinding whole beans just before each brew (and there are far better places to get them than Star$$$$$) 40 Cents per cup is around what I pay for my caffeine addiction. Considering my consumption level, the home-brewing savings are significant.
I take pride in considering myself to be a relatively humble person. Coming from poor beginnings, primo coffee isn't high up on my list of needs. I buy the Kroger brand of ground coffee, add a little flavored creamer to it, one sugar and I'm as happy as a clam. I've even been known to add a scoop of fresh coffee and re-use the grounds for another pot. I've never calculated the cost, but feel certain it ain't close to 40 cents a cup. All a matter of perspective, I guess. Which is why Starbucks needn't worry about losing me as a customer.