- Hayden Shea, 20, has been working at her local Starbucks for just over a year.
- The California native has provided tips on what to order at the popular chain.
- She also revealed the least requested items and the strangest requests she has received.
A Starbucks barista has revealed the truth about the chain’s most popular foods and drinks, revealing secrets behind the counter.
Hayden Shea of Orange County, California, has been working at his local Starbucks for just over a year and so far he’s loving every minute of it.
The 20-year-old has already uncovered some untold secrets behind the scenes.
And the revelations might surprise you.
Hayden Shea of Orange County, California, has been working at his local Starbucks for just over a year and so far he’s loving every minute of it.
The 20-year-old was quick to share her thoughts on some of the chain’s most iconic drinks, including the frozen strawberry açai soda (left) and hot teas (right).
“Most of the drinks you order are very watered down. There’s actually more ice than drink, honestly,” Hayden said.
‘You have to ask for low ice and/or no water to get the most for your money.’
She continued: ‘Most people also think we make the food ourselves, but it’s all frozen and sent to us in shipments every week.
‘People often think we’re not telling the truth when we say we’ve run out of food, but it’s always true.
“Sandwiches take 18 hours to defrost and cakes take three. So it’s not as easy as just going to the back and buying more, but we wish it were!”
Hayden also admitted that there are many drinks on the menu that are never ordered, revealing: ‘One (of the drinks that no one orders) is the frozen strawberry with açai cream base.
‘It’s similar to the Strawberries and Cream Frappe, but it’s made with the refreshing strawberry and açai base instead of the strawberry puree that the Strawberries and Cream Frappe is made from.
“We have the recipe but we never asked for it.”
She continued: “Most people also think we make the food ourselves, but it’s all frozen and delivered to us in shipments every week.”
Last year, another Starbucks barista, Kate Mattson, 22, from London, also shared secrets after working at the chain for three months (file image)
‘Another one is the London Fog milk tea. It’s vanilla syrup with hot black tea and milk.
‘As mentioned before, hot teas are rarely ordered, but we have many different options!’
The barista also shared some of the strangest orders she’s ever received.
“I once had a customer order a large matcha latte with 20 scoops of matcha powder,” she explained.
‘A normal large cup comes with three scoops. It was crazy!’
Last year, another Starbucks barista, Kate Mattson, 22, from London, also shared secrets after working at the chain for three months.
He stated that both the small and medium sizes hold the same amount of coffee – the only difference is the amount of milk used.
She said, ‘Also, if you don’t want to pay for syrup, just stand at the end of the bar and say, “Oh, sorry, I wanted to ask for syrup,” or “Can I make it sweeter?” and the barista will just give you syrups, they don’t care, they won’t charge you.
“And if you order three drinks, you’ll most likely get four, because they can only serve two drinks at a time.”
Finally, Kate said that a smile goes a long way and that one should always be especially nice to the waiter in order to get them free stuff.
She added: “Plus, if you’re nice to the barista, they’re much more likely to give you something for free, maybe a bigger size. You never know.”
