Former Starbucks employee reveals the most common mistakes customers make when ordering

We all love a good Starbucks now and then, but one thing that's less lovable about the coffee company is its prices.

Of all the coffee shop retailers available in the US, Starbucks sits near the top as being one of the most expensive.

Whether your an americano or skinny vanilla latte type of person, it can be quite a soul-destroying moment when you see the price of your order pop up on the card reader.

And the prices aren't getting any cheaper. According to The CFO, the average price of a grande brewed coffee has risen by an eye-watering 49 percent since 2020.

But there are apparently ways to get more bang for your buck, and an ex Starbucks barista has done God's work and shared some tips with Business Insider.

Ask for 'light ice'

The barista has urged people ordering a cold drink from Starbucks to ask for 'light ice' so that you're getting more of the drink itself, rather than half a cup of ice and just 'a hint of beverage'.

While it might sound a bit cheeky, apparently baristas are usually more than happy to do this for you and that it's even an option on the Starbucks app.

You don't have to have so much ice in your cold drinks. (Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Don't get vanilla syrup in soy-based drinks

I personally love a shot of vanilla in my coffee, but if you're someone who drinks soy-based beverages from Starbucks then you might not need to be paying out for it.

Why, I hear you ask? Apparently the soy milk that the retailer uses has a hint of vanilla in it already.

It's less intense that a proper shot of vanilla syrup, but could save you some money if you're happy for a slightly less vanilla-tasting drink.

Use Starbucks' reward program

Like a lot of places these days, you can get 'points' for each purchase you make which you can later exchange for other goods (usually in the fashion of a free coffee).

You can get free things with the Starbucks rewards program. (Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images)

But if you manage to rack up 400 points, your eligible for a free signature cup, drink tumbler or your choice of coffee merch of your choosing up to the price of $20. If you had your eye on a new stacker mug, get saving those points.

Stop buying bottled water

Instead of buying a bottle of water, the ex barista insisted that you can ask for a cup of water for free which will save your money and the environment all at the same time. What's not to love?