Oh, no! It can't be! You don't like Starbucks? Are you even human? Yes, it's true, I'm a white girl who doesn't like Starbucks. Hard to believe, isn't it?
There are quite a few aspects that make up my dislike for Starbucks.
Price
This is the most obvious part of Starbucks that tends to steer people away. $5 for a cup of coffee? I think not. If I can buy a whole bag of coffee grounds for cheaper than one cup, is it really worth it? Most of the cost is, honestly, marketing. You pay for that Instagram-worthy green logo on a white or clear cup. Kind of sad if you ask me.
Flavor/Taste
Now, I know I will get a lot of hate for this, but Starbucks coffee kind of tastes like cardboard. It's just such an offensive taste. I feel like gas station coffee tastes better. Obviously, I'm not a coffee connoisseur, but if I pay more than a couple bucks for a cup of coffee it better be delicious. I do appreciate how many different flavors and creations they make, especially around the holidays, but this is the age of the internet. It's super easy to find a copy cat recipe on Pintrest and make it at home for a lot cheaper.
Stigma
I'm not one to discriminate based on stigma, but there's no denying there is stigma attached to Starbucks. They created the "basic white girl" who ordered Pumpkin Spice Lattes. And did you really get Starbucks if you didn't Instagram or tweet it? I don't feel the need to post a picture of my Wawa coffee cup, so what about Starbucks makes it so picture-worthy?
Intimidation Factor
I don't know about you, but every time I walk into a Starbucks I get instant anxiety. Will the baristas judge me if I take too long to order? I'm in yoga pants and a hoodie; am I dressed up enough to be here? If my order is less than 12 words, did I really order correctly? I don't like fancy coffee. I'm totally fine with regular coffee with some cream and sugar. I don't need all those flavorings and different kinds of milk. Going into a Starbucks is like walking into hipster-ville. I don't feel cool enough to be there.
Alternatives
There are many coffee alternatives, and many taste better and are cheaper than Starbucks. I have no desire to get coconut milk in my coffee (but if you do, more power to you!). I don't need a cotton candy flavored frappucino. The drinks at Starbucks are such sugar bombs. The caffeine isn't what wakes you up, it's the sugar. Give me a hot cup of strong coffee and send me on my way. Nothing fancy for me.
I don't mean to shame anyone who like Starbucks. I am, for sure, "basic" as well. I love pumpkin spice, but I don't go out of my way to order it at Starbucks. For as many people that act surprised when I tell them I'm not a fan of Starbucks, I feel like there are an equal amount of people who stand by the fact that it's not worth buying.
So next time you hit up a Starbucks, think about if you are getting it because you like it, or because all your friends are and you think it will make a great Instagram picture.