The Worst Item to Order at Starbucks, According to Baristas
The Salted Honey Cold Foam Cold Brew is the most hated Starbucks drink among baristas, according to insider reports.
The drink combines cold brew coffee with a salty-sweet foam made from honey syrup and literal salt packets, but its polarizing flavor and texture have earned it a reputation as the chain’s biggest miss.
Why Baristas Hate It
- Overwhelming saltiness: Baristas say the foam’s raw salt-to-honey ratio creates a shockingly salty taste that clashes with the coffee.
- Unpleasant comparisons: Employees jokingly compare its aftertaste to “someone who’s given a blowjob”.
- Quick failure: The drink was pulled from menus after customers repeatedly asked for refunds or swaps.
Other Notorious Flops
While the Salted Honey Cold Foam Cold Brew takes the crown, baristas also warn against:
- Witches Brew Frappuccino: A chia seed-filled drink with a slimy texture and artificial citrus flavor.
- Cloud Macchiato: Foamy texture and odd flavor combinations left many regretting their order.
- Unicorn Frappuccino: A colorful disaster that tasted “nothing like it looked” and caused chaos in stores during its launch.
What to Order Instead
Baristas recommend sticking to classics like the Caramel Macchiato or Chai Latte, which balance flavor without gimmicks. For cold drinks, the Coffee Frappuccino offers better value and taste than most seasonal options.
If you’re craving something sweet, skip the salt packets and chia seeds—your taste buds (and baristas) will thank you.
