Starbucks Adds $1 Surcharge to Some Refresher Drinks

If you thought the price of Starbucks drinks could not go any higher, it just did.

This week, Starbucks added a $1 surcharge to its signature refresher beverages made without water and fans of the drink are disappointed.

The reason for the price hike is because customization of the refresher “requires more ingredients,” the company said. Refreshers are a popular non-coffee drink that mixes a fruity concentrate with water, milk or lemonade and fruit chunks.

A spokesperson for Starbucks told CNN, “This change allows us to provide a more consistent approach to customization, similar to other beverage customizations such as an adding an espresso shot or syrup, which incur an additional charge.”

On Reddit, one user called out the coffee chain for not only the price hikes but also its apparent mistreatment of employees writing, “Bye Starbucks, constant changes, price increases and treat your employees better.”

CNN reported that many large chains are being affected by inflation and, as a result, Starbucks has raised prices at least three times over the last few years.