How to get an extra espresso shot at Starbucks — for cheaper

Brooke Steinberg
·2 min read
starbucks
If you're using the Starbucks app, there's a way to order an iced vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso while paying less than you would with that add-on.

Better latte than never!

If you’re using the Starbucks app, there’s a way to order an iced vanilla latte — which typically consists of two shots of espresso, 2% milk, ice and four pumps of vanilla syrup — with an extra shot of espresso while paying less than you normally would with that add-on, the Daily Meal reports.

While in the app, select the grande iced shaken espresso — which contains three espresso shots — and then go to the customization page.

Remove the “classic syrup” and add vanilla syrup in its place. Sugar-free vanilla syrup is also an option.

Now, your drink will have three espresso shots and vanilla syrup for 50 cents less than ordering an iced vanilla latte with an extra shot (though prices vary by location).

If you’re using the Starbucks app, there’s a way to order an iced vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso while paying less than you normally would with that add-on. Christopher Sadowski
If you’re using the Starbucks app, there’s a way to order an iced vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso while paying less than you normally would with that add-on. Christopher Sadowski

The major difference between Starbucks’ iced shaken espresso and its iced vanilla latte is that the latte features blonde espresso beans, which are roasted slightly lighter for a subtly sweet taste.

A 2022 coffee blog post reported that there’s more caffeine in one blonde espresso shot than in a standard espresso shot because the roast periods are different.

There’s also a distinction in calories. A grande, 16-ounce standard iced vanilla latte has 190 calories, 28 grams of sugar and 4 grams of fat, per Starbucks, while a grande standard iced shaken espresso boasts 100 calories, 14 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fat.

The shaken espresso hack works with the cinnamon dolce iced latte flavor as well.

Select the grande iced shaken espresso — which contains three espresso shots — and then go to the customization page. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Select the grande iced shaken espresso — which contains three espresso shots — and then go to the customization page. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

You can add up to 12 shots of flavored syrup when customizing the iced shaken espresso without budging the price, the Daily Meal notes, but it’s not necessarily best to do so.

Most grande drinks get four syrup pumps — too much syrup can ruin the drink by being too sweet. There’s also the health ramifications, of course.

One pump of vanilla syrup is 5 grams of sugar, so 12 pumps equal 60 grams of sugar.

The American Heart Association advises men to consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar a day (36 grams or 150 calories) and women no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories).