Starbucks Secrets: 25,000 Stores, Smuggling Scandal & Hidden Menu

In late 2023, Tianjin Customs cracked down on a major smuggling operation involving misdeclared U.S.-imported Starbucks coffee drinks. Five criminal cases were opened with a total value exceeding 25 million RMB. But beyond the headlines, what makes Starbucks such a global phenomenon—and what aren’t they telling you?

Starbucks operates over 25,000 stores worldwide, but one man has already visited 11,676 of them—and he’s not done yet. Meanwhile, a batch of 1,680 smuggled cases (each with 24 bottles) was auctioned for just 190,000 RMB. Here’s everything you didn’t know about the coffee giant.

The Great Starbucks Coffee Smuggling Bust

Tianjin Customs reported intercepting a series of cases where U.S.-made Starbucks coffee beverages were smuggled into China through deliberate under-declaration of value. By year-end, five criminal investigations had been launched, involving over 25 million RMB. A seizure of 1,680 boxes—each containing 24 bottles—was the first of its kind for the port. These were later auctioned, with one individual winning the lot for 190,000 RMB.

The Starbucks Superfan Who’s Visited Over 11,000 Locations

An American man named Winter from Texas has made it his mission to drink coffee at every Starbucks in the world. Since falling in love with the brand in 1997, he’s traveled to 38 countries and visited 11,676 stores. His original goal was 1,500 shops—but now, with over 100,000 GBP (approximately 1 million RMB) spent, he’s halfway to his target of 20,000 locations, with around 9,000 more to go. On each visit, he samples at least one drink.

Hidden Perks & Secret Features You Didn’t Know Existed

1. Starbucks Paper Towels Outperform High-End Blotting Papers

Yes, really. Allure and beauty review site Makeupalley rate Starbucks’ free paper napkins at 4.7/5 for oil absorption. Users report they outperform many high-end cosmetic blotting papers—just press gently on your skin for instant shine control.

2. The EarlyBird App Discount

Set the EarlyBird alarm in the Starbucks app. Wake up when it rings, tap “I’m Up,” and get to a nearby store within an hour to claim a discounted coffee. Miss the deadline, and the deal’s off—so no more snoozing.

3. The Secret Menu Exists (But It’s on You)

Starbucks has an unofficial “secret menu” of custom drinks made from existing ingredients. For example, tweak a Strawberry Acai Refresher with vanilla syrup and raspberry syrup to create a “Fruit Crystal Refresher.” But since not all baristas know these recipes, you’ll need to know the ingredients—and prices may be higher.

4. Starbucks Food: Convenient, But Not Fresh

Since 2011, Starbucks has shifted toward a diversified product strategy, including more food and tea in markets like China. However, most food items are pre-made and centrally distributed—you won’t know when they were made or how fresh the ingredients are. Some stores now have 50,000 RMB ovens that can heat food in 20 seconds, but only for reheating.

5. Yes, “Small” Is Still on the Menu

Though not listed, a “short” 8 oz cup (the real small) is available if you ask. It’s not shown on the menu because displaying it might reduce upsells—but staff are required to serve it if requested. Complain if they refuse.

6. Bigger Cups Can Mean Better Value

The pricing structure means larger sizes offer better cost efficiency. A Short is 8 oz, Tall is 12 oz (355 ml), Grande is 16 oz (473 ml), and Venti is 20 oz (592 ml). According to economics writer Yoshio Yoshimoto, the price jump from one size to the next is minimal compared to the volume increase—making the larger cups a smarter deal. Starbucks confirms the cost difference for extra volume is low, mostly just milk or time.

7. Bring Your Own Cup, Save 2 RMB (or More)

Using your own cup—yes, even a bowl or non-Starbucks mug—gets you a 2 RMB discount. Just show it at the register. Staff will tell you the max fill level for your vessel, and most will happily accommodate even larger cups (though star-shaped bathtubs are discouraged). Note: this discount doesn’t apply to blended drinks like Frappuccinos.

Also, drink volumes are based on preset pump and water settings—not cup size alone. So whether you get a Tall or a Venti, you’re getting the exact recipe dose. Employees are trained to never under-pour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Starbucks stores are there globally?

Starbucks operates over 25,000 stores worldwide. One man, Winter from Texas, has already visited 11,676 of them as part of his mission to drink at every location.

What happened with the smuggled Starbucks coffee in Tianjin?

Tianjin Customs seized 1,680 cases (24 bottles per case) of U.S.-imported Starbucks coffee that were smuggled by under-reporting the value. Five criminal cases were filed with a total value over 25 million RMB. The batch was later auctioned for 190,000 RMB to an individual buyer.

Does Starbucks really have a secret menu?

Yes, Starbucks has an unofficial secret menu made up of custom drinks using existing ingredients. Examples include modifying a Strawberry Acai Refresher with added syrups. However, not all baristas are familiar with these drinks, and you may need to know the exact recipe—and prices may be higher.

Is the small cup really available at Starbucks?

Yes. Although not listed on the menu, the “short” 8 oz cup (the actual small size) is available if you specifically ask for it. It’s not shown for upselling reasons, but staff must serve it upon request.

Can I bring my own cup to Starbucks and get a discount?

Yes. Bringing any reusable cup—including non-Starbucks containers—gets you a 2 RMB discount. Inform the cashier and they’ll fill it to the appropriate level. The discount applies to most drinks except Frappuccinos.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Brewing

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, or Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit layers—both shine in pour-over or V60. For a richer option, their Brazil Queen Manor offers chocolatey nuttiness ideal for French press or cold brew. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.