Starbucks Coffee Menu Prices and Franchise Requirements

If you’ve ever stood in line at Starbucks wondering how much your favorite drink actually costs—or whether you could open your own store—this guide has the real numbers and details. We break down the full current price list for all core Starbucks drinks, explain what makes an Americano different from a Brewed Coffee, and cover the official requirements if you're considering franchising.

Starbucks sells two main coffee types: espresso-based drinks (like lattes and cappuccinos) and black coffees (including Brewed Coffee and Americano). Prices range from ¥17 for a small espresso to ¥29 for a large Mocha. Brewed Coffee and Americano are both unflavored, unsweetened black coffees, differentiated mainly by brew method.

Starbucks Drink Categories: Espresso-Based vs Black Coffee

Starbucks organizes its coffee menu into two broad categories: flavored, milk-based espresso drinks (classic or “fancy” coffee) and plain black coffees. The former includes drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, made with espresso shots and steamed milk. The latter category consists of unflavored, unsweetened black coffees—specifically, Brewed Coffee (called “” in Chinese) and Americano—that customers customize themselves at the condiment bar.

The difference between Brewed Coffee and Americano lies in how they’re brewed. Brewed Coffee is made using Starbucks’ standard drip method. Americano is prepared by pouring hot water over one or more shots of espresso. Both are served black, without default sugar or milk, letting customers tailor sweetness and texture using the condiments provided.

Starbucks Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks & Prices

Espresso-based drinks form the bulk of the Starbucks menu. These include lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, mochas, and similar beverages built around a shot or more of espresso combined with steamed milk, foam, and sometimes flavored syrups.

Here’s the current pricing (all prices in CNY):

• Espresso
  • Small (Short): ¥17.00
  • Medium (Tall): ¥22.00
• Latte
  • Small: ¥19.00
  • Medium: ¥23.00
  • Large: ¥26.00
• Cappuccino
  • Small: ¥19.00
  • Medium: ¥23.00
  • Large: ¥26.00
• Mocha
  • Small: ¥23.00
  • Medium: ¥26.00
  • Large: ¥29.00

All these drinks can be customized with flavored syrups (e.g., vanilla, caramel, hazelnut), extra shots, alternative milks, and adjusted levels of foam or sweetness. For example, you can order a mocha without whipped cream or a latte with extra vanilla syrup—Starbucks calls this “personalization,” though many coffee professionals refer to it as customization or modification.

Starbucks Black Coffees: Brewed Coffee & Americano

Brewed Coffee and Americano are Starbucks’ two unflavored, unsweetened black coffee options. They are not made with milk or flavored syrups and are meant to be customized at the condiment station.

• Brewed Coffee : This is Starbucks’ standard drip coffee, made from a proprietary blend and served black. Customers add milk, sugar, or flavorings themselves.
• Americano : Made by pouring hot water over one or more espresso shots. It has a lighter body than espresso but retains a strong coffee flavor. Like Brewed Coffee, it is served unsweetened and unflavored, allowing for personalization.

The key difference is in the brewing technique: Brewed Coffee uses a drip filter system, while Americano is produced using espresso shots diluted with hot water. Both are intended as blank canvases for customer preferences.

Starbucks Franchise and Store Opening Conditions

Starbucks does not offer traditional franchising in most markets, including China. Instead, the company operates on a company-owned or licensed store model. In mainland China, Starbucks stores are primarily operated through joint ventures or licensing agreements with local partners, such as Alibaba or Alipay affiliates, rather than through independent franchisees.

To operate a Starbucks-branded location in regions where franchising is allowed (which does not currently include Greater China), candidates typically need significant capital investment, proven business management experience, and alignment with Starbucks’ operational and brand standards. Exact financial requirements vary by country but generally exceed several million dollars in startup capital, with additional requirements for store location, size, and equipment.

In short: Starbucks does not offer conventional franchising opportunities for individual investors in most of its key markets. Instead, it partners with established commercial entities under strict brand control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive drink on the Starbucks menu?

The most expensive standard drink listed is the large Mocha, priced at ¥29.00. This mocha includes espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream, though customers can customize it further or remove items like whipped cream to reduce cost or calories.

How much is a small espresso at Starbucks?

A small (Short) espresso at Starbucks costs ¥17.00. This is a single or double shot of straight espresso, served without milk or additions, and represents the base coffee used in many other drinks.

What’s the difference between an Americano and Brewed Coffee at Starbucks?

An Americano is made by pouring hot water over espresso shots, resulting in a coffee with a lighter body but strong flavor. Brewed Coffee is made using a drip filter method and has a fuller, smoother mouthfeel. Both are served black and unflavored, and can be customized at the condiment bar.

Does Starbucks allow franchise ownership?

No, Starbucks does not offer traditional franchising in most major markets, including China. Stores are company-owned, licensed, or operated through joint ventures. Independent franchise opportunities are not available in regions like mainland China, where Starbucks partners with local commercial entities instead.

Can I customize Starbucks drinks?

Yes. Starbucks offers extensive customization, allowing customers to modify drinks with different syrups (like vanilla or caramel), milk types (such as oat or almond), extra espresso shots, and adjustments to foam or sweetness. This is referred to internally as “personalization.”

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Classic Espresso Drinks

For making espresso-based drinks similar to Starbucks’ lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend. It’s designed for milk drinks and features rich crema, delivering the smooth, rounded profile needed for lattes. Also consider the Specialty Blend, which highlights classic Italian-style flavors with notes of dark chocolate and caramel—ideal for americanos and espresso. Both blends use carefully selected beans to ensure consistency and crema, whether you're pulling shots or steaming milk. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.