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I usually order bottled water or freshly squeezed juice with coffee, but I kept noticing how many Starbucks customers ask for a cup of water too.
That made me look into whether water is free at Starbucks. Here’s what I found, and what applies to most Starbucks stores.
Key takeaways
Is Starbucks water free?
Yes! Most Starbucks stores do not charge for a cup of water and will be happy to give it to you for free.
I can’t tell you the exact percentage, but you can certainly get free triple filtered tap water in over 95% of coffee shops that are part of the world’s largest coffee shop chain.
I was surprised by how easy it is to get free water at Starbucks corporate stores, even if you don’t order coffee, iced tea, or another drink.
That is different from a lot of coffee chains, where I have usually had to buy something first.
Barista HQ Note
- Starbucks coffee company also has their own line of bottled water - Ethos bottled water. While this is not what they provide for free, it makes their free water policy even more admirable!
Do all Starbucks stores give away free water?
In most cases, that really is the simple answer.
The exception may be Starbucks-licensed stores. Not every store is company-owned, and third-party operators may charge for water.
Even when a franchised store doesn’t give away free water and charges a small fee, the charge (usually under 50 cents) is not for the water itself, but to pay for the price of the plastic cup.
For environmental reasons, I usually bring my own water bottle and refill it with filtered water at Starbucks instead of asking for a cup.
How to order free water? (Without annoying your Barista)
To order your free water at Starbucks, simply wait in line and ask politely.
It is best to order water with your coffee to save time for both yourself and the Starbucks barista.
A small cup is often what you get, and larger sizes may be treated differently. That matters more at licensed stores, where water can sometimes be handled like a cup charge rather than a drink charge.
Barista HQ Note
- In the past, you could also use self-service water coolers for free iced water, but Starbucks no longer encourages self-service to prevent excessive water usage (and germs!)
Why is water free at Starbucks?
Starbucks has never officially said why the water is free, but it does not take much guessing.
It probably helps the store feel more welcoming.
In practice, it is the kind of small thing that leaves a good impression.
I also believe they had the environment in mind when offering free water. Plastic pollution is one of the leading environmental problems, and offering free water is undoubtedly one of the best ways to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles.
Does Starbucks filter the water?
Yes, Starbucks triple filters all the water they use – including the water they give away for free.
Triple filtration removes everything potentially harmful, such as chlorine and microscopic plastic particles. The refreshing water is alkaline, and the higher pH level brings many benefits.
Is the ice also free?
Yes, the ice at Starbucks is also free.
Whenever I ask for free water at Starbucks, it usually comes as ice water, especially in summer when I want something cold right away.
If you do not like ice or cold drinks, just tell the barista and they will usually give you plain water.
How to order a cup of water on the Starbucks app
The Starbucks app does not seem to offer a way to add a free cup of water to your basket in my version of it.
I have had great success with being creative and adding water to my nickname in the app. For example, saying my name is “KaylaFreeWaterPlease.”
Most of the time, the baristas notice anyway.
When the queue is busy, they can miss it. If that happens, I just go back to the counter and ask in person.
After all, it’s free.
FAQs
What size is the free water from Starbucks?
Starbucks employees usually serve the free water in a small cup. At a corporate Starbucks store, a tall cup is 12 oz.
Why is Starbucks at my location charging for water?
If your Starbucks location charged for a cup of water, it is probably a licensed store charging for the cup or packaging. Company-owned Starbucks stores are more likely to hand it out free.
Is hot water free at Starbucks?
Yes, hot water is also free at Starbucks. It’s a common request from travelers making instant oatmeal or tea on the go.
How much is a Trenta water to buy at Starbucks?
The price of a Trenta water depends on the location, and I would not assume the same answer everywhere. In many Starbucks stores, I’ve still been given free water when I asked.
Why does Starbucks water taste so good?
Starbucks’ free tap water tastes cleaner to me than regular tap water, and the triple-filtering system probably helps. I would not compare it to bottled water across the board, but it does taste clear.
Summary - Stay hydrated at Starbucks!
It is a small detail, but it does make a Starbucks stop feel a little easier.
While the chain does not require that you buy an item to get free water, I usually buy something anyway. I also make sure to tip my barista when I can.
