19 Budget Recipes For Delicious Meals On A Dime

Dec 01, 2023

Lately, I've been on a mission to tighten the purse strings at the grocery store without sacrificing flavor in the kitchen. In doing so, I've found plenty of recipes that cost less, but taste even better to ensure every meal is a tasty delight. These budget-friendly recipes result from my quest to dine well without straining the wallet. If you’re a newbie in this money-saving world like me, these are the ideal recipes to try in your new efforts!

Citrusy Shakshuka

Image via Brit + Co

Swap out multiple eggs for versatile Heyday’s Harissa Lemon Chickpeas, creating a flavorful and substantial twist. With a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce, this delightful recipe costs just over $9.50 for 3 to 4 servings, perfect for brunch or dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Lemony Greens Soup

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Give your budget a breath of fresh air with this budget-friendly soup recipe. This clever combination of green vegetables, lemon, and miso proves that resetting your system can be delicious and economical. (via Brit + Co)

Fried Rice

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Craft the perfect budget-friendly fried rice by repurposing day-old rice for that coveted crispy texture, and opt for neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola or refined peanut oil, for a delicious result. The best part? It makes delicious leftovers! (via Brit + Co)

Basil + Brussels Sprout Mac and Cheese

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A delightful twist on the classic comfort dish. With budget-friendly ingredients, it brings back the mac and cheese joy in a wallet-friendly way. (via Brit + Co)

Oven-Roasted Fries

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By coating potatoes in a cornstarch slurry and baking them to perfection, you can achieve the same crispy texture as deep-fried fries while keeping them budget-friendly and delicious. Plus, oven roasting significantly reduces your oil consumption, making it a healthier and more cost-effective choice. (via Brit + Co)

Holiday Leftovers Breakfast

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Elevate your budget-friendly holiday leftovers with this hearty breakfast delight that transforms shredded ham, leftover potatoes, and eggs into a savory masterpiece. (via Brit + Co)

Keto-Friendly Zucchini Lasagna

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Swap costly pasta for wallet-friendly zucchini slices. Enjoy layers of flavor without breaking the bank, proving keto dinners can be delicious and easy on the wallet! (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Crafted with a handful of veggies and pantry essentials, this soup is a budget-friendly delight, offering a simple, cost-effective solution without compromising flavor or creaminess. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Image via A Virtual Vegan

Incredibly flavorful and protein-packed, this shepherd’s pie epitomizes comfort food without breaking the bank. With saucy lentils nestled under a crispy golden mashed potato crust, it's budget-friendly, freezable, and family-friendly. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Freezer-Friendly Tex Mex Breakfast Quesadillas

Image via The Girl on Bloor

By freezing these in batches, you're maximizing your grocery investment, making several servings at once, and ensuring nothing goes to waste—a savvy approach to a delicious, budget-conscious breakfast solution. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Peach Overnight Oats

Image via Hello Little Home

Crafted from affordable, everyday ingredients like fresh peaches, oats, yogurt, and cinnamon, this recipe delivers a delightful morning treat without breaking the bank. (via Hello Little Home)

Sticky Tofu

Image via Crowded Kitchen

Coated in cornstarch and crisped to perfection, this tofu bathes in a slightly sweet, sour, and spicy sauce with garlic and ginger, creating a delightful blend perfect for a family meal when paired with white rice and veggies. At less than $1.50 per serving, this is an economical yet flavorful meal choice. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Budget-Friendly Vegan Meatball Glaze Recipe

Image via The Edgy Veg

With minimal ingredients and easy steps, these meatballs are versatile enough for pasta dishes, meal prep, or standalone enjoyment. Crafted with less than ten ingredients, this budget-friendly recipe ensures simplicity and wholesomeness in your culinary journey. (via The Edgy Veg)

Healthy Taco Casserole

Image via The Real Food Dietitians

Transform lean ground beef, vibrant veggies, and pantry staples into a nutritious and flavorful dish, perfect for stretching your grocery budget and satisfying hungry appetites. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake

Image via Averie Cooks

A vegetarian dinner that's quick, light, perfect for families, and preps in under an hour, providing leftovers for planned meals—a budget-savvy choice that ticks all the boxes! (via Averie Cooks)

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas

Image via This Wife Cooks

Maximize savings with this recipe—it's budget-friendly to make, and the leftovers can be stored easily in the fridge, ready to reheat for another satisfying meal. Simply stash the extra in an airtight container and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave whenever you're craving a comforting and affordable dish. (via This Wife Cooks)

Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes

Image via Pink Owl Kitchen

These salmon croquettes are a meal that keeps on giving. With leftovers easily stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, you can relish these croquettes in subsequent meals. For optimal crispiness, a quick reheat in a skillet transforms these delights into a flavorful treat for days to come. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Fried Cabbage and Noodles

Image via Veggie Society

With its caramelized onions and green cabbage, this recipe brings a taste of tradition to your table. Easy on the budget and incredibly delicious, it's a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. (via Veggie Society)

Grilled Peaches

Image via Feel Good Foodie

Ideal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. With easily accessible and affordable peaches, this dessert is a go-to solution for whipping up a sizable batch when time and budget are tight. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Budget-Friendly Grocery List

Image via Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

In theory, living on a budget sounds great, but not so much in practice, right? Well, when it comes to cooking and grocery shopping, you can always make it work. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable groceries that can also serve multiple meals. Prices, of course, may vary depending on where you buy your groceries and the brands you prefer, but here are a few I think you should know about!

Rice: A staple, cost-effective option. A 5-pound bag of white rice typically costs around $3.

Beans: (Canned or Dry): Great for versatility and budget meals. Canned beans range from $0.60 to $1 per can, while a pound of dry beans costs around $1.

Pasta: An easy and affordable option. A pound of pasta costs approximately $1 to $2.

Frozen Vegetables: Convenient and economical. Prices vary by type, but a 16-ounce bag is generally around $1 to $2.

Eggs: Versatile and inexpensive. A dozen eggs cost about $2.

Oats: Perfect for breakfast or baking. A 42-ounce container of oats costs around $3.

Potatoes: A versatile vegetable. A 5-pound bag typically costs $3 to $4

Canned Tomatoes: Great for sauces and stews. Prices range from $0.80 to $1 per can.

Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: Often more affordable than breasts. Prices vary but can be around $1.50 to $2 per pound.

Ground Beef: Versatile for various dishes. Prices vary, but it's often around $5 to $6 per pound.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via The Girl on Bloor

15 Paloma Cocktail Recipe Ideas That'll Help Quench Your Thirst This Summer

We can tell summer is on it's way because we're seeing temps rise quickly. To keep cool this weekend and fight the heat index, we are just planning on kicking back with some *seriously* cooling cocktails. There are tons of amazing cocktail recipes, such as delicious daiquiri cocktails and extraordinary mojito cocktails to choose from, but if you are a little more picky and want a mix of bubbles and fruit, then Palomas are the boozy drink for you.

Whether you stay classic with tequila or mix it up with some bourbon or gin, you need to check out these 15 unique Paloma cocktails that are perfect for sipping on at yourpool party.

Frozen Paloma

Step up your Paloma cocktail recipe game by turning this classic cocktail into an icy slush. It’s perfect for an afternoon by the pool or your next backyard barbeque. (via Blender Happy)

Mango Paloma Cocktail

Mango is the fruit of the summer, so why not put it in your favorite cocktail? Pull out this stone fruit and a little grapefruit to create this zesty and colorful drink. (via Summerfield Delight)

Blood Orange Bourbon Paloma

Bourbon lovers, this one’s for you! Give your Paloma cocktail recipe a little boost with a touch of bourbon and some blood orange for a citrusy touch. (via Girl in the Little Red Kitchen)

Spicy Paloma

Beat the summer heat by adding just a little more heat to this drink. Top this classic cocktail off with a jalapeño for a *lot* of flavor with just one tiny pepper. (via Alice and Lois)

Sauvignon Blanc Paloma

Wine lovers REJOICE. We have found you a cocktail that boasts the amazing flavor of white wine with the sweet-and-bitter bite of grapefruit. (via This Mama Cooks)

Pineapple Palomas

Wishing you were sitting on a tropical island? Well, now you can drink like you are! These delicious sips are sure to have you feeling the ocean breeze. (via Lemon Tree Dwelling)

Boozy Paloma Popsicles with Tequila, Grapefruit, and Lime

Cocktail pops are popping up everywhere, but this recipe is sure to stand out. Topped off with a little lime, this Paloma cocktail recipe will easily become your summertime go-to. (via Feast in Thyme)

Blood Orange Thyme Paloma Cocktail

Herbs in a cocktail are always a good idea. Add a savory side to your robust drink by adding some thyme and salting the rim of your highball glass. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist this drink. (via Salt and Wind)

Paloma Mimosas

Sunday would not be complete without this cocktail. As much as we love the classic mimosa, this drink brings a whole new side to brunch. Whip it up to leave your BFFs asking for another glass (and the recipe, of course). (via Delish)

Hibiscus Paloma

Floral flavors? Yes, please! This tart recipe creates a seriously delicious drink that has amazing aromas and gorgeous colors. (via Honey and Birch)

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Tea-infused cocktails aren’t everyone’s favorite cuppa, but this one won’t disappoint. Grab your shopping bag and head to your local market to find the fresh ingredients that make up this lovely Paloma cocktail recipe. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Honey Paloma

Talk about a seriously yummy and sweet sip. This recipe switches simple syrup for honey to give a little extra flavor to a drink that you will want to savor every single day. (via The Little Epicurean)

Sparkling Rosemary Paloma

Rosemary cocktails are a serious game-changer. This yummy cocktail only takes 12-minutes to make and is perfect for your next girl’s night in. (via Style Me Pretty)

Spicy Raspberry Paloma

It’s time to spice things up. Mix together this bright and colorful drink for the perfect summer sip. Pro Tip: Make a full pitcher, then bring it to your next beach day for you and your gals. (via Heather Christo)

Classic Paloma

We couldn’t leave out the drink that started it all. This amazing concoction is one that should be in everyone’s cocktail armory. It should probably even be the star, we think. (via BS in the Kitchen)

It’s time to get sipping! Follow us on Pinterest for more summery cocktail ideas.

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

This post has been updated.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild With These 10 Romantasy Books

I'm no stranger to romance and smut books — thanks to my sister's secret stash — but I've finally given in to the "romantasy" genre that's floated around BookTok lately. And yet again, my sister is at the center of my newfound reading interest, gifting me (voluntarily this time) Fourth Wingand Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. I know I may be a little late to the party, but these books are dominating my reading interests this summer. It's like I just can't get enough of all the romance, fantasy, challenges, and spicy scenes!

If this sounds like you, here are the top 10 romantasy books to jump start your journey into the genre. Just be sure to sit in front of a fan while reading some of them, though — they can get pretty hot and spicy! 🥵

The Best Romantasy Books

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

*Sigh* Where do I start? This book squeezed my heart and cradled it at the same time. It also stoked an inner fire that felt eerily similar to a couple of scenes in the book that I've bookmarked 👀.

Meeting Violet Sorrengail was like peeling back the layers of thoughts I had about myself as a child. She initially thinks she's too fragile to be a gifted dragon rider like her siblings Brennan and Mira, but her mother — General Sorrengail — isn't easily swayed. So, off Violet goes to train or die trying.

From enemies who are more than willing to kill her at a heartbeat to developing a deep bond with two dragons — something that's unheard of — Violet finds herself realizing she's more powerful than she's given herself credit for.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

I'm still trying to make sense of the way Iron Flame took my emotions on the wildest ride. Although I'm still recovering and yearning for more, I have to commend Rebecca Yarros for giving us two of the best Romantasy books of our time.

When we catch up with Violet Sorrengail again, she's managed to enter her second year at Basgiath War College without dying. Although she's a lot more resilient than she gives herself credit for, she knows there's still so much to learn.

The lessons she's learning are harsher and it seems like she's still being targeted for several reasons. As she tries hard to navigate the things she needs to learn in order to survive, she begins realizing there's an internal threat that's far greater than anyone could've imagined.

It'll take all of her allies, her dragons, and her greatest love to eliminate this threat. The problem is that nothing will ever be the same once it's all said and done.

Deep Is The Fen by Lili Wilinson

If you're looking for a romantasy book that's a little less spicy, Deep Is The Fen is a great read!

It centers around Merry's reluctant interactions with the magic she's been trying so hard to stay away from. When she finds out that her best friend Teddy is joining the Toadmen, she makes it her personal mission to stop him. What she doesn't think anyone knows is her ability to see the swirling magic that surrounds all life forms.

It's this same second sight that comes in handy as she joins forces with her sworn enemy Caraway Boswell. Together, they attend the famed Toad ritual in Deeping Fen and it's only until it's too late that Merry realizes the Toadmen are more sinister than she thought.

And they've been waiting for her.

The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

If you have a taste for more magic, you'll love reading The Midnight Bargain.

Unlike our heroine in Deep Is The Fen, Beatrice Clayborn embraces that she's able to use magic, but she has keep it hidden lest she be confined by a 'marital collar.' If you just shuddered, I'm here to tell you it's as bad as it sounds.

Our dear Beatrice wants to become a Magus, but her family is more concerned with making sure she's prepared to secure an amazing marriage. In other words, women aren't supposed to be able to wield magic as powerfully as men. There's also the fact that her family isn't exactly wealthy so her getting married would truly help them.

Still, Beatrice decides to keep pursuing a desire to become a Magus though her plans are almost ruined when another sorceress steals the one thing that'll secure her position. Desperate to have it in her possession again, Beatrice does a bit of conjuring that leads her to a crossroads.

Will she choose her dreams over her family's future or will she give up everything — magic, who she is at her core, and her goals — to save them?

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten

I highly recommend that you read The Foxglove King before starting this book, but it's on the list because it's my favorite out of the series!

The Hemlock Queen picks up after the twisted king August has died, but his influence is still felt among the royal court. They're not exactly thrilled that Prince Bastian and the trusted Lore are trying to change what they've become used to, creating a lot more unruliness than they were anticipating. It's in the midst of this that Lore can sense a coldheartedness growing in Prince Bastian that wasn't there before.

As time passes, something begins beckoning to Lore to pay more attention to things around her. It wants her to find the truth about herself and what's in front of her.

She'll have to race against the time to find the answers before she loses Bastian and everything else she loves.

The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg

Lark has spent years hiding from her overly domineering father and hasn't found a place to call home yet. The thing that's kept her safe is her ability to cause anyone to feel fear in her presence which has come in handy. With no other options, she decides to seek refuge among the trolls in Cagmar.

She's quickly accepted into their society because they realize she's not like most humans that are in Cagmar. The only rule she has to follow is to never kill a troll even though the most powerful one utterly despises her for being human.

She'll have to learn how to survive in a brand new way while figuring out things about herself, her past, and the family she grew up in.

A Court of Thorn and Rosesby Sarah J. Maas

I slipped and hit my head on a rock because I clearly forgot to add the first part of Sarah J. Maas' The Court of Thorns and Roses series to our 'romantasy' books roundup. I get it now and have one thing to say: Feyre was stressing me out in the beginning of the book. But, I know it's only because of the circumstances she was forced into.

Not only is she the youngest of three daughters, but she's also the only one who seems adept at making sure her family survives the life of poverty they've been forced into. As much as she wishes things would change, she didn't anticipate how drastically her surroundings would change after killing a lone wolf in the woods.

When a terrifying 'beast' comes searching for the killer of the wolf, Feyre accepts her fate and begins living where the once revered faeries live. She goes from plotting her escape to becoming fond of her captor — the highly beautiful and terrifying Tamlin.

As something much deadlier than he is threatens his world, Feyre must do everything she can to stop the threat before it spreads into the mortal world she used to inhabit.

The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

I think it's clear we love a good series at Brit + Co, especially if it's one of several 'romantasy' books.

Oraya's not only adopted, but she's also the 'daughter' of the Nightborn vampire king. It's not lost on her that her humanness makes her a target, so she decides to compete in a deadly tournament that the goddess of death has put together.

Oraya's only shot at winning comes from an unlikely rival — the vampire Raihn. Besides his sheer killer instinct, he's also an enemy of the Nightborn vampire king and this makes things incredibly complicated. There's also the fact that's wildly attracted to him.

Despite the fact Raihn clearly reciprocates her feelings, the tournament is unforgiving and has no room for anyone who can't control their emotions.

If you love vampire folklore, you'll thoroughly enjoy reading The Serpent & the Wings of Night!

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Poppy's Maiden path was chosen for her before she was able to form any thoughts and it's meant to be for a noble cause. Yet, it's a lonely task that essentially forbids her from interacting with others or forming intimate relationships. The problem is that Poppy doesn't want to ascend. She wants to fight.

Still, she's bound to her role as a Maiden and tries to do what's expected of her. It's just that her guard Hawke is so attractive and their desires are so hard to ignore underneath the tension that rests on their surfaces. If that wasn't enough to send her way off track, the rising threat of a once forgotten kingdom is looming.

Poppy will have to juggle her own ambitions and desires to make choices that will upend more than just her Maiden path.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Paedyn is an Ordinary girl which means a lot in the kingdom of Ilya. Decreed by the King, those who are Ordinary are essentially mortals who weren't gifted with any special powers and have a completely different reality than those who were — the Elites.

She's incredibly smart and knows how to pose as one of the Elites, but her abilities are put to the test when she saves a prince and is determined worthy to participate in the Purging Trials. It's meant for the Elites to show off their powers, but that's what Paedyn lacks.

As the walls close in on her, she'll have to figure out a way to continue her ruse or deal with the consequences that come once it's realized she's Ordinary.

What's your favorite romantasy book? Let us know in the comments, and check out our storefront for more fab reads!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon

This post has been updated.

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10 Slow Cooker Recipes Light Enough For Summertime

Slow cookers are synonymous with hearty soups and comforting meat dishes. But you don't have to let your Crock-Pot collect dust just because the warmer months have rolled around. You can continue using your slow cooker for the same reasons you love it in the winter: for making meat super tender, your kitchen smell incredible, and meals come together easier than ever. Here are 10 slow-cooker recipes that combine those awesome reasons with summer's light flavors and bright produce.

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Nothing captures the combination of hot and cold quite like lettuce wraps with chicken, carrots, mushrooms, and a sweet and salty sauce. (via Well Plated)

Carne Asada Nachos

The chips are pretty hidden under this big pile o’ toppings, and there’s a very valid reason for that. These shareable nachos highlight the produce of the season with juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a healthy pile of guac. (via How Sweet Eats)

Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

If the image of creamy peanut butter curry over rice makes you want to hibernate, you’ll be brought back to life with the knowledge that this dish is actually pretty light, thanks to broccoli and bell peppers. The fact that all you did was dump everything into the Crock-Pot will make it taste even better. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Chicken Cacciatore

Take all of the components of a summer antipasto platter (juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and salty capers), add that to tender chicken, and you have chicken cacciatore. The slow-cooker version is a bit easier than the stovetop method, since you’re adding everything to the pot at once. (via Well Plated)

Veggie-Packed Lasagna

Can’t let go of lasagna even when it’s sweltering outside? Try this veggie-centric version, which is much more energizing than the meaty original. (via Kristine's Kitchen)

Healthy Beef and Broccoli

If you want to feel like you’re eating Chinese takeout but are going for the low-carb thing, look to this lighter take on beef and broccoli. It calls for riced broccoli instead of whole florets. This way, you still get the texture of meat and “rice” in each bite. (via Well Plated)

Tex-Mex Pork Tostadas

Heartier refried beans and pork are the base of these crispy tostadas, brightened by creamy avocado and zingy red onion and cilantro. You can slow-cook the pork a couple of days ahead of time, so all that’s left at mealtime is assembly. (via A Communal Table)

Carnitas Tacos

Your slow cooker will make pork shoulder insanely easy to shred — ideal for piling onto corn tortillas with taco fixings like red onion, cilantro, and lime. (via Boulder Locavore)

Mango Chicken Curry

This produce-packed curry stars succulent chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet mango for a bowl that will fuel you for any adventure. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Turmeric Chicken and Potatoes

This chicken dinner comes out so fork-tender, you'll hardly need a knife. (via Sweet Phi)

Want more slow-cooker inspo? Follow us on Pinterest!

(Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken)

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Starbucks Is Offering 50% Off Drinks Every Friday In May – Here's How To Get Yours

Life is all about the little treats that keep you going. For me, it’s either a sweet dessert or a biiig cup of iced coffee – but those purchases can really rack up, especially when I’m making weekly (or TBH, twice- or thrice-weekly) Starbucks runs. I know I’m not alone in wishing there were more Starbucks deals that’d save me a buck or two each visit.

Wish no more – there are actually tons of ways to snag some Starbucks deals. I’ll even dish on how to get free Starbucks right now. Read on for the coolest coffee deals around!

Does Starbucks have discounts?

Yes, Starbucks has discounts often. They usually depend on the day and time you visit, or seasonal offerings that the chain decides to promote. You can easily find Starbucks deals in the Starbucks app, and check back here for current offers!

What is the cheapest thing to get from Starbucks?

If you still want a drink (but want to spend the least amount of money), a kids-sized steamed (or cold) apple juice is the cheapest thing to get from Starbucks at $2.25. Typically, any kids-sized drink will save you some dough!

How does Starbucks Rewards work?

You earn 1 Star per $1 spent at a Starbucks location with Starbucks Rewards after scanning the Starbucks app and paying with cash, debit card, credit card, or select mobile wallets. You can earn 2 Stars per $1 spent after making a purchase with a preloaded Starbucks Card linked to your Starbucks Rewards account as well. Once you earn enough, you can spend those Stars on freebies like a drink customization, a hot brewed coffee, or a handcrafted drink like a latte!

1. Look out for flash deals

Starbucks regularly runs deals that depend on the day and time you visit – you just have to check in the right places. More often than not, they’ll be posted on the Starbucks app.

Right now, they’re offering several deals for May 2024:

50% off one handcrafted beverage on May 17, 24, and 31 only from 12-6pm local time
Personalized offers released in the Starbucks app on May 13, 20, and 27 only

Plus, new Starbucks Rewards members who join during the month of May will will receive 50% off any handcrafted drink during their first week as a member. All they have to do is download the app, join Starbucks Rewards, and click the ‘New Members Get 50% Off’ link!

2. Use Starbucks Rewards

Like I mentioned before, the Starbucks app is a pretty easy way to know what deals are going on when. Signing up for Starbucks Rewards will get you on track to get free Starbucks even easier. Their rewards system operates via Stars – you’ll earn 1 Star for each $1 spent when scanning the Starbucks app and paying with cash, debit card, credit card, or select mobile wallets, or 2 Stars per $1 spent when you pay with a preloaded Starbucks Card in the Starbucks app.

25 Stars earns you a free drink customization
100 Stars earns you a free brewed hot or iced coffee or tea, a bakery item, or a packaged snack
200 Stars earns you a free handcrafted beverage or hot breakfast item
300 Stars earns you a free sandwich, protein box or a bag of coffee beans
400 Stars earns you free Starbucks merch (select items only)

If you’re a regular customer, signing up for Starbucks Rewards will definitely pay off! Learn more here.

3. Opt for a personal cup

When you use a personal cup at Starbucks, you receive a $0.10 discount. For regular visitors, those savings can rack up! Furthermore, if you're a Starbucks Rewards member, using a personal cup, you'll receive 25 Stars. Now, you can use a clean (this is key!) personal cup in Starbucks cafes, in the drive-thru, and even when you order ahead on the app.

4. Don't forget about birthday rewards

Starbucks deals also include birthday freebies, in which you’ll get one free handcrafted beverage, OR one free food item, OR one free ready-to-drink bottled bev.

All you have to do to take advantage of the free Starbucks is register for a Starbucks Rewards account and ensure your birthday date is associated with your account, then once the big day comes, show it to your barista. They’ll take care of you!

Sign up for our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks deals!

Images via Starbucks.

This post has been updated.

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I Tried Starbucks’ New Boba Drinks – Here’s My Brutally Honest Review

The Starbucks summer menu just dropped, and it’s packed with some pretty divisive drinks. The menu lineup introduced a new flavor of Refreshers alongside something Starbucks has never done on a large scale before: boba. The most recent release also brought two new sweet treats to the pastry case – the Orange Cream Cake Pop and Pineapple Cloud Cake.

Given that these new sips and snacks really venture into uncharted territory, I had to give them a proper try to see if they’re worth it! If you’re on the fence about trying some items from this year’s Starbucks summer menu, scroll on for a totally honest review.

Summer-Berry Refresher

I got my hopes up for the new Refreshers with fruity boba. In hindsight, the long-awaited hype was not worth it. By itself, the Summer-Berry Refresher tastes just like blue Gatorade. Sorry not sorry.

The boba was expected to be the saving grace of this drink, but I was left wanting more after sipping down my first few pearls. The raspberry-flavored popping boba pieces supply a fun texture, but they’re not super flavorful. You also don’t get a great serving size based on the ratio of the drink.

Maybe it was just the location I went to, but though I was given the special wide boba straw, I couldn’t use it with the lid that came with my drink. My Refreshers were handed to me with the signature Starbucks sipper lid – which is too small to fit the new straws. Just a bit annoying, especially if you plan to drink this in the car or on the go!

Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher

I sipped theSummer-Berry Lemonade Refresher sans boba first. It definitely has more flavor than the OG, but it’s overwhelmingly lemonade-y. The zesty lemonade really overpowered the berry Refresher flavor, so much so that you can’t quite taste the berry.

I might recommend ordering this bev with a light amount of lemonade, so the flavors balance out more harmoniously.

Summer Skies Drink

Okay, y'all – the Summer Skies Drink redeems the rest of the Refreshers. Essentially, it’s the Summer-Berry Refresher with a splash of coconut milk, a la the Pink Drink. I think it’s my favorite of all 3 of them!

It’s creamy and mildly sweet, which works out wonderfully. With the boba, it’s definitely giving milk tea, which I – as a boba fiend – very much appreciate. Though I like the drink itself, I still wish the boba delivered a more berry-like flavor.

White Chocolate Macadamia Cold Brew

Well, yes! The White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew is – dare I say – the best thing on this year’s Starbucks summer menu. It’s so good. I typically associate nuttier coffee flavors with fall, but this bev has changed my mind. As much as I appreciate a sweet treat, this cold coffee was a nice reprieve from the all-new Berry Refreshers I had sipped beforehand.

This new menu item is great for those who don’t like a ton of sweetness — the bitter cold brew contrasts exceptionally well with the sweet white chocolate macadamia-flavored cold foam. It gets even better (my tasting notes read: “so very delicious”) when you stir in the cold foam with the coffee.

I also enjoy the little crunchy cookie crumble bits on top. While the popping boba (Starbucks is calling ‘em pearls) falls flat, these sprinkles actually enliven the drinking experience!

Orange Cream Cake Pop

New cake pop just dropped! And it’s everything. The hard shell that coats the tiny ball of cake in this treat is extremely satisfying. When I bit into it, it had an indescribable (in a good way) kind of crunch to it. And while the exterior is harder, the cakey inside is very moist. I wasn’t surprised at how good the texture was since most of Starbucks’ cake pops are scrumptious. That’s that for the texture…

As far as the flavor goes, I expected more of the Orange Cream Cake Pop. Sure, there’s a slight orange flavor – it’s not too overwhelming – but this skewered snack is definitely heavier on all things vanilla-y and downright sugary. It almost tastes like an orange Dreamsicle.

All that being said, I’d still order the Orange Cream Cake Pop over and over and over again if I just want a lil’ something.

Image via Starbucks

Pineapple Cloud Cake

I didn’t get to try the Pineapple Cloud Cake yet since the location I went to had sold out (a good sign, perhaps)! According to Starbucks, it’s “an airy cake filled with layers of pineapple cream, pineapple spread and whole fruit pieces with a sweet drizzle topping.”

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Photos by Meredith Holser.

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