Replacing syrups with whipped cream in recipes.

Many people adore both Starbucks and saving money, and there are some excellent hacks that allow you to enjoy both. Tips for getting the best value include requesting light ice in cold beverages, using mobile order tricks for a less expensive latte, and bringing your own cup. However, if sweetness is what you seek, try replacing syrup with whipped cream to save some cash.

To be honest, switching out pumps of hazelnut, mocha, or your other favorite syrup for whipped cream is not exactly a 1:1 replacement, as whipped cream isn’t as overtly sweet. Nevertheless, if you’re after a subtle sweetness and perhaps already enjoy your beverages half-sweet, this hack is perfect for you.

When you add syrup to any coffee, Americano, or latte, the extra flavoring incurs a charge regardless of whether you choose the standard four pumps or just one or two. Conversely, whipped cream is complimentary. Do you see where we’re headed with this?

The whipped cream at Starbucks is made from only two ingredients: heavy cream and a hint of vanilla syrup. Requesting a dollop atop your drink adds a touch of flavor and sweetness that melts into your beverage, gently sweetening your coffee while also keeping costs low.

Having a useful Starbucks hack can easily save you a few dollars over time — and, considering the math behind the whipped cream trick, it’s worth your attention.

This strategy will primarily save you money if you order more classic and traditionally unsweetened beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, and brewed coffee. For drinks like Frappuccinos and cold brews that already have sweeteners and syrups included in their prices, this technique may not be as effective.

For instance, in the Starbucks mobile app, adding one to four pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup to a classic Americano costs an extra $0.80. If you’re like many who visit Starbucks five times a week, those syrup pumps alone will accumulate to $4 a week, $16 a month, and an astounding $192 a year — not counting the cost of the drinks!

The same pricing applies when ordering iced caffe lattes or espressos. Adding any of their syrups or sweeteners is an additional $0.80 per drink or $16 monthly if you frequent Starbucks. So, to save nearly $200 annually, it might be worth trying this whipped cream hack next time you’re at the counter.