9 Starbucks Menu Items to Skip, From Breakfast Wraps to Unpopular Drinks

While Starbucks offers a variety of food and drink options, only some things are a hit. Based on customer reviews and insider tips, Chowhound compiled a list of nine Starbucks menu items that don’t quite live up to expectations, from breakfast wraps to espresso.

Starbucks' Menu: Nine Popular Items That Miss the Mark in Taste and Quality

Starbucks may have opened its doors in 1971, but it wasn’t until the 1990s, when the company went public, that it experienced a meteoric rise. Today, with over 32,000 locations in 80 countries, it might seem like a Starbucks is on every corner.

As a frequent customer, some of Starbucks' menu items continue to stand out while others have declined in quality. Despite rising prices, it's also worth noting that Starbucks food isn’t made fresh in stores but arrives prepackaged and frozen, then reheated. Here are nine items you may want to skip, per Chowhound.

1. Breakfast Wraps

Starbucks offers two breakfast wraps. The Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap is often highlighted as a healthy option. It appears to be a winning choice with 290 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 20 grams of protein. While less nutritious, the Bacon, Sausage, and Egg Wrap sounds like a hearty breakfast option. Unfortunately, both wraps fall short.

Because the food is frozen and reheated, the wraps lack freshness. The tortilla becomes tough and dry, resembling a cracker, and the fillings are bland. Customers have voiced their dissatisfaction on Reddit, with one describing the Spinach Feta Wrap as "so bland" and another calling the Bacon, Sausage, and Egg Wrap "flavor void." If you're looking for a fresh wrap, you might be better off making your own.

2. Tomato and Mozzarella on Focaccia

A sandwich featuring fresh tomatoes and mozzarella on focaccia sounds promising, but Starbucks’ version often disappoints. Preassembled and reheated, the sandwich lacks consistency. Some customers report receiving sandwiches with minimal ingredients. One Starbucks supervisor shared on Reddit that they once prepared a sandwich with only "one tomato and two spinach leaves" and no cheese. Given its price, customers are understandably disappointed, with one viral TikTok video calling the sandwich "totally not worth it." For a better option, try making a homemade version with fresh ingredients.

3. Crispy Grilled Cheese on Sourdough

A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple and classic comfort food, but Starbucks’ Crispy Grilled Cheese on Sourdough doesn’t always meet expectations. Described as "a blend of white cheddar and mozzarella" on sourdough, the sandwich is often overly greasy. While some sandwich fans acknowledge its popularity, many note the excessive grease. Some customers recommend reheating it at home to improve its texture.

4. Espresso

One would expect a coffee giant like Starbucks to serve exceptional espresso, but this isn’t the case. While espresso should be rich and smooth, Starbucks’ version is often described as bitter with a burnt aftertaste. This is likely because their espresso is designed to complement flavored drinks rather than stand-alone. A local coffee shop may be a better option for a higher-quality espresso shot.

5. Breakfast Sandwiches

Although convenient, Starbucks’ breakfast sandwiches offer little beyond what you might find at a gas station. Since they are frozen and reheated, the quality can be inconsistent, and many customers report that their sandwiches are sometimes undercooked. As one employee on Reddit shared, they are "mass-produced flash frozen sandwiches," and customers often question why they’re so expensive for what they receive.

6. Tropical Citrus Iced Energy

Although this low-calorie energy drink seems like an excellent alternative to a sugary iced coffee, its taste leaves much to be desired. Many online reviews describe the Tropical Citrus Iced Energy drink as unappealing, with one Redditor comparing it to "someone chewing on a Starburst and spitting on a bandaid." With such negative feedback, it’s clear this drink is one to skip.

7. Protein Boxes

Protein boxes are a convenient snack option, but the quality has declined over the years. Many customers report receiving mushy fruit and tiny portions of cheese that need more flavor. With the price of these boxes continuing to rise, they may not be worth the cost, especially when fresher and more satisfying options are available elsewhere.

8. Glazed Donut

While Starbucks does offer a single donut option, it doesn’t compare to freshly made donuts from other establishments. The Glazed Donut arrives frozen and, when reheated, can turn dry. Due to the risk of melting icing, Wit can’t always be adequately warmed in-store. Given the wide availability of high-quality donuts elsewhere, this one fall short.

9. Paradise Drink Refreshers Beverage with Oleato Golden Foam

This unique beverage combines tropical flavors with olive oil-infused foam, making it a controversial menu item. While some find the combination intriguing, many are put off by the texture and taste, describing it as "disgusting" and likening it to "sink scum." The Oleato Golden Foam seems to be an acquired taste, and it may not be for everyone.

While there may be better choices than these nine items, Starbucks still offers many delicious drinks and bakery items. The Pineapple Cloud Cake, for instance, has become a favorite, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte remains a seasonal staple. However, with these nine items, Starbucks could undoubtedly do better.