The Beauty Beneath the Expressway: A Journey from Self to Service 
Why financial hardship is more likely if you’re disabled or sick 
Can your cat recognise you by scent? New study shows it’s likely 
The ghost of Robodebt – Federal Court rules billions of dollars in welfare debts must be recalculated 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
Why have so few atrocities ever been recognised as genocide? 
Youth are charting new freshwater futures by learning from the water on the water 
Stuck in a creativity slump at work? Here are some surprising ways to get your spark back 
Debate over H-1B visas shines spotlight on US tech worker shortages 
AI is driving down the price of knowledge – universities have to rethink what they offer 
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 
What’s the difference between baking powder and baking soda? It’s subtle, but significant 
Parents abused by their children often suffer in silence – specialist therapy is helping them find a voice 
6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash 
Why a ‘rip-off’ degree might be worth the money after all – research study 
How to support someone who is grieving: five research-backed strategies 
Britain has almost 1 million young people not in work or education – here’s what evidence shows can change that 
Starbucks UK Barista Champion Dee Bespalova shares insider tips to enhance your coffee experience without spending extra. From adjusting your cappuccino’s foam to trying different roasts or dairy-free alternatives, these simple hacks will upgrade your drink with ease.
Starbucks' UK Barista Champion Shares Insider Tips to Hack Your Favorite Drinks for Free
Starbucks' 2024 UK Barista Champion, Dee Bespalova, has shared some insider tips to help customers elevate their Starbucks experience, revealing ways to hack popular drinks at no extra cost. According to Dee, simple adjustments, including a few strategic words or ingredient tweaks, can significantly affect taste and satisfaction.
One of Dee's top suggestions is using specific terminology when ordering. For instance, asking for a “wet” or “dry” cappuccino can adjust the drink’s ratio of steamed milk to foam. A “wet” cappuccino offers more steamed milk and a smoother texture, while a “dry” cappuccino provides a foamier, airier experience.
Dee also highlights the option of customizing coffee beans at Starbucks, encouraging customers to try one of the three available roasts: Medium, Dark, or Blonde. While the Medium Roast is standard, the Dark Roast offers a bolder flavor, and the Blonde Roast provides a lighter, sweeter profile with citrus notes, perfect for those seeking a gentler coffee experience.
Explore Dairy-Free Options and Insider Tips From Starbucks Coffee Masters to Customize Your Drink for Free
For those looking to add a twist to their drinks without additional costs, Dee recommends exploring dairy-free alternatives available for no extra charge. She particularly praises oat milk, noting its ability to steam better than skimmed milk, delivering a rich, velvety texture. For instance, Starbucks' Iced Brown Sugar Oat Shaken Espresso is designed to pair perfectly with oat milk’s nutty flavors.
Dee also suggests seeking out baristas wearing black aprons, a mark of Starbucks’ "Coffee Masters" who have completed rigorous training. These experienced baristas can offer valuable advice or inspiration for customizing your drink.
For customers spending long hours at Starbucks, Dee points out that filter coffee offers excellent value, starting at £1.95. Once purchased, refills are free, making it an ideal choice for those seeking multiple cups without breaking the bank.
In addition to Starbucks, Dee notes that other popular coffee chains, including Caffè Nero, Costa, and Greggs, offer similar opportunities to enjoy free or discounted drinks through their respective loyalty programs. With careful use of apps and rewards systems, coffee lovers can maximize their savings while enjoying their favorite beverages.
