You cannot order a decaf espresso macchiato with the Starbucks mobile app

For reasons that will become much more obvious shortly, I’ve been spending a lot of time trying out various ways to order food and drinks for pickup using mobile apps.

Starbucks has a very slick mobile app, with solid logistical support for it in their restaurants, and because you need to preload the mobile app with a minimum of $25, I’ve had more experience with it than others (despite not really having a taste for Starbucks coffee).

The one thing about the app that’s confounded me is that I haven’t been able to figure out how to order a decaf espresso macchiato.

I can select the cup size, the number of shots, the milk type and degree of froth, the sweetener, and whether I want extra water or not.

I can choose to add caramel sauce or cinnamon dolce syrup, or sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup.

But there’s no way to select decaf coffee.

So I contacted Starbucks using the form linked to from the app, and their quick reply was:

I am so sorry that the mobile application is not set up for the option of a Decaffeinated Espresso Macchiato due to no decaf option. I will be sure to share your feedback to the correct department to be considered on the next update. Once again I am very sorry for the inconvenience.

So at the very least I’m not crazy: there is no option for selecting decaf.

This is such a bizarre design decision, that runs contrary to the app’s flexibility otherwise, that I have to imagine it’s tied to a process issue that’s not obvious.

Any thoughts?

Comments

Patricia Delaughter's picture
Patricia Delaughter on July 25, 2018 - 16:05 Permalink

Please add a decaf option to ice coffees love the app but don't use often due to no decaf available for ice coffees

david lotter's picture
david lotter on December 16, 2018 - 11:50 Permalink

Why can't you folks add a decaf option on the Starbucks App? Seriously. It isn't that hard to add a decaf option on the customize order page. If you need help I'll do it. But seriously - this feature should be on the app. This is an easy fix.

Peter Rukavina's picture
Peter Rukavina on December 16, 2018 - 11:51 Permalink

We’ll get right on that.

 

Donna's picture
Donna on December 22, 2019 - 18:45 Permalink

You'll get on that when. It's almost 2020. This post was 2018.......really??

Donna's picture
Donna on December 22, 2019 - 18:45 Permalink

You'll get on that when. It's almost 2020. This post was 2018.......really??

Tina Carpenter 's picture
Tina Carpenter on April 2, 2019 - 12:17 Permalink

Can't order decaf drinks on the app.
I love your drinks but I order decaf. It can be done in the store so why not the app??

Rebekah's picture
Rebekah on August 3, 2020 - 09:17 Permalink

It’s there! I searched this issue this morning (8/3/2020) to see if there was a work around. Then, after reading this post just now, I looked to see if there was an update for the app. There was. It just updated and there is now a decaf option (in with the “shots” portion) for the americano I usually order! Wanted to share...

Caryn's picture
Caryn on September 16, 2020 - 11:46 Permalink

I was at a drive thru window this morning after ordering a Decaf Frappuccino, and the girl asked if I just wanted decaf espresso or the whole drink decaf. I wasn't aware there was a difference as I'm new to the decaf game. She explained that I cannot order an entire decaf drink on the app, only decaf espresso shot added to caffeinated coffee drink. My orders must be made in person and I must tell the barista I would like a fully decaf beverage. Who knew?

elizabeth's picture
elizabeth on August 7, 2020 - 13:41 Permalink

I am trying to order a decaf vanilla latte and it does not let me either...I went into their store to order it and their computers are down and told me to order on the app. When I told them I can not order a decaf on the app, they told me to go to Peets down the street. WOW...great way to lose customers!

Christine's picture
Christine on January 27, 2021 - 06:00 Permalink

2021 still waiting on decaf option on mobile app? Had Starbucks added it and I’m missing it?

Barbara 's picture
Barbara on February 8, 2021 - 18:13 Permalink

Especially during the pandemic it would certainly be appreciated if you can include decaf lattes on the mobile app.

Stephanie's picture
Stephanie on March 4, 2021 - 16:52 Permalink

I’m pregnant and love your coffee but doc recommends decaf only. Trying to do the order and get one free later and can’t order my decaf. Only way offer valid is through the app!! I still can’t believe this is not an option. It allows down to 1 pump espresso why not have an option for 0

Terri Oneil's picture
Terri Oneil on March 30, 2021 - 10:38 Permalink

I am not able to order decaf iced coffee drinks at all. You have decaf options on the hot drinks, why not the cold? Really, really frustrating esp with the pandemic!

Lauren V's picture
Lauren V on June 1, 2021 - 03:27 Permalink

I'd appreciate being able to order decaf on the app! I'm still extra cautious and won't go inside restaurants so being able to order on the app is a big help!

Paula Sanchez 's picture
Paula Sanchez on January 9, 2022 - 13:59 Permalink

Has anyone figured out how to order decaf on the SB app???

LB's picture
LB on March 15, 2022 - 10:04 Permalink

There’s a pull-down option on some drinks under “customize” to add varying degrees of decaf espresso or blonde espresso but it won’t let you select a choice.

Carla M Barnes's picture
Carla M Barnes on September 17, 2023 - 12:38 Permalink

So weird all these years later there's still no option to get PURELY decaf fraps. You can select decaf but it adds a shot and a dollar