Is Starbucks' New Value Menu a Bargain or a Rip-Off?

With so many folks looking to save a buck, it can be hard to justify "luxuries" like fast food. In a bid to win back customer's dollars, fast-food chains are offering tons of value meals, including some of the higher-end spots. 

Starbucks fans are in for a treat: The coffee chain has launched its all-day-long “Pairings Menu,” which means ordering a breakfast sandwich and a coffee just became much cheaper. 

The move made Starbucks the latest retailer to roll out a value menu in its stores, following in the footsteps of fast-food giants like Wendy’s and McDonald’s. 

 So, what exactly is on the Pairing Menu?

Customers can choose from two options on the Pairings Menu: The first option starts at $5 and includes a tall coffee or tea, hot or iced, with a butter croissant. The second option starts at $6 and comes with the same drink selection and a breakfast sandwich. 

A dollar extra is added for orders with the Double Smoked Bacon or Impossible breakfast sandwiches, and customizations will also cost more.

You may wonder if the Pairings Menu is worth it, so we’ll let you decide for yourself: Previously, a tall iced coffee and a butter croissant would have cost $9. A Chicken, Maple Butter, egg Sandwich, and tall iced coffee would’ve been priced at $11.25. 

When compared to $5 and $6, customers can expect to save just under 50% of the normal cost.

The Pairings Menu isn’t the only new thing Starbucks has rolled out in recent weeks. Last month, the coffee giant launched its Iced Coffee Blends Collection, which included products designed to make coffee at home easier. 

Starbucks also released its Summer Menu at the beginning of May, which included drinks like the White Chocolate Macadamia Cold Brew and Summer Berry Refresher. 

Besides launching new products, the chain updated its app to include more accurate order times and promotions.

These changes come after CNN reported that the company’s sales slowed down by 3% last quarter.

Value menus have become increasingly popular in the last few years as big chains recognize the impact that inflation is having on customers.

Last month, Wendy’s launched a $3 breakfast combination meal, which included a breakfast sandwich and potatoes. Similarly, McDonald’s announced a $5 value menu that will roll out later this month, which will come with a McChicken or McDouble, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink.

Starbucks is just the latest of many fast-food restaurants to launch value menus. Whether or not the Pairings Menu is worth it will ultimately be up to the customer to decide, but paying $5 for a coffee and croissant seems like a steal in this economy.

And wherever you can save a buck or two and treat yourself, it's totally worth it.