Last updated: October 2026
Dutch Bros vs Starbucks is one of the most common coffee debates in the US. Both sell espresso drinks, cold brew, frozen drinks and energy drinks, but they differ a lot on price, cup sizes and style. Here is a side-by-side comparison using published menu prices.
Last updated: October 2026. Prices vary by location and change often, so treat them as examples.
Quick Verdict: Is Dutch Bros Cheaper Than Starbucks?
Usually, yes. In a July 2026 price test, The Takeout compared online menus in Austin, Texas, and concluded that Dutch Bros “is where to go for a cheaper cup.” Their numbers put hot drinks at about $0.21 per ounce at Dutch Bros versus about $0.33 per ounce at Starbucks.
Price Comparison: Same Drink, Both Chains
These prices come from The Takeout test (Austin, TX, before tax and tip):
| Drink | Starbucks | Dutch Bros |
|---|---|---|
| 16 oz hot Americano | Grande $4.25 | Medium $3.25 |
| 16 oz iced latte (2% milk) | Grande $5.25 | Small $4.45 |
| 16 oz mocha frozen drink | Frappuccino $5.95 | Blended Freeze $4.95 |
| 16 oz strawberry energy drink | Refresher $6.25 | Vampire Slayer Rebel $4.75 |
| Add vanilla | +$0.80 | +$0.50 |
In that test, $20 bought six Americanos at Dutch Bros compared with four at Starbucks.
Cup Sizes Compared
Tasting Table (February 2026) lists these sizes:
| Starbucks | Ounces | Dutch Bros | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | 8 oz | Kid’s | 9 oz |
| Tall | 12 oz | Small | 12 oz hot |
| Grande | 16 oz | Medium | 16 oz hot |
| Venti | 20 oz hot / 24 oz iced | Large | 24 oz hot |
| Trenta | 30 oz (iced coffee and tea only) | Extra-large | 32 oz hot / 44 oz iced |
Iced and blended Dutch Bros cups run larger than hot cups. For the full chart, see our Dutch Bros sizes guide.
Snacks and Food
Starbucks has a much bigger food menu, but Dutch Bros snacks cost less in The Takeout test: a cake pop was $2.95 at Dutch Bros versus $3.45 at Starbucks, and banana bread was $3.75 versus $4.75 for the Starbucks banana-nut loaf. Food selection varies by Dutch Bros location. See our Dutch Bros food and breakfast guide.
Menu Style and Drinks
- Dutch Bros is known for sweet, flavored drinks, the Rebel energy drink line, and 28 syrup flavors you can mix. See our Dutch Bros flavors list and Rebel guide.
- Starbucks offers a wider coffee range, Refreshers, Frappuccinos and a larger food menu, plus more in-store seating.
- Ordering: most Dutch Bros shops are drive-thru or walk-up stands, while many Starbucks have cafes.
How to Save Money at Either Chain
- Size up for value: Tasting Table notes that larger cups usually cost more overall but give better value per ounce.
- Use the rewards app: both chains run loyalty apps. At Dutch Bros, scanning the app on every visit earns points toward free drinks, plus a birthday reward.
- Watch the add-ons: extra flavors, Soft Top or extra shots raise the price fast, especially at Starbucks where a vanilla add-in cost $0.80 in The Takeout test.
- Plan for tax and tip: The Takeout suggests budgeting about $1 to $2 tip per drink, more for big or complicated orders.
Paying is easy at both. Dutch Bros accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, cash and cards; see does Dutch Bros take Apple Pay for the full list.
Which Should You Choose?
- Pick Dutch Bros if you want lower prices, big iced drinks, energy drinks or a sweet, custom flavor combo.
- Pick Starbucks if you want more food, a place to sit, or a classic coffee menu.
Want to try the most popular orders first? Start with our best Dutch Bros drinks and the Golden Eagle.
Dutch Bros vs Starbucks: FAQ
Is Dutch Bros cheaper than Starbucks?
In most published comparisons, yes. The Takeout found similar drinks cost about $0.50 to $1.50 less at Dutch Bros.
Which has bigger drinks?
Dutch Bros. Its extra-large iced cup is 44 oz, while the largest Starbucks cup, the Trenta, is 30 oz.
Does Dutch Bros have a Frappuccino?
Not by that name, but the Dutch Bros Blended Freeze is a similar frozen coffee drink.
In the Dutch Bros vs Starbucks matchup, Dutch Bros usually wins on price and cup size, while Starbucks wins on food and seating. Check the full Dutch Bros menu to plan your next order.
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