Coffee lovers are often faced with the dilemma of choosing between buying pre-ground coffee or grinding their own beans. If you’re a fan of Starbucks coffee, you may be wondering if the company will grind your beans for you.
In this article, we’ll explore Starbucks’ policy on grinding coffee beans, how to request a grind, the different grinds available for home brewing, and the benefits of getting your beans ground at Starbucks.
By the end, you’ll have a full understanding of whether grinding your own coffee at Starbucks is right for you.
If you’re not a fan of hot drinks, don’t worry, we’ve ranked 19 of the best iced coffee drinks you must try at Starbucks here!.
So grab your mug and let’s dive in!
Starbucks’ Policy on Grinding Coffee Beans
The good news is that Starbucks does offer to grind whole bean coffee for customers, free of charge! This service is available for any coffee beans purchased in Starbuck coffee shops, even the Starbucks located in grocery stores, or online.
However, the company does have a few guidelines for requesting a grind.
To ensure the best quality grind, Starbucks recommends customers request a grind at the time of purchase. This gives the barista behind the counter enough time to grind the beans to the perfect consistency for your specific needs.
If you forget to request a grind at the time of purchase, it’s okay! You can still bring your unopened bag of whole beans into any Starbucks location and request a grind.
Baristas will only grind unused bags of coffee beans to avoid cross-contamination with other flavors behind the coffee bar.
How to Request a Grind at Starbucks
To get the perfect grind for your home brewing method, it’s important to know how to request it at Starbucks. The first step is to let the barista know that you need coffee beans ground for your at-home brewing equipment.
The barista will ask what type of equipment you use or your brew methods, such as a French press, drip coffee maker, coffee press or espresso machine. So it’s a good idea to have that info in mind before getting to the counter!
After you’ve shared your brewing method, the barista will then be able to recommend the best grind settings for your beans. They will likely ask you questions about your personal preferences and how strong you like your coffee to be.
Starbucks offers a range of grind options, including fine, medium, and coarse. Each grind is tailored to match the specific brewing method and produce the best possible flavor profile.
Starbucks Coffee Grinds for Home Brewing
From French Press to Aeropress, each type of grind is designed to produce the perfect flavor profile for your specific brewing method.
While we’re talking about the Aeropress, if you’re on the fence about trying one out, check out our extensive Aeropress review that goes over the pros and cons and how to use the device. Plus we go a little more in depth with the best grind for your Aeropress coffee in this Aeropress coffee grind guide.
For those who prefer a finer grind, Starbucks offers an Espresso grind, which is ideal for espresso machines and Moka pots.
The Medium grind is a versatile universal grind option that works well for drip coffee makers or even dual coffee makers.
On the hunt for the best dual coffee maker? Check out these 7 incredible options!. This is a good grind for everyday use. The Coarse grind is an excellent choice for french presses and cold brew.
If you want to learn more about the differences between moka pots versus french presses, we’ve got you covered with our moka pots versus french press comparison guide.
Choosing the right grind for your brewing method is crucial to achieving the best possible flavor for the richest cup of coffee.
Keep in mind that a finer grind will produce a stronger, more concentrated cup of coffee, while a coarser grind will result in a milder, smoother taste.
Perks of Grinding Beans at Starbucks
When you choose to grind your coffee beans at Starbucks, you can be sure that you’re getting the freshest possible cup of coffee.
To extend the freshness of your newly ground beans, it’s recommended to store them in an airtight container away from light and heat. Starbucks coffee grounds have a shelf life of about six months, while whole bean coffee can last up to a year if they are stored properly.
That’s because the beans are ground right before brewing, which helps to preserve the flavors and aromas that are lost when coffee is pre-ground and stored.
In addition to freshness, grinding your own coffee beans at Starbucks can also give you more control over the flavor and strength of your coffee. By selecting a finer or coarser grind, you can tailor your brew to your taste preferences and the brewing method you’re using.
Another benefit of grinding beans at Starbucks is that you can experiment with different varieties and blends of coffee.
Each type of coffee has its own unique flavor profile to consider. By grinding your own beans, you can discover new tastes and aromas that you might not have experienced before!
From chocolate to cherry and even citrus!
Overall, there are many benefits to grinding your coffee beans at Starbucks. Whether you’re seeking freshness, flavor control, or a deeper connection to the coffee-making process, grinding your beans at Starbucks is the best way to experience great coffee!
Plus, the process of getting your beans ground at Starbucks is an extremely simple.
With a simple request, the baristas will grind your beans to your desired coarseness, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a fresh, flavorful cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home!
If you’re looking for more Starbucks coffee fun, we’ve selected the best sweet drinks at Starbucks. If you’re refreshing iced drink or simply looking to cozy up with a warm sweet treat – this list is for you!
FAQs
Yes, this is a free service that Starbucks stores offers. It must be their own brand of unopened, unexpired whole coffee beans that is purchased at one of their retail locations or at a grocery store such as, Target, Walmart, or other retail location that sells whole Starbucks coffee beans.
No, Starbucks will not grind store-bought or other coffee chain coffee coffee unless it is its own Starbucks brand.
Yes, you can ask a Starbucks barista for a particular grind size. Starbucks offers a variety of grind sizes, including coarse, medium, and fine grind.
Want your own coffee grinder to grind coffee beans at home? Check out our top picks for the quietest coffee grinders on the market!
