Why You Should Never Be Late To Pick Up A Starbucks Frappuccino

Every seasoned Starbucks-sipper knows there's a long list of faux pas when ordering. For anyone partial to a Frappuccino, though, there's another addition to that caffeine-centric rulebook: run late at your own risk. This drink has a reputation for its delicately prepared recipes and precariously balanced quantities, and any extra time spent sitting on the sidelines could let everything unravel.

Tasting Table couldn't resist spilling some beans in a tell-all about what it's like to work at Starbucks, and what our writer learned when working there. Dani Zoeller had many intriguing insights, but particularly raised a red flag about the beloved Frappuccino. "While Frappuccinos can be inconvenient to prepare, they generally come together quickly. However, they also tend to separate just as fast," she warned. Zoeller continued, "As a blended beverage, its components — ice, dairy, coffee, and flavorings — have a tendency to separate from one another as the ice melts." She also emphasized the importance of prompt consumption. After all, nobody wants a watery, disintegrated Caramel Frap.

For the most part, the Starbucks mobile app is a game-changer for anyone in a rush. Unfortunately, it's still a risky game when ordering blended drinks, like the Matcha Crème or Mocha Cookie Crumble. So, remember that the next time you're deciding on the best Starbucks Frappuccinos to order, and maybe request that the drink be double-blended – it's better to be safe than sorry.

The longer a Frappuccino goes unsipped, the more separated it'll become. That said, sometimes life happens. Whether there was a pile-up on the highway, your dog escaped on a walk, or a client called just as you approached the pick-up window, quick Frappuccino consumption isn't always in the cards. So, what then?

If not already provided, your first step should be requesting a straw and a lid. These elements are true separation-fighters. Just stir the layers together with the straw, and fit the lid immediately to keep the drink cool. As Zoeller explained, the primary culprit for disintegrating Frappuccinos is melting ice, which means that preventing your Frap from overheating can reduce the speed of the drink's deterioration. For those feeling particularly smug and savvy, blast the AC to cool your vehicle before pick-up to stop any further damage in its tracks.

Another option is requesting extra ice; although, this comes with caveats. For one, Frappuccinos are already the Starbucks drink baristas hate making, so you should consider its time demands before ordering. Likewise, there isn't currently an "extra ice" feature in the Starbucks app, so also you'd need to ask in person. Is the store backed up with a long queue of customers? Shelve that request, and rush home to add some — or start sipping.