Skip to main content
Cloudy icon
68º

Starbucks aims for more sustainable choices with free refills

Starbucks is adding free refills for those who bring personal cups or use glassware

A Starbucks Coffee on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

SAN ANTONIO – Starbucks is making sustainable taste fun with a new cafe amenity starting Monday.

According to a press release from the popular coffee chain, Starbucks will offer free refills for customers with their own cups nationwide and in Canada starting on Jan. 27.

Recommended Videos



Guests who order beverages “for here” in a ceramic mug, glass or personal cup will get free refills of brewed iced or hot coffee during their stay at the cafe.

According to their website, this does exclude Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea and Starbucks Refreshers base.

In a statement mentioning the new sustainable mission, Brian Niccol, Chairman and CEO of Starbucks said, “We have much more work to do but I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made and appreciate how everyone has rallied around the plan.”

Additionally, Starbucks will be bringing back condiment bars. Guests will now be able to add sweeteners to their drink, as well as creamer and milk, the release said.

According to various sources, including a Wall Street reporter, the condiment bar was initially removed due to COVID-19 concerns, which prompted customers to protest.


About the Author
Avery Meurer headshot

Avery Meurer is a Content Gatherer for KSAT 12. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Communications/Radio, Television and Film, as well as a Creative Writing Certificate. A native San Antonian, Avery attended the Northeast School of the Arts (NESA) majoring in musical theater and creative writing.

Loading...