Introduction:Starbucks’ $19 breakfast combo has quietly made a comeback on food delivery platforms, sparking heated discussions among consumers. This high-value combination, introduced during the pandemic, is now only available for delivery and requires bundling with other items to qualify for delivery. This article delves into the background of its return, the details of the combo, and real consumer feedback on the no-delivery-for-single-orders rule, helping you grasp the latest purchasing strategies and market trends.

Recently, Starbucks has adjusted its global pricing strategy. CEO Brian Niccol clearly stated that the company will abandon the low-price promotional approach pushed by the previous CEO, particularly in the North American market, where discounts such as “buy one get one free” and “50% off” have been completely canceled. Against this backdrop, some consumers noticed that the $19 breakfast combo, which had been off the menu for over a year, had quietly returned to food delivery platforms, drawing significant market attention.

This $19 breakfast combo was first launched during the pandemic when Starbucks sought to counter the sharp decline in store revenue caused by COVID-19. Dubbed the “Full Star Breakfast,” the combo included one main item and one steamed milk drink. Customers could upgrade the beverage to a Starbucks-branded coffee, and at the time, bringing your own reusable cup would earn an additional $4 discount, bringing the total down to as low as $11—earning it the nickname “poor man’s combo” among many office workers.

Thanks to its affordability, the combo became widely popular among white-collar workers in first- and second-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, becoming an economical choice for many during busy mornings. However, starting from early last year, Starbucks officially discontinued this breakfast promotion, which had lasted nearly three years. At the time, many consumers expressed disappointment on social media, lamenting that “the joy is gone.”

But not long ago, some food delivery users unexpectedly found that this classic breakfast combo had reappeared on delivery platforms, with a menu almost identical to the original. However, this comeback came with new rules—orders are limited to delivery only, andsingle-item orders are not eligible for delivery. To successfully place an order, customers must add at least one additional small biscuit-like item worth around $10 to meet the minimum order requirement, often pushing the actual payment to over $20. This has left many customers who were expecting a “returning benefit” feeling let down.

The move quickly sparked discussions on social platforms. Many netizens commented: “If it can’t be ordered alone for delivery, then I might as well not buy it,” noting that there are plenty of coffee and breakfast options available on the market. For those just wanting a coffee with a simple meal, many nearby brands can provide alternatives without needing to go out of their way for Starbucks. Some budget-conscious users also pointed out that even with the return of the $19 combo, the total cost—once bundled with additional items—approaches $20, far exceeding their expectations for a “poor man’s combo,” and thus won’t be part of their regular breakfast considerations.

Regarding whether China will follow North America in adjusting its pricing strategy, Starbucks China customer service responded that they have not yet received any notification of changes. They will continue to distribute coupons through various channels from time to time, including “buy one get one free” coupons shared in WeChat groups. However, specific promotions remain subject to actual distribution.

Overall, while the return of the $19 breakfast combo has come as a pleasant surprise to some consumers, the limited delivery-only channel and the bundling requirement significantly reduce its appeal. For those who frequently order breakfast via delivery, it is recommended to first check if the combo is available in your area and evaluate whether the extra spending for delivery is worthwhile before deciding to purchase.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.