Can this free Starbucks hack save you $4?

“The smartest idea in the whole world.”

A mother’s money-saving Starbucks trick has sparked controversy after she revealed how she replaced her daughter’s $4 cake pop with a free alternative.

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In a video that went viral on TikTok, user Caitlin Parker (@caitlin.marie.parker) shared how discovering the “Puppuccino” — a free cup of whipped cream that the coffee giant typically offers to pets — changed her Starbucks routine.

“I’m not kidding, we were spending $4 every time we came to the grocery store because we were getting our daughter a cake every time we came,” Parker explained. “Then I saw a mother the other day asking for a puppuccino — the smartest idea in the whole world.”

The video, which has received more than 12,400 views since it was posted Thursday, shows Parker claiming the free reward at the register. She later adds, “I just have to show it off because I know it’s going to save us a lot of money, and our daughter loves it. She literally gets a whole big cup of whipped cream. So, you’re welcome.”

@kaitlin. Mary. Parker I’ve never been so grateful for a cup of whipped cream😅😂🙏🏻🍦 #Momtok #toddlermohacks #momhack #hacksformoms #momsoftiktok #stayathomemom #breakthrough ♬ Landslide (instrumental guitar) – Go fast

Other Starbucks customers share their thoughts

In the comments section of the video, viewers debated whether it was okay to request free items without making a purchase.

“Requesting a bopacino and nothing else seems wrong though,” one viewer commented, while another added: “Absolutely. That’s why free stuff ends up being confiscated, and people take advantage of it.”

Another commenter suggested, “I’ll at least tip for their time,” to which another responded, “Tip for the 0.5 seconds it takes to put the whipped cream in the cup? You’re savages.”

“Starbucks will now require you to see said puppy before letting you order a puppacino – get it while you can, ladies!” Notice another one.

However, despite criticism from some Starbucks customers, Starbucks itself does not seem to have a problem with this “hack.” In response to a similar viral article Instagram reel Back in July, a Starbucks spokesperson told Today:

“We love seeing the different ways our customers brighten their loved ones’ days with Starbucks,” he said, adding, “Customers can order a side of whipped cream with the purchase of a drink at no additional charge.”

The Daily Dot has reached out to Caitlin Parker via email and Starbucks via press email for comment.

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