Starbucks increasing prices by 5 to 20 cents on some drinks

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Monday, July 6, 2015
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Your morning cup of coffee might be getting more expensive. Starbucks says it's increasing prices by 5 to 20 cents on some drinks starting Tuesday.

Large and small brewed coffees will go up by 10 cents in most areas of the country, Starbucks says. After the increase, the price of a large coffee will be $2.45 in most U.S. stores.

The purpose of the price increase is to "balance the need to run our business profitably while continuing to provide value to our loyal customers and to attract new customers," according to a statement from the company.

Starbucks last raised their prices nationally about a year ago.

Social media users have been expressing their displeasure with the price hike.

Lisa Passe, a representative for Starbucks, said the price increases mostly apply to hot drinks and are expected to effect less than 20 percent of customers. That estimate is based on current purchasing patterns, which could change as more customers purchase hot drinks as the weather cools.

Passe also said that Starbucks will not be raising prices on any food items. The chain has been trying to get more customers to purchase food items like sandwiches from the stores in hopes of boosting sales.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.