The Hidden Secret in Your Starbucks Cup—And Why You’ve Never Noticed It

The Boxes You Rarely Notice

Take a closer look at the side of your cup. Near the familiar green siren logo, you’ll often find a series of small boxes labeled with words like “Decaf,” “Shots,” “Syrup,” “Milk,” and “Custom.” Baristas typically mark these boxes to indicate your drink modifications.

At first glance, they seem purely functional — a quick shorthand to ensure your order is correct. But they serve a deeper purpose in the Starbucks system.

These checkboxes are part of a carefully designed workflow that helps baristas process complex orders quickly and accurately. In busy stores, where dozens of customized drinks are made every few minutes, those tiny marks prevent mistakes and keep operations moving efficiently.