Starbucks has raised the prices of some of their drinks and lowered others, in an effort to differentiate their mixed coffee drinks from those currently offered at McDonald’s. By making them more expensive, apparently.

The price of sugary Starbucks concoctions with several ingredients, like Frappuccinos and caramel macchiatos, will increase an average 10 cents to 15 cents, but in some cases as much as 30 cents, or about 8 percent, said Valerie O’Neil, a Starbucks spokeswoman.

The price of the most popular beverages – 12-ounce lattes and brewed coffees – will decrease an average of 5 cents to 15 cents. This is the first time Starbucks has lowered prices, she said. It last increased the price of drinks by 5 cents in 2007.

They’ll also be changing menus around to make less expensive brewed coffee and espresso drinks more prominent.

Counter-intuitive move in a recession, maybe, but perhaps customers who once spent larger totals will buy less expensive drinks while maintaining their Starbucks habit. Oatmeal prices remain unchanged.

Will the Hard-Core Starbucks Customer Pay More? The Chain Plans to Find Out [New York Times]

(Photo: Atwater Village Newbie)

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