A video posted by a Starbucks customer claiming to have found a full-sized grasshopper in her Pumpkin Loaf has gone viral, generating significant online discussion. The video, shared by TikTok user Teryn (@teryn1989), has amassed over 380,000 views and raises questions about the adequacy of Starbucks’ response.
Incident Details
In the less-than-one-minute-long video, Teryn narrates her experience using a voice-over feature while showing photos and videos of her Pumpkin Loaf. The video begins with a shot of her receipt, dated August 1, confirming her purchase of a warmed Pumpkin Loaf. Teryn then shows a close-up photo of the loaf, revealing an insect leg protruding from a bite-sized piece of the pastry.
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“I got my usual caramel macchiato and pumpkin loaf. When I was on my last bite, I found a huge grasshopper,” Teryn explains in the video. She includes additional images comparing the grasshopper’s size to a quarter to emphasize its presence.
Following the discovery, Teryn contacted Starbucks, which offered her a full refund along with a $20 gift card. Despite this compensation, Teryn questions whether the response was sufficient, asking viewers for their opinions.
In a final clip, Teryn demonstrates how she extracted the entire grasshopper from the loaf using two toothpicks.
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Viewer Reactions
The video has sparked a flurry of comments from viewers. One user expressed concern over the safety of the bakery items, saying, “Now I’m gonna check my loafs. Did they even say they were gonna contact the warehouse that ships it? These things are packed separately in bags. I don’t think $20 was good enough.”
Another commenter, who claimed to have worked at Starbucks, noted that the loaves are pre-made and frozen before being sent to stores. “When I worked at Starbucks, the loaf [pieces] were all pre-made and came frozen and prepackaged,” the user said. They recommended contacting corporate for further investigation.
A third user agreed, stating, “It came from the distribution center like that. Starbucks doesn’t make pastries in-house so your location should be safe still.”
Starbucks’ Bakery Practices
A Reddit user identifying as a barista took to the r/Starbucks thread to clarify misconceptions about the preparation of Starbucks’ baked goods. The user explained that many customers mistakenly believe the food is freshly made at the store. “I’ve had customers ask if we had a Sous Vide chef in the back making our egg bites,” the barista said, adding that most items are frozen and reheated, not made from scratch.
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The Reddit user emphasized, “ITS FROZEN YALL. We’re not gonna lie about that!” They also pointed out that while baristas can customize some orders, they do not control the content or preparation of the food items.
Previous Issues with Starbucks Baked Goods
This isn’t the first time Starbucks’ baked goods have faced scrutiny. In a separate incident, a customer questioned the freshness of a Pumpkin Loaf after discovering a “produced by” date on the packaging that indicated the item was six weeks old. The Daily Dot reported that the packaging read, “Produced July 29, 2023,” although the customer purchased it in mid-September.
An apparent barista, identified as @meganleopard, responded on TikTok, explaining that the baked goods are shipped frozen and thawed overnight. “Unless you get it warmed, it’ll be in the plastic,” they said. They added that extra items are donated after being wrapped up for two days.
The Daily Dot reached out to Starbucks for a comment on Teryn’s video and the issues raised but did not receive a response by press time. Teryn was also contacted through TikTok comments and direct messages for further details.
The viral video and ensuing debate highlight ongoing concerns about food safety and customer satisfaction at popular chain restaurants.
