Newsflash: A Venti Starbucks Drink Doesn't Always Contain More Espresso Than a Grande

Whether you're gearing up for a big day ahead or making up for a lack of sleep, some mornings call for the largest coffee you can get your hands on. For many of us, that means a Venti at Starbucks. But before you shell out the extra money, know that there's the same amount of espresso in the majority of the coffee shop's Grande and Venti hot beverages.

How is that possible? As a former Starbucks barista explained to Business Insider, both a Grande hot drink (16 oz.) and a Venti hot drink (20 oz.) contain two shots of espresso. Only Venti iced drinks, which are larger (24 oz.), get three shots. A Tall hot drink (12 oz.) contains one shot of espresso.

After a quick check of nutrition facts, we've confirmed this to be true. Both Grande and a Venti Caffè Lattes, Vanilla Lattes, Cappuccinos, White Chocolate Mochas, and Caramel Macchiatos contain 150mg of caffeine. Both sizes of a Flat White contain 195mg, while both sizes of a Latte Macchiato contain 225mg. The only exceptions are a Caffè Americano (the venti has 75mg more caffeine) and a Caffè Mocha (the venti has 10mg more caffeine—but we're thinking this has to do with the chocolate).

Based on this new knowledge, it appears the majority of Starbucks' Venti hot beverages are simply filled with more milk, flavor boosters, and syrups to fill up the larger cup. If you do want more caffeine, ask for an extra shot. Or, make Starbucks drinks at home, giving you total control over your buzz.