I did the math so you don’t have to. 🧐☕
We’ve all stood at the ordering kiosk wondering: Is it actually worth paying 80 cents more to upgrade from a Small (16oz) to a Large (24oz)? Or are you just paying for extra ice? 🧊🤔
I decided to run a little "citizen science" experiment at my table with my go-to order: the Iced Pomelo Americano Soda.
🧪 THE EXPERIMENT:
I ordered the big 24oz Large size.
I grabbed an empty 16oz Small cup that my boss had just finished drinking from. 🫡♻️
I poured my drink from the Large cup into the Small cup until it was filled right to the brim.
📸 THE RESULTS (Look closely at the lines!):
As you can see, my boss's old 16oz Small cup on the left is completely full.
But look at my 24oz Large cup on the right. That is the actual, physical leftover liquid and ice from the transfer. If you look at the barista measurement lines on the cup, the leftover drink sits exactly at the line, confirming you get every bit of those extra 8 ounces promised. 🎯
🧮 THE VERDICT:
Mathematically, 24oz - 16oz = 8oz.
...And the math checks out! Luckin’s sizing is 100% legit. You are genuinely getting 50% more volume for just 80 cents extra. That breaks down to just 10 cents per extra ounce, which is an absolute steal for a specialty drink upgrade.
⚠️ THE PRO-TIP TO KEEP IN MIND...
Before you smash that upgrade button every time, ask yourself what you want out of your drink: Are you paying for more coffee, or just more soda and ice?
I have a feeling we're being charged more for the ice and soda.There was so much ice that it felt like we were paying for the ice.
If they keep the espresso shot count the same between sizes, that 24oz Large drink is going to taste a bit more diluted by the time you reach the bottom.
Stick to the 16oz Small if you want a stronger, concentrated flavor punch.
Upgrade to the 24oz Large if you’re sweating in this heat and just want a massive, refreshing, fizzy drink to last you through the afternoon.
👇 What do you think?
Drop a comment below—do you always upgrade your coffee, or stick to the smaller size? (And yes, no bosses were harmed in the making of this experiment!)
Comments
They probably figured that most people will just pay the extra 80 cents.