I’m a cafe owner and this is how to save $3 on iced lattes: ‘They don’t want you to know this’

A pub owner has revealed a ‘cost-saving secret’ that everyone should know – and it’s helping some save more than $1,000 a year.

Gabbyfrom Victoria, runs popular café ‘The Spicy Grump‘ with her sister and has been in the catering industry for years.

Despite her experience, Gabby was still shocked that Australian cafes place an unspoken $3 surcharge on iced drinks, even though they are easier to make than hot coffee.

She recently shared a ‘hack’ on TikTok where she brings her own ice cream and milk in a storage cup. Then all she has to do is order a double espresso.

“It’s easier to make an iced latte than a regular latte,” Gabby said. ‘I don’t know why it’s more expensive. I don’t write the rules.’

She went on to explain that she uses the trick herself as a barista.

“It’s going to save you a lot of money,” Gabby said.

“Put some milk and some ice in a storage cup, order a double espresso that costs less than $4, and then pour that into your milk and ice.

‘Now you have your iced latte! That’s it, there’s nothing different about an iced latte.’

The barista also revealed that you can ask for caramel or vanilla syrup in the espresso if you want a sweeter taste.

“In New Zealand, ice cream cups and lids are double the price of hot cups and lids,” one barista explained in the comments. “So that’s why ours tend to be more expensive.”

Some were skeptical about the trick.

‘Why not add the espresso yourself at home if you are already going to add milk and ice at home?’ someone asked.

But others were ‘obsessed’ with the idea.

‘I’ve been doing this for years for ice cold tall blacks! $7 for coffee ice cream and water is insane,” one woman said.

“I paid $9 for an iced latte this morning. My colleagues’ medium cappuccino cost $5.75,” said another.

“This is great advice for people who drink alternative milks and go to places where they don’t have it!” wrote one.