Getting a meal that looks nothing like the advertisement is a frustrating experience for any of us. One customer recently decided to take action at a Starbucks drive-thru after receiving a bacon and Gouda sandwich that fell short of expectations, BroBible reports.
The situation unfolded in a video, which has already reached 103,200 views on TikTok. Binkbadd, a creator with 42,300 followers on the platform, filmed herself in her car while speaking to a friend on the phone.
The core of the issue was the sandwich contents, which appeared to be lacking compared to the promotional image. Binkbadd removed the bun to show that her breakfast item contained only three small-medium rashers of bacon. She told the drive-thru server that she wanted to use Apple Pay for a refund, and she eventually returned the sandwich to the staff.
After securing the refund, she circled back to the window to point at the menu board
She told the worker, “That’s how it looks on screen.” The image on the menu shows a sandwich with a healthy amount of bacon poking out from the sides. During the interaction, she also asked for a second cookie and joked that there was a “hole in [her] stomach where the sandwich was supposed to go.”
The worker offered to make her another sandwich, which Binkbadd accepted. The interaction prompted her friend on the phone to laugh and tell her, “You gotta be stopped.” The video concludes with the customer receiving her new order and thanking the staff for their help.
Binkbadd later explained her perspective in an Instagram message. She noted that Starbucks positions itself as a higher-end stop compared to places like Burger King or McDonald’s. She argued that the menu illustrates a quality product, yet the delivered sandwich is much smaller and different from the illustration.
She suggested that if the real sandwich were shown, most people wouldn’t pay that price. She also mentioned that while the location she visited provided great service, many baristas seem frustrated by constant complaints over issues they don’t control. She believes the solution for the company is to lower the price or deliver a product that matches the price point.
The reaction online was mixed, with many commenters pointing out that the food arrives at stores pre-made and frozen. One person wrote, “Obviously you never been to a Starbucks before. Cause they ALL look like that!” Another commenter remarked that the food is simply popped in the microwave.
Binkbadd stood her ground in several follow-up videos, arguing that just because a product is pre-made, it doesn’t mean it should be a fraction of the size shown in advertisements. She also addressed comments from people claiming to be baristas, stating that she expects staff to resolve quality issues when they see them.
According to a report from Coffee At Three, returning food at Starbucks is possible under the brand’s Barista Promise. The promise states, “Love your beverage or let us know. We’ll always make it right.” The blog notes that it is usually easiest to address these concerns politely before leaving the store. While the policy often focuses on drinks, it appears to apply to food items as well.
Published: Nov 9, 2026 04:00 pm