If you're a frequent Starbucks-goer, you'll probably have noticed the lines on the coffee company's cups.
Whether you're ordering an Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte or its famous Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, a lot of drinks that come in clear cups have these mysterious lines on the side of them.
Once you get your drink, there's a good chance that your name is written on one of the lines - but there aren't there as writing space.
Apparently, they're there to make baristas lives a lot easier when they're making your drinks.
Advert
According to Coffee Levels, the lines are on the cups as measuring markers so drink-makers know how much of each ingredient to put in, and you'll typically only find them on cups for cold beverages.
For example, for a Starbucks iced coffee, baristas typically fill the cup with coffee up to the second line and then adds cream or milk to fill it up to the third.
On a Venti cup, the bottom line measures to be 8oz of liquid, the middle line 12oz, and the top line is 16oz, Coffee Levels explains.
In regards to the extra space at the top, that's apparently left for ice - because no one wants a warm Frappuccino, do they?
Advert
I'm sure these markers proved particularly useful for new Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan who was appointed earlier this year.
And ahead of landing the fancy new role, Narasimhan actually worked as a barista himself.
He was able to earn his barista certification after doing 40 hours of training in stores.
Advert
In a letter addressed to Starbucks employees on 23 March, Narasimhan wrote: "The past six months of my immersion into the company have been shaped by so many of you who have taught me about our very special culture at Starbucks."
"With you, I’ve experienced every aspect of the business to learn what it truly means to wear the green apron," he went on.
"You’ve welcomed me into our stores, trained me in how to be a barista … all to help me deeply understand what we do, how we do it, and the challenges and opportunities facing us."
Advert
Anyone who has worked as a barista will know that it's hard graft but, despite this, Narasimhan pledged to continue to visit Starbucks stores and work as a barista each month.
He said he wanted to do this 'to keep [the company] close to the culture and our customers, as well as to our challenges and opportunities'.
UNILAD has contacted Starbucks for comment.
Topics: Food and Drink, Starbucks
Niamh Shackleton