Starbucks has been able to increase prices through effective pricing techniques while maintaining customer loyalty. They target young professionals and students who see Starbucks as an affordable luxury. While coffee costs have decreased, Starbucks raises prices claiming other cost increases. In reality, they leverage pricing power knowing customers will pay higher amounts. Starbucks uses value-based pricing, product differentiation of drink sizes, and messaging price hikes as insignificant to manipulate perceptions. Additionally, caffeine dependence has risen, benefiting Starbucks as coffee contains the most caffeine and Americans consume over 400 million cups daily.