Starbucks to Raise Drink Prices Again Due to Higher Costs

Starbucks will raise prices at its U.S. coffee shops by about 9 cents a drink next week to help offset rising costs for commodities such as milk and energy, a spokesman said on Monday.

Starbucks' last price increase of about 5 cents per drink went into effect in October.

"We're always looking at the business costs, and given the rising cost environment in which we operate we think this is an appropriate time," spokesman Brandon Borrman said.

The increase affects drinks made behind the counter and is effective July 31 at Starbucks' company-owned stores in the United States, spokesman Brandon Borrman said. Licensed stores control their own prices but are expected to follow the move, he added.

Prices on bottled drinks, whole bean coffee and food are unaffected.