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Rumors swirling across TikTok and social media claim that each color straw at Dutch Bros carries a hidden message about you. Some say pink means you’re pretty, orange means you’re strange, and blue suggests you’re rude. But is this really true, or just another internet-fueled urban legend?
Let’s break down the Dutch Bros straw code to find out what’s real and what’s just another viral myth.
The Origin of the Dutch Bros Straw Code
The Dutch Bros straw code story started as an online rumor. Some claim it originated from social media posts, while others point to early 2017, when videos and blogs discussed the possibility. People shared personal experiences of receiving certain straw colors that seemed too consistent to be random. A pink straw, for example, often came with extra smiles and compliments from the barista. An orange straw, however, made people wonder if something else was going on.
No one can pinpoint exactly when or where this rumor started, but it quickly became a viral topic. Social media platforms like TikTok exploded with users sharing their straw color and what it supposedly meant.
What Each Straw Color Represents?
For many people, the fascination lies in the meaning behind each straw color. The alleged “straw code” looks something like this:
- Pink: The barista thinks you’re pretty or friendly.
- Green: You’re considered unattractive.
- Orange: You’re strange.
- Blue: The barista thinks you’re rude.
- Yellow: You’re just average.
Real or Just a Myth?
Many customers have taken to TikTok, Instagram, and blogs to share their stories. One TikTok user posted a video where he received an orange straw, which he claimed meant the barista thought he was strange. He laughed it off but wondered if the story held any truth. The video gained over 1 million views and sparked a new wave of interest in the straw code.
@thattwinkgavin Part 3,000 of me spending too much money on coffee🧋 #greenscreen #dutchbros #lgbt ♬ original sound – ThatTwinkGavin
However, not everyone buys into the hype. Some Dutch Bros employees have chimed in, saying that the straws are handed out randomly. One employee mentioned, “I just grab whatever straw is closest,” while others explained that when the store is busy, they don’t have time to think about the straw color.
Still, there are occasional stories of pink straws being given with a wink or a compliment, adding fuel to the fire. So, what’s the truth behind all this?
What Dutch Bros Employees Say?
Several Dutch Bros employees have shared their side of the story. According to them, the straw code is nothing more than a myth. Taylor Annis, a former Dutch Bros employee, confirmed that while the color-coded straws are real, they are rarely, if ever, used intentionally.
“The only time we really use it is if we get the customer at a time where we can engage with them and talk,” Annis shared, “but not when we’re in a rush with a large line.”
Other employees across multiple locations agreed, adding that in most cases, they just grab a straw without even looking at the color. Even when a particular straw color is given out, it often has nothing to do with the customer’s personality or appearance.
Also, check out how many espresso shots go into a venti.
Why Customers Buy Into the Myth?
The straw code feeds into human nature’s love for secret messages and hidden meanings. People want to feel special, like there’s something unique about their drink experience beyond just ordering coffee. Getting a pink straw feels like an affirmation, while an orange straw gives customers a playful reason to laugh at themselves. The idea that someone is paying attention to you, even in a small way, is what keeps this conspiracy alive.
Another reason the myth endures is simple—people like mysteries. The idea that something as mundane as a straw could carry a deeper message adds a layer of fun to an otherwise ordinary interaction. This helps explain why the rumor has stuck around, even with numerous employees debunking it.
Similar myths about hidden customer messages aren’t limited to Dutch Bros. A viral rumor also swirled around Ulta Beauty, where many customers claimed employees gave out pink shopping bags to customers they liked, while orange bags went to everyone else. However, Ulta workers quickly clarified that it was all just a joke, meant to be playful and not a serious practice. In fact, many customers were shocked to learn that different bag colors even existed.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the Dutch Bros straw code remains a fun and intriguing myth, fueled by social media and customer curiosity. While many enjoy speculating about the hidden meanings behind each straw color, employees have consistently debunked the theory, explaining that straws are handed out randomly most of the time.
Like similar rumors at other stores, such as Ulta, these stories seem to be more about playful fun than actual secret messages.
