People who like Dutch Bros coffee and drink coffee from there are often familiar with the straw code. Many customers believe it’s a secret straw code used by Dutch Bros baristas to express their feelings about customers, such as whether a customer is cute, rude, or mysterious, etc.
So, is this true? Do Dutch Bros really use different colored straws to secretly show how they feel about their customers, or is it just a rumor? Or does the Dutch Bros straw code mean something entirely different?
What Do the Dutch Bros Straw Colors Mean (Rumor and Fact)?
Many people believe that the Dutch Bros straw has a secret meaning based on its color, but there is no evidence to support this claim. However, it is believed that the straw code is given to customers by the workers based on the customer’s behavior. Now, what is rumor and what is fact in this matter is outlined below:

Straw code (Rumor)
- Pink: means they think you’re cute.
- Green: suggests you’re not so good-looking.
- Orange: implies you’re mysterious.
- Yellow: means you’re just okay.
- Blue: It suggests they think you’re rude.
- The colors of the straw indicate the level of sweetness in their drinks, primarily for their blended drinks like smoothies and frosts
Straw code (Fact)
Dutch Bros. appears to have moved away from using straw colors to indicate sweetness levels, such as blue for unsweetened or red for extra sweet. Instead, customers likely need to specify sweetness verbally, like “extra sweet” or “half sweet,” as straw colors now seem to serve visual and identification purposes.Straw colors are now chosen primarily for visual appeal and drink identification
How to order using dutch bros straw code
When you order your favorite drink from the Dutch Bros menu, customers should verbally specify their desired sweetness level (e.g., “extra sweet,” “half sweet,” “no sugar added,” “classic”). Mentioning straw color for sweetness is obsolete and may confuse baristas. Customization (flavors, milk, etc.) is also communicated verbally, not via straw color.
Straw Code and loyalty program
Rumors
In the Dutch Bros loyalty program, customers earn points based on their purchases. Similarly, the straw code is also a part of the loyalty program.
Each color has its own points, which customers can use for free drinks, food items, and other perks.
- Red straw = 10 points
- Blue straw = 20 points
- Green straw = 30 points
- Purple straw = 50 points
Fact
The loyalty program, Dutch Bros Rewards, likely earns points based on spending, at 3 points per $1, not tied to straw colors. Redemption seems to be 250 points for a medium drink and 325 for others, though some claim different tiers (100/200/300), creating uncertainty. Points likely expire 180 days from earning, not based on inactivity as some suggest.
Tips for Straw Code Success
To succeed with the Dutch Bros straw code, you should keep an eye on the latest updates from Dutch Bros, especially through their social media platforms, to see if any changes have been made to the straw code. You can also join Dutch Bros fans’ online forums and community groups, where their customers have shared their experiences, helping you enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the straw code.
How to Use Dutch Bros Straw Codes?
How to redeem Straw Codes for Rewards
There are no “Straw Codes” to redeem. Rewards are earned solely through purchase spending tracked in the Dutch Bros app. Redemption happens by selecting a reward in the app or informing the barista you’re redeeming a reward when ordering (they scan your app QR code).
How to Collect and Redeem Rewards:
How to Collect Rewards (loyalty program details)
The primary way to earn points is by paying with the Dutch Bros app (linked to your Rewards account) or scanning your app’s QR code before paying with another method. There is no separate “Dutch Pass” wallet to load funds mentioned on their current website/app.
Important Notes
- These points expire 180 days after earning them.
- You also receive in-app promotions and can earn additional points through challenges.
Where Did the Dutch Bros Straw Code Originate?
The origin story about visual identification during busy times is plausible for the original implementation. However, the description of what the colors meant (sweetness levels) is no longer accurate or promoted by the company.