The caramel controversy began with a TikTok video uploaded by user @jamayiachristian, per Daily Dot, in which she explains that there is no caramel syrup in Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato, no matter if you order the drink hot or iced. Instead, the video explains that vanilla syrup is the flavor agent and sweetener in the drink itself, while caramel syrup is instead drizzled on top for an extra touch of sweetness and an eloquent presentation.
This caused controversy for two reasons. Christian called customers who order extra caramel in the Caramel Macchiato "Karens," and others are now dumbfounded that the caramel in the drink's name is only a decoration. "How is someone a Karen for thinking that a Caramel Macchiato is made with Caramel LMAO??," one user commented. Another said, "How does thinking caramel goes in a Caramel Macchiato make you a [Karen]????"
The term "Karen" has become a colloquial description of a woman, typically white, who causes trouble for food service and retail workers, especially when the problem at hand is moot (or just unimportant in the grand scheme of life) according to the BBC. One barista also chimed in, though, saying, "If people just ask for it, and we try to clarify if they want extra caramel drizzle or if they want extra syrup to make it sweeter, and they're fine with it, it doesn't bother us. But what you don't realize is that people snap at us like we're idiots when we try to clarify."
Ultimately, it's easy to see why all sides were confused and/or frustrated, but it's a lesson learned moving forward that all restaurants' menu items may not be as they seem.
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