Starbucks baristas say some stores are experiencing shortages of cups, syrups, and more

• Starbucks employees say stores are suffering shortages of some products.
• The global supply chain has been upended as a result of COVID-19.
• Experts predict shortages will continue through at least the rest of 2021.

Starbucks employees say some stores are experiencing shortages of key products and ingredients including cups, flavored syrups, and baked goods.

Reports of the supply issues come as Starbucks grapples with a $4, which the coffee chain added to menus last month.

A Starbucks barista in Alabama told Insider that her store has run out of stoppers for hot drinks, in addition to oat milk. Some days the store just doesn't "get any shipments, and we're operating on the bare minimum," she said. The barista and other Starbucks employees interviewed for this story asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, but their identities were verified by Insider.

Read more: $4

A Louisiana-based barista said his store is also experiencing an oat milk shortage, along with a low supply of cups and flavored syrups - specifically caramel and vanilla.

Calls to a dozen Starbucks stores across the US on Wednesday revealed shortages of baked goods and syrups. Brown-sugar syrup, part of the popular new $4 was out of stock at more than half the stores consulted by Insider.

"Customers could almost never order $4 with all its components intact" in the month since its launch, the Louisiana employee told Insider.

Starbucks confirmed Wednesday that some stores are temporarily out of oat milk, but said there is not a national shortage. The coffee chain did not respond to a request for comment on shortages of other items.

Many other companies are currently grappling with shortages. The pandemic has caused massive disruptions to the global supply chain, leading to shortages of $4, $4, $4 and even $4 Shutdowns and delays at ports have led to $4, and Starbucks isn't immune.

There's also a $4 caused by shuttered or delayed factories, which affected $4, and companies have struggled to properly estimate demand as a result. These factors have collectively created the "perfect storm" for shortages and delays in the shipping industry, according to a $4.

Experts are predicting that supply chain disruptions could continue $4

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.