Radio presenter horrified by the price of a babycino at an Aussie cafe: ‘This is obscene’

A radio presenter has been left reeling after paying $3 for a babycino at an inner city cafe.

Julian King, who works for the Sports Entertainment Network, was having a day out at a water park with his young daughter when he decided to grab a coffee.

He added a babycino, which is an espresso cup of froth and warm milk, for his young daughter so they could enjoy the moment together.

But the milky treat, which came complete with a pink marshmallow but without the usual dusting of chocolate set him back way more than he anticipated.

‘I understand that cost of living is on the rise, but three bucks for a babycino is taking the p***,’ he wrote on Twitter.

‘Did get a plastic straw, so that’s that,’ he added. 

And others agreed calling for him to boycott the cafe.

Most people suggested $1 should be the top price for the tiny beverage, which is usually no more than 80mls of milk and froth in a takeaway cup.

One of his followers demanded to know if he got five marshmallows for the price, but he claimed there was just on, solitary pink one offered.

‘Abysmal. My local the last two times I’ve been has had tiny teddy biscuits instead of marshmallows. Will’s cracked it. ‘Where my marshmallows?!?’ another dad said.

The radio host said he has no choice but to pay the bill.

‘Captive market and a persistent three-year-old, had to wave the white flag,’ he laughed.

Speaking to 9Honey Julian refused to name and shame the cafe – because while the price was sky high the ‘service is great’.

‘My local charges $2, I’ve been going there for years and they give us freebies sometimes, and I’ve had friends that say they are charged $1,’ he said.

‘I’ve never seen it for $3.’ 

Other parents revealed their horror at having to pay so much for the drink adding that it should be cheaper if the adult is also having a drink.

One woman admitted to paying up to $2.50 for the tiny cup of milk.

‘If it keeps your kids happy and you can have your coffee in peace then it’s worth it,’ she said.

The babycino topic is a touchy one for baristas – many of whom claim making them is a waste of time and milk.

‘To produce that tiny cup of froth, the barista has to steam a large cup of milk. The excessive steaming ruins the non-frothed milk,’ one said.

The drink is typically about 80mls of milk and froth with some chocolate sprinkles served alongside a marshmallow or small biscuit 

‘You don’t want to be the next guy, getting a sh**ty cup of frothless coffee made with overcooked milk because a toddler is busy spilling your froth on my menus,’ he added.

Others agreed and singled out tight parents.

‘The worst is when mothers think they should be free with their coffee – the profit margin on coffee isn’t big enough for me to give your kid a drink every time,’ they complained. 

On Julian’s post one man said the profit on a $2 babycino would be 20cents, before asking him what effort he would be willing to put out for such a small reward. 

McDonald’s offer babycinos through their McCafe for 95cents.