Bethenny Frankel, the multimillionaire entrepreneur and former star of The Real Housewives of New York City, sparked a heated debate with her recent TikTok rant, where she called out coffee shop patrons as “dumb” for splurging on pricey drinks. With an estimated net worth of $80 million, the Skinnygirl founder didn’t hold back, criticizing the trend of spending $7 to $9 on what she deems frivolous beverages like lavender lattes and Nutella-infused coffees.
Standing in the opulent kitchen of a sprawling estate, clad in a luxurious bathrobe, Frankel whipped up her own iced coffee while delivering her message. “It’s bad for the environment, it’s a waste of money,” she declared, urging her followers—particularly young women—to rethink their daily coffee shop runs. “Take the $7 you spend a day and multiply it by 365,” she said. “It’s a real number, so don’t be dumb.”
The natural foods chef, known for her no-nonsense approach, also took aim at the perception that trendy drinks like sweetened matcha or oat milk lattes are healthy. “It’s like having a milkshake,” she scoffed, dismissing alternative milks like macadamia and oat as overhyped fads. Her solution? “Make it at home; make it yourself. It’s delicious! Get your own fun barista going.”
Frankel’s comments, however, didn’t sit well with everyone. Social media erupted with backlash from fans who defended their coffee shop indulgences. “If it brings me joy in this hellscape, it isn’t a waste of anything,” one commenter fired back. Another added, “The amount of happiness the $7 gives me? Nope, not gonna give that up.” For many, that daily latte or matcha is a small, affordable luxury in a world where vacations or new cars feel out of reach. “It’s a lipstick economy,” one user noted, highlighting how small treats can provide a sense of joy and normalcy.
Others pointed out the irony of Frankel’s critique, given her wealth and lavish surroundings. “Do you own a $1000 coffee machine??” one commenter teased, while another quipped, “Nice chandelier though!” Some even argued that a $7 coffee is a better choice than a night at the bar. “I’d rather go for a coffee or matcha than a drink,” one person explained, emphasizing the mental health boost these small rituals provide.
Frankel’s rant raises a bigger question: How do millionaires like her approach spending? While she advocates for frugality in certain areas—like skipping the coffee shop—she’s built her fortune through savvy investments, branding, and her Skinnygirl empire. Her advice to “make it at home” reflects a mindset of controlling costs where possible, but critics argue it overlooks the emotional and social value of small indulgences for those with less financial cushion.