Not everyone who walks into Starbucks craves that caffeine kick. Whether you’re cutting back on coffee, prefer lighter flavors, or simply want something different, we’ve discovered that Starbucks offers an impressive array of non-coffee beverages that’ll satisfy any taste preference.
From creamy hot chocolates and refreshing teas to innovative seasonal drinks and customizable Frappuccinos, the coffee giant’s menu extends far beyond espresso-based creations. We’ve tested countless combinations and found hidden gems that many customers overlook entirely.
Ready to explore Starbucks beyond the coffee beans? We’ll guide you through the best non-coffee options that deliver exceptional flavor, perfect temperatures, and Instagram-worthy presentations. These drinks prove that you don’t need caffeine to enjoy a premium Starbucks experience.
Refreshing Iced Teas That Beat the Heat
Starbucks iced teas deliver crisp refreshment without any caffeine jitters. These perfectly chilled beverages combine premium tea blends with fresh flavors that make hot days more bearable.
Green Tea Lemonade
Green Tea Lemonade offers a perfect balance of earthy tea notes and zesty citrus brightness. We love how this drink combines Starbucks’ signature green tea blend with their house made lemonade for a refreshing twist that’s both healthy and satisfying.
This beverage contains antioxidants from the green tea base while delivering vitamin C from the fresh lemon juice. You can customize the sweetness level by asking for fewer pumps of liquid cane sugar or opting for sugar free sweeteners.
Passion Iced Tea
Passion Iced Tea brings tropical flavors to your afternoon with its vibrant hibiscus and lemongrass blend. The ruby red color makes this drink as visually appealing as it tastes, while the naturally caffeine free herbal ingredients provide pure refreshment.
We recommend adding a splash of lemonade to create the popular Passion Tea Lemonade variation. This combination enhances the fruity notes and adds extra tartness that complements the floral hibiscus perfectly.
White Tea Lemonade
White Tea Lemonade combines delicate white tea with fresh lemonade for our most subtle iced tea option. The gentle white tea provides minimal caffeine while offering a clean, light flavor that won’t overpower your palate.
This drink works exceptionally well with added fruit flavors like peach or raspberry syrup. You can also request extra lemon slices for additional citrus punch or ask for it unsweetened to enjoy the pure tea and lemon combination.
Creamy Hot Chocolate Variations for Cozy Moments
When temperatures drop or you’re craving something warm and indulgent, Starbucks offers several rich hot chocolate variations that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth. These creamy beverages provide the perfect alternative to coffee while delivering comfort in every sip.
Classic Hot Chocolate
Classic Hot Chocolate stands as Starbucks’ most beloved warm non-coffee drink, featuring rich cocoa flavors that warm you from the inside out. We love how this drink combines steamed milk with premium chocolate syrup to create a velvety smooth texture that’s perfect for cold days. The baristas top it with whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder, making each sip feel like a cozy embrace. You can customize the sweetness level by requesting fewer pumps of chocolate syrup, or add vanilla syrup for extra depth of flavor.
White Hot Chocolate
White Hot Chocolate offers a lighter and sweeter alternative to the traditional version, made with creamy white chocolate instead of regular cocoa. This variation delivers a more delicate flavor profile that’s less intense than classic hot chocolate, making it perfect for those who prefer milder sweetness. We recommend trying it with a pump of raspberry or caramel syrup to enhance the vanilla notes naturally present in white chocolate. The drink maintains the same rich, creamy texture as its classic counterpart while providing a completely different taste experience.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Hot Chocolate transforms the classic recipe by infusing refreshing mint flavors that create a perfect balance between rich chocolate and cool peppermint. This seasonal favorite combines the warmth of traditional hot chocolate with an invigorating twist that awakens your senses. The peppermint syrup adds a cooling sensation that contrasts beautifully with the warm, creamy base, making it an ideal choice during winter months. We suggest asking for extra whipped cream to complement the minty chocolate flavors, creating a drink that tastes like liquid comfort with a refreshing finish.
Energizing Refreshers for Natural Caffeine Boost
Refreshers offer the perfect middle ground between coffee’s high caffeine content and completely caffeine-free options. These vibrant drinks deliver natural energy from green coffee extract while providing refreshing fruit flavors that make them ideal for any time of day.
Strawberry Acai Refresher
Strawberry Acai Refresher combines sweet strawberry flavors with antioxidant-rich acai for a refreshing experience that energizes without overwhelming. We love how this drink delivers approximately 45-55 mg of caffeine in a Grande size, making it perfect for those seeking a gentle energy boost. The beverage contains 14 grams of sugar and about 70 calories in a 16 oz serving, providing a lighter alternative to traditional caffeinated drinks. Real freeze-dried strawberries float throughout the drink, adding texture and visual appeal that makes each sip exciting. Customization options include adding coconut milk for creaminess or requesting extra fruit inclusions for enhanced flavor.
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher brings tropical paradise to your taste buds with its unique combination of sweet mango and exotic dragonfruit flavors. This vibrant pink drink contains the same energizing 45-55 mg of caffeine found in other Refreshers, delivered through natural green coffee extract. The 16 oz serving provides 150 calories and 33 grams of sugar, making it slightly more indulgent than other Refresher options. Freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces create an Instagram-worthy appearance while adding subtle texture to each sip. Coconut milk transforms this already tropical drink into a creamy delight that tastes like vacation in a cup.
Paradise Pink Refresher
Paradise Pink Refresher delivers sweet and fruity flavors that provide the same natural caffeine boost as other Refreshers in the lineup. We appreciate how this drink maintains the standard 45-55 mg of caffeine in Grande sizes while offering a unique flavor profile that stands apart from traditional options. The beverage follows the typical Refresher formula with approximately 70 calories and 14 grams of sugar per 16 oz serving. Pineapple and passionfruit notes create a tropical escape that energizes your afternoon without the coffee shop jitters. Ice and water dilute the concentrate to create the perfect refreshing consistency that quenches thirst while delivering sustained energy.
Indulgent Frappuccinos Without Coffee
We’ve discovered that some of Starbucks’ most beloved Frappuccinos don’t contain a single drop of coffee. These creamy blended beverages offer all the indulgence you crave without any caffeine concerns.
Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
Vanilla Bean Frappuccino delivers pure vanilla bliss in every sip. This creamy and sweet frappuccino uses real vanilla bean flavor that creates a rich, aromatic experience. We love how the smooth texture combines perfectly with the intense vanilla taste, making it feel like a dessert in a cup.
Baristas blend this drink with ice, milk, and vanilla bean powder to achieve that signature creamy consistency. You’ll notice tiny vanilla bean specks throughout the drink, which confirms the authentic vanilla experience. This frappuccino works perfectly as an afternoon treat when you need something sweet but want to avoid caffeine.
Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino
Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino brings together fruity freshness with creamy indulgence. The drink features real strawberry puree that provides natural sweetness and vibrant color. We appreciate how this frappuccino maintains its creamy texture while delivering genuine strawberry flavor.
Fresh strawberry pieces often get blended into the mixture, creating delightful bursts of fruit throughout each sip. The cream base balances the tartness of the strawberries perfectly, resulting in a dessert-like beverage. This option shines during warmer months when you’re craving something both refreshing and satisfying.
Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino
Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino satisfies even the most intense chocolate cravings. This frappuccino loads up with chocolate chips and rich chocolate flavor that creates an ultra-decadent experience. We find that chocolate lovers consistently rank this as their top non-coffee choice at Starbucks.
Real chocolate chips get blended throughout the drink, providing delightful texture contrasts with every sip. The rich chocolate base combines with the cream to create a milkshake-like consistency that feels incredibly indulgent. You can even request extra chocolate chips or whipped cream to make this treat even more luxurious.
Warming Chai and Spiced Beverages
When we’re seeking comfort beverages that warm us from within, Starbucks’ chai and spiced drink selection delivers aromatic blends perfect for any season. These flavorful alternatives combine traditional spices with creamy textures that satisfy without relying on coffee.
Chai Tea Latte
Chai Tea Latte stands as one of Starbucks’ most beloved non-coffee beverages, featuring a rich blend of black tea infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. We love how this drink balances the robust flavors of traditional chai with steamed milk, creating a creamy texture that’s both comforting and energizing. Available in both hot and iced versions, this latte provides a moderate caffeine boost from the black tea base while delivering complex spice notes that dance on your palate. Customization options include adjusting the sweetness level, choosing alternative milk options like oat or almond milk, or adding extra spice pumps for those who prefer a bolder flavor profile.
Iced Chai Tea Latte
Iced Chai Tea Latte transforms the classic warming beverage into a refreshing cold drink that’s perfect for warmer weather or when we crave something cooling yet flavorful. This chilled version maintains all the aromatic spice complexity of its hot counterpart while delivering a crisp, invigorating experience over ice. Starbucks even offers an elevated version called the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam, which features a dairy-free golden foam topping that adds luxurious texture and visual appeal. The iced preparation allows the spice flavors to meld differently, creating a smoother taste profile that’s less intense than the hot version while still providing that signature chai warmth in every sip.
Turmeric Golden Latte
Turmeric Golden Latte represents Starbucks’ embrace of wellness-focused beverages, combining the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric with complementary spices like ginger in a creamy steamed milk base. We appreciate how this vibrant golden-colored drink offers both hot and iced options, making it versatile for any preference or season. The earthy, slightly bitter notes of turmeric blend harmoniously with the warming heat of ginger, creating a unique flavor profile that’s both soothing and energizing. This caffeine-free option appeals to health-conscious customers seeking functional ingredients in their beverages, while the beautiful golden hue makes it as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies
We’ve discovered that Starbucks doesn’t typically offer traditional fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies on their standard menu. But, you can create smoothie-like experiences through creative customizations and similar menu alternatives.
Orange Mango Smoothie
Orange mango flavors aren’t available as a standard smoothie option at Starbucks locations. You can request custom flavor combinations by asking baristas to blend orange and mango syrups with your choice of milk and ice. We recommend starting with a Mango Dragonfruit Refresher base and adding orange syrup for a similar tropical taste profile. Some locations may accommodate special requests for blended fruit drinks during less busy periods.
Chocolate Smoothie
Chocolate smoothie alternatives shine through Starbucks’ popular Chocolate Frappuccino offerings. We suggest ordering the Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino as your closest smoothie substitute, featuring blended chocolate syrup, milk, and ice for a creamy texture. You can customize this drink by requesting extra chocolate syrup or adding protein powder for a more substantial smoothie feel. The Chocolate Cream Frappuccino provides another excellent option with its rich, velvety consistency that mimics traditional chocolate smoothies.
Strawberry Smoothie
Strawberry smoothie cravings find satisfaction through the Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino, which incorporates real strawberry puree and fresh strawberry pieces. We love how this drink delivers authentic fruit flavors with its creamy, blended texture that closely resembles a traditional smoothie. The Strawberry Acai Refresher offers another fruity alternative, though it’s served over ice rather than blended. You can ask baristas to blend the Strawberry Acai base with milk and ice to create a more smoothie like consistency.
Steamed Milk Alternatives and Comfort Drinks
These warming beverages offer the perfect cozy experience without any caffeine, making them ideal for evening sips or those seeking comfort drinks throughout the day.
Steamed Apple Juice
Traditional apple juice transforms into something special when it’s expertly steamed and served hot at your local Starbucks. While not a standard menu item, many locations can accommodate this simple request by steaming pure apple juice to the perfect temperature. The natural sweetness intensifies through the steaming process, creating a warming drink that’s particularly satisfying during fall and winter months. You’ll find this option especially appealing when you want something fruity yet comforting without the complexity of added syrups or flavors.
Vanilla Steamer
Vanilla Steamer stands out as one of the most popular non-coffee alternatives, combining perfectly steamed milk with rich vanilla syrup for a luxurious experience. This creamy beverage delivers the same satisfying warmth as a latte without any caffeine content, making it perfect for afternoon treats or evening indulgences. We recommend customizing your steamer with different milk alternatives like oat milk or almond milk to suit dietary preferences. The drink’s versatility shines when you add extra vanilla pumps for intensified flavor or experiment with complementary syrups like cinnamon dolce or brown sugar.
Caramel Apple Spice
Caramel Apple Spice offers a unique combination of apple and caramel flavors that creates an exceptionally comforting drink experience. This signature beverage blends steamed apple juice with cinnamon syrup and tops it with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for the ultimate indulgence. The drink captures the essence of autumn with its warming spices and sweet apple base, delivering comfort in every sip. You can enhance this already delicious combination by requesting extra cinnamon or adding a pump of vanilla syrup to complement the existing flavors perfectly.
Kid-Friendly Options That Adults Love Too
Many parents discover that Starbucks’ most appealing beverages aren’t just for children. These gentle, caffeine-free options satisfy both young taste buds and adult cravings for comfort drinks.
Babyccino
Babyccino transforms steamed milk into a delightful mini experience perfect for toddlers and nostalgic adults alike. We love how baristas create this simple yet charming drink by steaming milk to the perfect temperature and topping it with a cloud of foam. Parents often order this alongside their own beverages, creating a shared coffeehouse moment without any caffeine concerns.
The drink comes served in a small cup, making it perfectly sized for little hands while giving children their own “grown up” Starbucks experience. Adults frequently enjoy babyccinos as a soothing nighttime drink or when they want something warm and comforting without the stimulation of coffee.
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk at Starbucks elevates this childhood classic into a premium beverage experience that appeals across all age groups. We appreciate how their version combines rich chocolate syrup with perfectly steamed milk, creating a creamy texture that surpasses typical store-bought varieties. The drink can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference and the season.
Many adults rediscover their love for chocolate milk through Starbucks’ high-quality preparation method. The baristas can customize the sweetness level, making it suitable for different taste preferences while maintaining that nostalgic comfort food appeal that brings back fond childhood memories.
Apple Juice Box Alternatives
Apple juice availability varies by location, though many Starbucks stores offer this classic kid-friendly option in individual serving sizes. We’ve found that some locations provide fresh apple juice that can be served chilled or transformed into the popular Caramel Apple Spice when steamed and enhanced with cinnamon syrup.
The steamed apple juice option creates a warming drink that adults particularly enjoy during fall and winter months. While not available as traditional juice boxes, the fresh apple juice delivers the same familiar taste that children love while offering adults a caffeine-free alternative that feels both refreshing and comforting.
Seasonal Limited-Time Non-Coffee Specials
Starbucks elevates its non-coffee menu throughout the year with exciting seasonal offerings. These limited-time beverages capture the essence of each season while providing delicious alternatives to coffee-based drinks.
Holiday Spice Flat White Alternative
Winter brings magical holiday-themed teas and hot chocolates that warm the soul during cold months. Spiced Chai Tea Lattes feature extra cinnamon and nutmeg during the holiday season, creating a cozy alternative to coffee drinks. Hot chocolate variations get festive upgrades with peppermint, gingerbread, and eggnog flavors that perfectly capture holiday spirit.
Traditional holiday spices like cardamom, cloves, and star anise transform ordinary steamed milk into aromatic beverages. These warming drinks provide the same comfort as a Flat White while offering rich, complex flavors. Customization options include whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and caramel drizzle to enhance the festive experience.
Summer Berry Refreshers
Summer refreshers burst with vibrant berry flavors including raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry varieties. These fruity beverages combine fresh fruit juices with either lemonade or coconut milk for tropical refreshment. Each refresher delivers natural fruit antioxidants while providing light caffeine from green coffee extract.
Berry refreshers offer customizable sweetness levels and can be enhanced with freeze-dried fruit pieces. Coconut milk versions create creamy textures that rival traditional coffee drinks. Popular combinations include mixed berry lemonade and blackberry coconut milk refreshers that cool you down on hot summer days.
Fall Harvest Drinks
Apple cider takes center stage during autumn months as Starbucks’ signature fall non-coffee beverage. This warming drink combines traditional apple juice with seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Steamed apple cider provides the perfect temperature for crisp fall weather while delivering nostalgic autumn flavors.
Certain seasonal teas also appear during fall months, featuring warm spices and apple notes. These beverages capture the essence of harvest season without relying on coffee bases. Customization options include extra cinnamon, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream to create the perfect fall comfort drink.
Conclusion
We’ve explored an impressive range of non-coffee beverages that prove Starbucks offers something delicious for every taste preference. From energizing Refreshers to indulgent Frappuccinos and warming chai lattes these options deliver the premium Starbucks experience without requiring a single drop of coffee.
The beauty of these alternatives lies in their versatility and customization options. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy evening treat you’ll find beverages that can be customized to your exact preferences with various syrups milk alternatives and seasonal modifications.
Next time you visit Starbucks don’t hesitate to venture beyond the coffee menu. These carefully crafted non-coffee drinks offer exceptional flavors quality ingredients and that signature Starbucks experience we all love. Your perfect caffeine-free beverage is waiting to be discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What non-coffee drinks does Starbucks offer?
Starbucks offers a wide variety of non-coffee beverages including iced teas, hot chocolates, Refreshers, caffeine-free Frappuccinos, chai lattes, steamed milk alternatives, smoothie-style drinks, and seasonal specials. Popular options include Green Tea Lemonade, Classic Hot Chocolate, Strawberry Acai Refresher, Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, and Chai Tea Latte.
Are Starbucks Refreshers caffeine-free?
No, Starbucks Refreshers contain natural caffeine from green coffee extract, typically 45-55 mg per serving. While this provides a gentle energy boost without coffee jitters, they’re not completely caffeine-free. For truly caffeine-free options, choose herbal teas, hot chocolate, steamed milk drinks, or most Frappuccinos like Vanilla Bean or Strawberries and Cream.
Can I customize non-coffee drinks at Starbucks?
Yes, most non-coffee drinks can be customized. You can adjust sweetness levels, choose different milk alternatives (almond, oat, coconut), add flavor syrups, request extra lemon or fruit additions, and modify temperature preferences. Hot drinks can be made iced and vice versa, allowing you to personalize your beverage experience.
What are the best caffeine-free options for kids at Starbucks?
Kid-friendly caffeine-free options include Babyccino (steamed milk with foam), elevated Chocolate Milk, apple juice (served cold or as Caramel Apple Spice), Vanilla Steamer, and caffeine-free Frappuccinos like Vanilla Bean or Strawberries and Cream. These drinks are specially appealing to children while being enjoyable for adults too.
Does Starbucks have seasonal non-coffee drinks?
Yes, Starbucks offers seasonal limited-time non-coffee specials throughout the year. Winter features holiday-themed beverages like Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Spiced Chai variations. Summer brings berry refreshers with fresh fruit juices and lemonade. Fall introduces warming apple cider drinks with seasonal spices, ensuring year-round variety beyond regular menu items.
Are there healthy non-coffee options at Starbucks?
Starbucks offers several healthier non-coffee choices including unsweetened iced teas, Turmeric Golden Latte (caffeine-free wellness drink with turmeric and ginger), White Tea Lemonade with minimal caffeine, and Refreshers with antioxidant-rich ingredients. You can also customize drinks by reducing sweeteners, choosing plant-based milk alternatives, or adding fresh fruit instead of syrups.
