The Perfect Guide to Starbucks' Caffeine-Free Drinks

12 min read APR 11, 2023

While the majority of us wake up in the morning and require a quick injection (or immediate sip of freshly brewed coffee) of caffeine to get our brains fully functioning, many people also seek out caffeine-free options.

Whether you just enjoy the delicious taste of coffee, like we do, and the caffeine is optional, or your body is sensitive to the effects caffeine can have, it can often feel limiting when you are out at cafes or coffee shops. Most coffee places have less “decaf” or caffeine-free options listed compared to the vast number of energy boosting espresso and tea options.

What can be even more frustrating? What happens if you are out and about seeking a cheat day treat or you need a quick and convenient drink, but the menus at places such as Starbucks aren’t really clear on what exactly has caffeine and what doesn’t?

To help ease your search and provide the ultimate peaceful experience, here's a complete inventory of drinks free of caffeine to savor at Starbucks without any worries. You might be surprised by some of these…

Caffeine-Free at Starbucks


Starbucks may be a coffee shop, but many delectable, caffeine-free options are available.

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can help to keep you awake and alert, great for times when staying up late is necessary. Unfortunately, it makes falling asleep more difficult if consumed too close to bedtime.

If you want to avoid caffeine or just need a refresher on what drinks you can order that are free of the stimulant, this guide is superb. Keep reading and gain access to an exclusive list of delicious, caffeine-free beverages available at Starbucks.

Tips For Ordering Caffeine-Free Drinks

Decaf has caffeine


At Starbucks, you can enjoy various decaffeinated coffee and espresso drinks that still contain small amounts of caffeine. Grande-size decaf coffee contains 25 mg of caffeine, while each shot of espresso contains 12 mg. You can customize your beverage with a half-caf blend or add regular coffee to your decaffeinated drink for added flavor.

Refreshers contain caffeine


Starbucks Refreshers beverages, such as the iconic Pink drink, proffer a refreshing and energizing experience due to the 35mg of caffeine from the green coffee extract. This dose of caffeine is just enough to give you an energy boost without leaving you feeling jittery or over-caffeinated.

Chocolate contains caffeine

Chocolate is a great snack that can proffer an extra boost of energy. It contains some caffeine, although not as much as coffee. Hot cocoa is the perfect way to enjoy the benefits of this stimulant without overdoing it - it provides just enough of a buzz to help you stay alert and energized.

White chocolate contains no caffeine


Unlike other chocolates, white chocolate does not contain any caffeine. Its creamy texture and sweetness are derived from cocoa butter, sugar, milk, and other flavorings, such as vanilla, instead of proffered by the caffeine found in regular chocolates.

Steamers have no coffee or caffeine


There are myriad flavors to select from, so you can find the absolute blend of comforting and soothing. Add your favorite syrup to steamed non-dairy milk, including almond, coconut, or soy varieties, for an extra hint of sweetness. Experience the luxurious delight that is a steamer – without any caffeine jitters.

Herbal teas contain no caffeine

Aside from traditional caffeinated teas like black and green, Starbucks also has two herbal varieties that are completely free of caffeine: Mint Majesty and Peach Tranquility. These herbal teas are a great way to enjoy a hot cup of tea while avoiding stimulants. They provide all the flavor and refreshment of regular tea without the added jolt of energy often associated with caffeine.

Almost all créme Frappuccinos have no caffeine


The Crème line of Frappuccinos, such as the Strawberries Crème Frappuccino, is a great way to enjoy a delicious and refreshing beverage without the added caffeine of coffee. Nevertheless, those wishing for a caffeinated drink should know that Chai and Matcha drinks contain caffeine. With these options, you can find something to suit your needs.

Starbucks Drinks Without Caffeine


Strawberry Funnel Cake Crème Frappuccino

Treat yourself in the luscious taste of Starbucks' new non-caffeinated Strawberry Funnel Cake Crème Frappuccino. A delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors, this delectable beverage proffers a scrumptious alternative to Coffee Syrup without sacrificing your cravings for something delicious.

Pistachio Crème Frappuccino [Seasonal]

Indulge in a delicious Frappuccino crafted from heavenly ingredients. Sweet, creamy pistachio syrup swirls around invigorating milk and ice to create an irresistible chill. Every sip is topped with luxurious whipped cream and the perfect salty brown butter cookie for an extra layer of flavor you'll never forget.

Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino


Experience a sensational delight crafted from sumptuous layers. The creamy blend of whole milk and silky caramel syrup is enhanced with frosty bites, all topped by an extra-sweet layer of whipped cream and sprinkled with crunchy sugar pieces.

Strawberry Crème Frappuccino

Indulge in a creamy and delicious strawberry concoction. This delicious, smooth beverage is made from a combination of pureed strawberries, creamy whole milk, and ice. To make it even more decadent, top off your drink with freshly made vanilla whipped cream for the ultimate treat.

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino


This delightful Frappuccino is a must-have for any fan of delicious treats. This creamy and smooth vanilla milk treat is carefully crafted with the highest quality whole milk and a special blend of vanilla bean powder. Every sip will bring you on a journey of flavor that awaken your senses. To finish it off, a generous dollop of velvety whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence to this heavenly drink.

White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino

Sip into a world of indulgence with this creamy and luxurious white chocolate beverage. Crafted from the finest ingredients including white chocolate sauce, milk, and ice - it is then topped off with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of luxury.

White Hot Chocolate


Revel in this sumptuous treat crafted from velvety steamed milk, a blend of luxurious white chocolate sauce mixed with sugar, condensed skim milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter for an opulent sweetness - all topped off with freshly whipped cream.

Pistachio Créme (Steamer) [Seasonal]

At Starbucks, the unforgettable Pistachio Créme stands out among its peers on the menu. It's a one-of-a-kind concoction that blends together sweet pistachio sauce and savory salted brown butter for an indulgent taste experience like no other.

Cinnamon Dolce Crème (Steamer)


Satisfy your sweet tooth with the delectable steamed milk beverage. It starts with a creamy, warm milk base and adds Cinnamon Dolce syrup for just the right amount of sweetness. They top it off with a generous dollop of fluffy whipped cream and sprinkle on some salty-sweet cinnamon sprinkles for that extra special touch.

Vanilla Crème (Steamer)

Enjoy a luxurious cup of steamed milk delicately flavored with creamy vanilla and crowned with fresh, airy whipped cream. Take your time to indulge in this indulgent treat sip by sip.

Steamed Milk (Steamer)


Feed your cravings with a velvety, creamy steamer - the ideal way to treat yourself. From 2% milk to something as unusual as coconut or almond, it's effortless and fun to customize your drink; just follow a few simple steps for an endlessly enticing experience. Stir up intriguing flavor combinations and make every sip distinctively yours.

Milk

Refresh your taste buds with scrumptious milk such as skim, 2%, soy, almond, and coconut. Whether you prefer to have it cold or topped off with ice cubes - the choice is yours. With so many choices available, you can ensure that your drink fits just how you like it.

Mint Majesty


Mint Majesty is a revitalizing and rejuvenating tea that is perfect whenever you need to hit the reset button. Combining stimulating mint with fragrant lemon verbena results in an extremely refreshing beverage that can be further personalized by adding honey or fresh lemon juice.

Peach Tranquility

Peach Tranquility tea is the perfect blend peach and sweet pineapple with a hint of calming chamomile blossoms and lemony verbena. The addition of rose hips adds an extra layer of flavor to this delightful beverage. For those who like to mix it up, try adding a secret concoction called 'Medicine Ball' for an added kick - combine Peach Tranquility tea with Jade Citrus (caffeinated), honey, and lemonade for a unique twist on your favorite brew.

Iced Passion Tango Tea


Beat the summer heat with this delicious, revitalizing iced tea crafted with a hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple blend! But if you're expecting, avoiding this particular beverage is best.

Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade

The refreshingly sweet and tangy blend of Iced Passion Tango Tea will awaken your senses with its delightful combination of tart lemonade and other fruity flavors. For a truly unique experience, try this thirst-quenching drink. Though this tea is enjoyable, pregnant women should abstain from drinking it due to its hibiscus infusion.

Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink


Treat yourself to a delicious smoothie made from freshly blended guava juice, pineapple ginger syrup, and creamy coconut milk. This irresistible summer beverage will surely delight your palate with its sweet and tangy flavors. Perfectly balanced, it is a light and refreshing drink that will lift your spirits in the hot summer months. It contains the perfect mix of sweetness and zing to bring out the best in every sip.

Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie

Indulge yourself in this decadent coconut milk smoothie, a heavenly concoction of kale, roasted coconut flakes, spinach, pineapple, and ice. Deceptively indulgent yet healthy enough to energize you throughout the day - enjoy it guilt-free.

Blended Strawberry Lemonade


An indulgent treat awaits your taste buds with this delightful Frappuccino-style beverage. Combining sweet, velvety strawberry puree and tart lemonade creates the ideal flavor balance that will entice every one of your senses.

Lemonade

Quench your thirst with a deliciously tart glass of iced lemonade. Their homemade beverage is made with simple, quality ingredients - freshly squeezed lemon juice, purified water, pure lemon oil, and organic sugar.

Caramel Apple Spice


Trade your ordinary apple juice for something extraordinary; the Caramel Apple Spice. This superior beverage is crafted with steamed apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle served hot or cold to offer an indulgent drinking experience.

Steamed Apple Juice

Serving your little ones a healthful yet flavorsome treat without additives is as simple as presenting freshly steamed apple juice that has not gone through the concentrates process. When serving it to children, be sure to have it at their preferred temperature to prevent any accidental burning on their delicate tongues.

Secret Menu Caffeine-Free Drinks


Struggling to find something distinctive from the standard Starbucks menu? Don't worry - here are some customized drinks you can try that aren't usually listed.

Iced Apple Juice


For those craving a warm beverage, steamed apple juice is available; additionally, it can be requested with ice for a refreshingly cool treat.

Peach Lemonade

Enhance your lemonade with a heavenly blend of Starbucks peach juice to create the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Strawberry Lemonade


Indulge in this irresistible beverage by combining strawberry puree and lemonade.

Iced Strawberry Milk

Starbucks has the perfect combination of strawberry puree and milk ready to go - why not try a distinctive, customized beverage that isn't even on their menu? Simply ask for these two ingredients to be shaken together over ice.

Vanilla Milk

You can customize your steamer with any of Starbucks' delicious syrups, including vanilla. All you need is a teaspoon of vanilla syrup blended into creamy milk and topped with foam. Enjoy it as iced or hot for an indulgent treat that will please any palate.

Water with Strawberry Inclusions

To prevent dehydration without the boring taste of plain water, try requesting strawberry inclusions - these are freeze-dried strawberries that add a little flavor.

Conclusion


Not all things are as they appear…for example, decaf at Starbucks does not always mean “caffeine free.” Many people limit or need to avoid caffeine for health reasons, and for others, drinking caffeine at certain times of the day can mess with your sleep patterns.

Make sure you know your options when you are indulging in a cheat-drink at a place like Starbucks. And if you are ever unsure? You always know what you’re getting with Lifeboost Decaf coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)


What ingredients are used to make caffeine-free drinks?


The ingredients used to create a succulent caffeine-free drink vary from beverage to beverage. For example, iced apple juice typically includes steamed apple juice, while peach lemonade is made with peach juice, pure lemon oil, and organic sugar. Caramel Apple Spice contains steamed apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle. Starbucks also proffers an ample range of customization options that allow you to tailor your drink to your taste.

Is it possible to customize my order?


Absolutely! Starbucks offers several customization options to make your favorite drink exactly how you like it. You can add syrups, different types of milk and creamers, extra shots of espresso or tea, and more. Additionally, a variety of toppings, including whipped cream, sprinkles, cinnamon, and caramel, can also be added.

Does Starbucks offer sugar-free versions of these drinks?


Yes! All the beverages are customizable, and many can be formatted to suit different dietary needs. Simply ask your barista to prepare the drink using sugar-free syrup such as Stevia or Splenda. You can also request that the beverage be made with calorie-free sweeteners such as erythritol.

Are any of these drinks suitable for children?


Absolutely! All of these drinks are caffeine-free, and some of them contain natural sweetness from fresh fruit juices. However, depending on your child's preference, you may need to adjust the sweetness level or omit certain ingredients. For example, you may want to leave the caramel drizzle from the Caramel Apple Spice drink if your child does not like it. You can always ask your barista for assistance customizing a beverage appropriate for children.

Are there any secret menu drinks available?


Beyond its regular menu, Starbucks proffers various secret drinks. These beverages are not listed on their official menus but can be requested directly from the barista. Some examples include Peach Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Iced Apple Juice, Vanilla Milk, and Iced Strawberry Milk.

Are caffeine-free drinks suitable for everyone?


Caffeine-free drinks are suitable for most people; nevertheless, it is important to check the ingredients if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. Depending on which drink you order, there may be some added sugar, so if you are monitoring your sugar intake, it is best to ask for a modified version of the drink. Additionally, some secret menu beverages contain dairy and other allergens, so make sure to double-check with your barista before ordering.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Decaf.

References:
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/caffeine-free-drinks-at-starbucks/
https://baristahq.com/caffeine-free-starbucks-drinks/
https://coffeeatthree.com/starbucks-caffeine-free-drinks/
https://aboveaveragecoffee.com/caffeine-free-starbucks/

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Adrien

Hey!!!

Ryan

Thank you so much for your detail explanation. For health reasons recently, I’ve cut caffeine out of my diet and there’s been no clear guide to this!!! Happy Holidays? ⛄