Exploring Dairy-Free Options at Starbucks
As the coffee culture continues to evolve, so does the range of dairy-free offerings at popular chains like Starbucks. With an increasing number of customers seeking plant-based alternatives, Starbucks has expanded its menu to include various dairy-free drinks and food items. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to these options, this guide will help you navigate the enticing array of dairy-free choices available at Starbucks.
What’s New at Starbucks
As we dive into 2026, Starbucks is shifting its focus regarding its previous “plant-based” promise. While they have introduced a delightful seasonal dairy-free drink, the Cannon Ball Refresher—a vibrant pink concoction with dragon fruit and strawberry—some of their other offerings lean heavily on dairy. Notably, they have launched a full line of protein drinks and seasonal beverages that cater to those without dietary restrictions. For those celebrating Valentine’s Day or enjoying Matcha season, we have outlined how to order the seasonal Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino, Iced Banana Bread Matcha, and Iced Double Berry Matcha without dairy. However, note that the Dubai drinks lose their essence without dairy. Despite this, our Starbucks Food Guide below has a selection of snacks that are worth exploring.
How to Order Dairy-Free Starbucks Drinks
Our guide encompasses all the details regarding dairy-free beverages at Starbucks, whether you favor hot, cold, blended, or pre-packaged options. Before placing your order, here are crucial points to keep in mind:
- Allergen Concerns: Understand the allergen information and clearly communicate your dietary needs to the staff. Ingredients may change, and different locations may have varying allergen protocols. This guide serves informational purposes only.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Always specify your preferred dairy-free milk when ordering. Starbucks typically provides almond, coconut, oat, and soy milk without extra charges in the U.S., Canada, and U.K., though some franchises may charge for substitutes.
- Non-Dairy Sweet Cream: Substituting for dairy sweet cream might incur an additional charge, as many locations view this as an add-on.
- Whipped Cream: A vegan whipped topping is available in the U.K., although North American locations are still testing it.
- Add-Ons: For syrup and sauce details, refer to our guide specific to Starbucks sauces and toppings.
- Vegan: All items noted below as vegan-friendly do not deviate from this status unless otherwise specified.
Hot Coffee – Lattes (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Caffè Latte
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte (order without whip and cinnamon dolce topping)
- Gingerbread Latte (order without whip)
- Oat Latte (Canada only)
- Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte
- Sugar Cookie Latte
Heads Up! The Caramel Brulée Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Protein Lattes cannot be ordered dairy-free without compromising the core flavor or a key ingredient. The seasonal Eggnog Latte is made with Half & Half and is not easily modified for a dairy-free version.
Hot Coffee – Other Coffee Drinks (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Brown Sugar Oat Americano (Canada only)
- Caffè Americano
- Caffè Misto
- Cappuccino
- Cortado
- Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado
- Espresso Macchiato
- Flat White
- Mocha – Caffè Mocha (order without whip)
- Mocha – Peppermint Mocha (order without whip and chocolate curls)
Heads Up! The Caramel Macchiato, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, and White Chocolate Mocha cannot be modified to be dairy-free without altering the core flavor or a key ingredient.
Cold Coffee – Lattes (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Iced Caffè Latte
- Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte (order without whip and cinnamon dolce topping)
- Iced Gingerbread Latte (order without whip)
- Iced Oat Latte (Canada only)
- Iced Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte
- Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
Heads Up! The Iced Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Iced Protein Lattes cannot be modified without affecting the core flavor or key ingredient.
Cold Coffee – Cold Brew (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Cold Brew with Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
- Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
- Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
- Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew (substitute non-dairy vanilla sweet cream)
Heads Up! The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew cannot be made dairy-free without compromising the core flavor.
Protein Beverages
Heads Up! Unfortunately, none of the Protein Lattes or Cold Foam drinks can be ordered dairy-free as they contain whey protein. Starbucks does not currently offer a plant-based protein alternative.
Frappuccino Blended Beverages (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Caramel Frappuccino (order without caramel sauce and whip)
- Coffee Frappuccino
- Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino (order without frappuccino chips and whip)
- Mocha Frappuccino (order without whip)
- Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino (order without whip and chocolate curls)
- Sugar Cookie Frappuccino (order without cream and whip)
- Matcha Crème Frappuccino (order without whip)
- Peppermint Mocha Crème Coffee Frappuccino (order without whip and chocolate curls)
- Strawberry Crème Frappuccino (order without whip)
- Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino (order without whip)
- Sugar Cookie Crème Frappuccino (order without cream and whip)
- Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème
Heads Up! The Caramel Brulée, Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Peppermint White Chocolate, and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos cannot be ordered dairy-free without altering the core flavor.
Hot Tea Drinks (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Chai Latte (not vegan)
- Gingerbread Chai (not vegan)
- London Fog Latte
- Matcha Latte
Heads Up! The Protein Matcha and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha cannot be ordered dairy-free due to the use of dairy whey protein.
Cold Tea Drinks (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Iced Banana Bread Matcha (no cold foam; add non-dairy cold foam + dried banana)
- Iced Chai Latte (not vegan)
- Iced Double Berry Matcha (no cold foam; add non-dairy raspberry cream cold foam)
- Iced Gingerbread Chai (substitute nondairy gingerbread cream cold foam) (not vegan)
- Iced London Fog Latte
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Matcha Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage (order without whip)
Heads Up! The Iced Protein Matcha drinks cannot be made dairy-free, as all plain teas and teas with lemonade are naturally non-dairy unless additional ingredients are added.
Refreshers & Lemonades
- Blended Strawberry Lemonade
- Cannon Ball Drink
- Coconutmilk Refresher – Cran-Merry (Canada only)
- Coconutmilk Refresher – Dragon Drink
- Coconutmilk Refresher – Pink Drink
- Lemonade
- Cran-Merry Lemonade Refresher (Canada only)
- Cran-Merry Refresher (Canada only)
- Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher
- Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
- Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refresher
- Strawberry Açaí Refresher
Hot Chocolate & Steamed “Milk” (ordered with Non-Dairy Milk)
- Hot Chocolate (order without whip)
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate (order without whip and chocolate sauce)
- Steamed Milk
- Vanilla Crème
Heads Up! The Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, Caramel Brulée Crème, and Pumpkin Spice Crème cannot be ordered dairy-free without changing the core flavor.
Starbucks Dairy-Free Sauces, Syrups & Toppings
Craft your unique dairy-free drink using the following options, which may vary seasonally:
- Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
- Brown Sugar Syrup
- Caramel Sugar Topping
- Cascara Topping
- Chestnut Praline Syrup
- Chocolate Malt Powder
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- Classic Syrup
- Matcha Tea Blend
- Mocha Sauce
- Vanilla Syrup
AVOID: Sauces, syrups, and toppings that contain dairy include:
- Caramel Brulee Sauce
- Chocolate Sweet Cream
- Vanilla Sweet Cream
- Frappuccino Chips
Does Starbucks Offer Vegan Whipped Cream?
Currently, the U.K. locations feature Vegan Whipped Cream, while a lentil-based alternative has been test marketed in the U.S. without broader distribution yet.
Dairy-Free Starbucks Food Menu
The selection of dairy-free food options at Starbucks, although limited, is available at most stores and includes:
- Bakery Items:
Bagel, Everything
Bagel, Plain
Banana Walnut & Pecan Loaf (not vegan)
Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf (not vegan) - Breakfast Items:
Rolled & Steel Cut Oatmeal
Seasonal Fruit Blend - Pre-Packaged Snacks & Sweets:
Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Kind Almond Coconut Cashew Chai Bar (not vegan)
Siete Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
Heads Up: Some bakery and breakfast items may still contain dairy; inquire about specific ingredients for multiple products.
Dairy-Free Starbucks at Home
Starbucks at Home products are available in stores, offering several dairy-free choices:
- Starbucks Non-Dairy Creamers
- Coconutmilk Refreshers
- Oatmilk Cold Brew (Dark Chocolate variety)
- Oatmilk Frappuccinos
Is Starbucks Allergy-Friendly?
Starbucks has not changed its allergen handling policies but aims for increased transparency. For those with severe milk allergies, it’s crucial to exercise caution as cross-contamination risks remain. Stick to safe pre-packaged options or the basic coffee and tea if you’re particularly sensitive.
Key Takeaways
- Starbucks offers a growing range of dairy-free drinks and food, though options may vary by location.
- Non-dairy milk substitutions are generally available without extra charge in many areas.
- While some seasonal drinks can be modified, many classics cannot without compromising flavor.
- Always communicate your dietary needs clearly to the staff to ensure a safe experience.
- Starbucks provides a limited selection of dairy-free food items, mainly bakery and pre-packaged snacks.
FAQ
Question
Can I order any Starbucks drink dairy-free?
Short answer
No, many drinks, particularly seasonal ones, cannot be ordered dairy-free without losing key flavors.
Question
What types of non-dairy milk does Starbucks offer?
Short answer
Starbucks typically offers almond, coconut, oat, and soy milk without extra charges in most locations.
Question
Is there vegan whipped cream available at Starbucks?
Short answer
Yes, vegan whipped cream is available at Starbucks locations in the U.K. However, it is not currently offered in the U.S. or Canada.
In summary, Starbucks has made commendable strides in offering dairy-free options. While navigating some of their menu items can be complex, understanding how to modify your order and the available selections can enhance your experience. Whether seeking a refreshing drink or a quick snack, there are plenty of delicious choices awaiting at Starbucks.
