Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply avoiding dairy, Starbucks has plenty of dairy-free drink options to choose from. Thanks to an ever-expanding lineup of plant-based milks and customizable drinks, it’s easy to enjoy your coffee fix without dairy.
In this article, we’ll cover all the dairy-free drinks at Starbucks, how to customize your favorites, and tips for ordering dairy-free like a pro.
What Dairy-Free Milks Does Starbucks Offer?
Starbucks offers several plant-based milk alternatives, all available for both hot and iced drinks:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
-Coconut milk
- Soy milk
These non-dairy options can be substituted in almost any drink, making it easy to go dairy-free.
Best Dairy-Free Starbucks Drinks
Here’s a list of popular drinks that are either naturally dairy-free or can easily be customized:
1. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Espresso shaken with brown sugar syrup, oat milk, and cinnamon.
- Completely dairy-free as is.
2. Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso
- Smooth espresso with chocolate malt powder and almond milk.
- Naturally dairy-free and super refreshing.
3. Honey Almondmilk Flat White
- Blonde espresso combined with almond milk and honey syrup.
- Swap honey syrup with any plant-based sweetener for a vegan option.
4. Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Oat milk, espresso, and toasted vanilla syrup — dairy-free by default.
5. Cold Brew with Almond or Oat Milk
- Starbucks Cold Brew is naturally dairy-free.
- Add almond milk or oat milk for creaminess without dairy.
Hot Dairy-Free Drinks to Try
1. Caffè Americano
- Simple espresso and water. Zero dairy.
2. Hot Teas (All Variants)
- Starbucks offers a variety of dairy-free teas including Earl Grey, Jade Citrus Mint, Chai Tea, and English Breakfast.
3. Customizable Lattes & Cappuccinos
- Order any latte or cappuccino with almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
4. Flat White with Plant-Based Milk
- Request almond, oat, or soy milk instead of regular dairy milk.
Vegan-Friendly Starbucks Drinks
If you're following a vegan diet, here are some safe go-to drinks:
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso
- Pink Drink
- Dragon Drink
- Americano with plant-based milk
- Teas and Refreshers (without honey or dairy foam)
Frappuccinos: How to Make Them Dairy-Free
Starbucks' regular Frappuccinos contain milk and whipped cream by default, but you can easily make them dairy-free:
1. Choose almond, coconut, soy, or oat milk.
2. Ask to remove whipped cream.
3. Avoid any sauces that contain dairy (like caramel drizzle or white chocolate mocha syrup).
Recommended Dairy-Free Frappuccinos:
- Coffee Frappuccino with oat milk, no whip
- Strawberry Crème Frappuccino with coconut milk, no whip
Customizing Starbucks Drinks to Make Them Dairy-Free
Almost any Starbucks drink can be made dairy-free with a few adjustments:
✔ Swap dairy milk for almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
✔ Avoid whipped cream, which contains dairy.
✔ Check flavored syrups — most Starbucks syrups (vanilla, hazelnut, caramel) are dairy-free, but sauces like caramel drizzle or white mocha do contain dairy.
✔ Request non-dairy cold foam or skip it entirely.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks makes it easy to enjoy your favorite drinks without dairy, thanks to its wide range of plant-based milks and customizable options. Whether you're grabbing a shaken espresso, a matcha latte, or customizing a Frappuccino, there’s no need to miss out on flavor.
As plant-based demand grows, expect even more dairy-free drinks at Starbucks in the future. Until then, use this guide to explore and enjoy dairy-free drinks confidently.
Pro tip: Always double-check ingredients in the Starbucks app or ask your barista if you're unsure, especially when dealing with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
References
1. Starbucks. (2023, August 15). Plant-based and nondairy menu innovation at Starbucks. Starbucks Stories & News. Retrieved from https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2023/plant-based-menu-innovation-at-starbucks/
2. PureWow. (2022, February 10). 15 Dairy-Free Foods at Starbucks to Order. PureWow. Retrieved from https://www.purewow.com/food/dairy-free-food-at-starbucks
3. Tasting Table. (2024, December 1). 13 Vegan-Friendly Food Items at Starbucks, Ranked. Tasting Table. Retrieved from https://www.tastingtable.com/1718136/vegan-friendly-food-starbucks-ranked/
4. World of Vegan. (2025, February 28). The Ultimate Vegan Starbucks Drinks & Food Guide. World of Vegan. Retrieved from https://www.worldofvegan.com/starbucks/
5. Starbucks. (n.d.). Menu: Starbucks Coffee Company. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.starbucks.com/menu