Starbucks offers a variety of delicious non-dairy beverage options for customers looking to avoid dairy. Whether you have an allergy, intolerance, or simply choose to avoid dairy, Starbucks has many soy, almond, coconut, and oat milk-based drinks to enjoy.
Why Order Non-Dairy at Starbucks
There are many reasons customers may opt for non-dairy choices at Starbucks:
- Dairy allergies or intolerances – Many people are allergic to proteins in dairy or experience gastrointestinal discomfort when consuming dairy products. Starbucks non-dairy options allow these customers to still enjoy flavorful beverages.
- Vegan or vegetarian diets – Vegans and some vegetarians omit dairy from their diets and would be unable to consume traditional Starbucks options made with cow’s milk. Plant-based milks allow them greater variety.
- Environmental concerns – Dairy production requires significant land and water resources. Some consumers wish to reduce their environmental footprint by minimizing dairy consumption.
- Preference for taste – While everyone has different taste preferences, some simply enjoy the flavor of plant-based milks over cow’s milk when it comes to their Starbucks drink of choice.
No matter your reason for choosing plant-based milk, Starbucks aims to provide options that will allow you to customize a delicious drink just the way you like it.
Non-Dairy Milks Offered at Starbucks
Starbucks provides several non-dairy milk options for your drinks. These include:
- Soy milk – Made from soybeans, soy milk has a creamy, nutty flavor. It contains protein but no saturated fat or cholesterol.
- Almond milk – With its mild, nutty taste, almond milk is lower in calories than other alternative milks. It is naturally lactose-free.
- Coconut milk – Coconut milk provides a smooth texture and tropical flavor. It is naturally sweet and contains healthy fats.
- Oat milk – Oat milk offers a mild, slightly sweet taste. It provides some protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Starbucks baristas can make any espresso drink, like lattes and cappuccinos, using your choice of non-dairy milk. The possibilities are nearly endless!
Nutrition Information
When considering non-dairy options, you may wish to compare the nutrition information to make the best choice for your dietary needs. Here is a nutrition overview of the various Starbucks alternative milks in a 12 oz serving:
| Milk | Calories | Fat | Protein | Sugar | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soy | 90 | 4.5g | 7g | 5g | 301mg |
| Almond | 60 | 2.5g | 1g | 0g | 451mg |
| Coconut | 80 | 5g | 0g | 0g | 45mg |
| Oat | 130 | 5g | 2g | 7g | 350mg |
When compared to whole dairy milk, the non-dairy alternatives tend to be lower in calories, fat, and protein. They also contain little to no lactose. However, the amount of added sugars varies.
Hot Coffee Drinks
Starbucks serves a wide selection of hot coffee drinks that can be customized with your choice of non-dairy milk, including:
Lattes
Nothing beats a cozy, creamy latte. Non-dairy milk lends itself perfectly to latte recipes by creating a rich, frothy texture. Soy is a popular choice, but you can also ask for almond, coconut or oat milk in any latte flavor, like:
- Caramel Latte
- Vanilla Latte
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Skinny Latte
- Iced Latte
Cappuccinos
For another classic espresso drink, order a cappuccino with soy, almond or oat milk. The milk foam will have even more defined bubbles and texture when made with plant-based milk. Enjoy it hot or iced.
Americanos
For a simple espresso and hot water drink, ask for an Americano with a splash of your favorite non-dairy option to cut the bitterness and add a touch of flavor.
Macchiatos
The caramel macchiato is a Starbucks signature. Order it iced or hot with soy, coconut, or your preferred alternative milk instead of traditional steamed milk.
Mochas
Can’t resist a chocolatey mocha? You’re in luck! Any mocha drink at Starbucks can be customized with your milk of choice. Try an iced mocha with almond milk for a delicious cremey, cocoa taste.
Flat Whites
Flat whites contain a double shot of espresso and a smooth, velvety foam layer on top. Coconut milk makes an indulgent, dairy-free flat white full of natural sweetness.
Cold Coffee Drinks
In addition to hot espresso drinks, Starbucks has an extensive menu of iced coffee beverages that can be customized with plant-based milk:
Iced Lattes
Cool down with an iced latte prepared with soy, almond or oat milk poured over ice for rich, non-dairy flavor. Add your favorite flavored syrup if desired.
Iced Americanos
For a refreshing twist, order an iced Americano with a splash of creamy oat or coconut milk on top.
Iced Mochas
Few things satisfy on a hot day like an iced mocha with soy or almond milk. Customize it with chocolate sauce and whipped topping if feeling extra decadent.
Cold Brews
Starbucks smooth cold brew coffee makes an ideal base for non-dairy milk – it has a sweeter, chocolately taste. Add a splash of coconut milk or soy milk to balance and round out the flavors.
Nitro Cold Brews
The nitrogen-infused nitro cold brew has a special cascade effect. Soy milk adds protein and texture while allowing the coffee’s subtle flavors to still shine.
Frappuccinos
The famous blended Frappuccino can be made with non-dairy milk too! Substitute soy, coconut, almond or oat milk in any Frappuccino flavor like vanilla bean, caramel, or mocha for an icy sweet treat.
Teas
Not in the mood for coffee? Starbucks also offers a wide assortment of hot and iced teas that pair nicely with non-dairy milks:
Chai Tea Latte
The chai tea latte is a popular winter drink. Opt for soy milk to bring out the spices and achieve an authentic tasting chai.
London Fog
Earl grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla make for a cozy London Fog. Substitute the steamed milk with foamy oat or almond milk instead.
Matcha Green Tea Latte
Earthy matcha green tea blends smoothly with creamy soy or coconut milk for a rich latte packed with antioxidants.
Iced Black Tea
Refresh with a custom iced black tea with lemonade and a splash of almond or oat milk for a little extra creaminess and nutty flavor.
Iced Passion Tango Tea
Tangy passion tango iced tea gains a silky texture and tropical vibe when paired with creamy coconut milk.
Smoothies & Frappes
When it comes to blended Starbucks drinks, non-dairy milks add protein and creaminess:
Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino
This creamy berry Frappuccino gets a plant-based boost from almond or coconut milk instead of traditional milk.
Mango Pineapple Smoothie
The tropical mango pineapple smoothie tastes fresh and fruity with soy, almond or oat milk added.
Green Tea Smoothie
For an antioxidant-rich sip, blend matcha green tea with soy milk, honey, and banana for a sweet morning treat.
Protein Blended Cold Brew
This drink layers cold brew with a banana date fruit blend and soy or almond milk. It provides a nutritious dose of energizing protein and fiber.
Breakfast Drinks
Cozy up to one of Starbucks’ tasty morning drinks made with non-dairy milks:
Vanilla Steamed Oatmilk
This hot drink features naturally creamy oat milk infused with vanilla syrup for a bit of sweetness. It’s like oatmeal in liquid form!
Soy Hazelnut Latte
Nutty toasted hazelnut flavor and protein-packed soy milk come together deliciously in this morning latte.
Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato
Rich espresso, chocolatey mocha sauce, and foamy coconut milk deliver the perfect non-dairy sweet treat.
Iced Coffee with Almond Milk
Make your regular iced coffee creamy and nutty by adding chilled almond milk and simple syrup to freshly brewed Starbucks coffee over ice.
Additional Customizations
The great thing about Starbucks is that you can fully customize your drink. Try these tasty additions to your favorite non-dairy beverage:
- Flavored syrups – Mocha, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon dolce, hazelnut etc.
- Sugars – Cane sugar, turbinado sugar, stevia
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice
- Sauces – Caramel, mocha, white chocolate, pumpkin
- Toppings – Whipped cream, chocolate shavings
Don’t forget to specify non-dairy whipped cream or dairy-free sauce options too if needed!
Ordering Tips
To ensure you receive a non-dairy drink customized to your liking, follow these helpful ordering tips:
- Clearly state the type of milk you would like – For example, “I’ll take a grande iced coconut milk mocha.”
- Confirm non-dairy milk is available – Some locations have limited plant-based milk options on hand.
- Request a new pitcher – This prevents cross-contamination with dairy milk residue.
- Mention allergies – Alert staff to any dairy allergies so they can take proper precautions.
- Ask questions – Inquire about ingredients or preparation methods if you have additional food sensitivities.
With these handy tips and Starbucks’ wide range of non-dairy options, you are sure to find a new favorite lactose-free, plant-based drink menu item!
Conclusion
When it comes to tasty non-dairy beverages, Starbucks has something for everyone. Whether you prefer frothy lattes, sweet Frappuccinos or steamy hot teas, you can customize your ideal drink with soy, almond, coconut or oat milk. Just specify the plant-based milk you would like when placing your order. With so many delicious options, going dairy-free at Starbucks is a breeze. Sip your favorite drink to your heart’s content knowing it’s free from lactose and animal products.
