12 Dairy Free Starbucks Drinks To Try Today – Barista HQ

12 Dairy Free Starbucks Drinks (Best Orders For Lactose Intolerance) 

Starbucks has always been ahead of the curve, and they create drinks for basically any diet.

They have quite a few dairy free milk options and some secret menu drinks that you can ask them to create too.

Here's our list of the best hot and cold Starbucks dairy free drinks for those with lactose intolerance:

1. Honey Almond Milk Flat White 

The Starbucks honey almond milk flat white combines the richness of honey with the nuttiness of the milk to create a warm autumnal drink.[1]

It’s made with their signature espresso topped with almond milk foam with honey syrup mixed in.

The almond milk isn't as frothy as dairy milk or other dairy free milk options, so it's a little less smooth than a traditional flat white, but it's noticeably sweeter.

It has 170 calories in a serving and 115mg of caffeine, so you'll get a nice energy boost alongside the sweet flavors. 

There's no dairy in it at all, but it's actually a popular drink with those who can have regular milk. 

If you like this one you can also order the oat milk honey latte. This is also made with non dairy milk, but the honey oatmilk latte has a bit more milk foam so it's creamier.

You can also order an iced honey oatmilk latte on hot days. 

This drink is a perfect dairy free alternative to a regular flavored latte.

It’s popular with those who appreciate a flat white but prefer it a bit sweeter, and the switch from regular to dairy free milk really adds to the taste.

You can also ask for the iced honey almondmilk flat white if you prefer a cold coffee. 

2. Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte 

The sugar cookie almond milk latte is the first Starbucks dairy free milk drink on the seasonal menu.

This is the ultimate Christmas coffee drink which is made by mixing a blonde espresso, almond milk, and sugar cookie syrup, and then it’s then topped with green and red sprinkles to give it the holiday look.  

The sugar cookie almond milk latte has 210 calories, 150mg of caffeine, and absolutely no dairy.

It's got a very sugary taste. In fact, it's almost sickly sweet, but it's very popular with younger Starbucks drinkers.

If you want a bit hit of caffeine and sugar with dairy free milk, then you won’t find many better lactose free Starbucks drinks out there.

It’s only available in the holiday season between November and January so get it while you can!

3. Hazelnut Almond Milk Latte  

This variation isn’t on the regular Starbucks menu, but to order it, you just need to ask for almond milk instead of whole milk.

It’s one of the perfect non dairy Starbucks drinks for nut lovers and is available year-round for every Starbucks.

It’s made with an espresso base, hazelnut syrup, and steamed almond milk. 

The hazelnut syrup and almond milk combine really effectively to give you a sweet, smooth, nutty flavor that warms you through on a cold day.  

You can substitute your regular espresso for the blonde espresso. This has more delicate flavors and the blonde espresso can make your latte bolder and smoother. 

This dairy free Starbucks drink has 195 calories, 115mg of caffeine, and no dairy at all. It’s a favorite with older Starbucks drinkers and is the perfect latte for with a lactose intolerance.

Just make sure to order it without whipped cream (or dairy free whipped cream) to keep it dairy free.  

4. Americano 

If you’re a lactose intolerant coffee purist, then you can’t go wrong with a Starbucks Americano.[2]

It's made with a double espresso base and then topped up with hot water, and in a standard serving, there are no calories, no dairy milk, and 150mg of caffeine. 

This makes it the perfect dairy free diet drink and even suitable for those on keto. You can also ask for your espresso with the signature Starbucks blonde espresso. 

Hot drinks made with the blonde espresso tend to be smoother and stronger, and the blond espresso works really well as a base for non dairy drinks.

Many people choose to add milk to their Americano, so make sure you use a plant-based alternative.

We find that soy works best to keep the coffee flavor, and coconut adds a touch of richness.

Starbucks Americano may seem like a boring drink compared to some of their others, but it's completely dairy free and has the bold flavor that comes from their espresso.

This is one of the favorite Starbucks dairy free drinks with older drinkers and coffee lovers.  

5. Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso 

The iced chocolate almondmilk shaken espresso is a relatively new dairy free Starbucks iced coffee that is massively popular in the summer months.

It combines the strong flavors of a Starbucks blonde espresso with the light almond milk to create a sweeter iced coffee that’s much more drinkable.

The iced chocolate almondmilk drink made with an espresso base mixed with cocoa, malt, and topped with almond milk. It’s then all poured over ice.  

What makes the iced chocolate almondmilk shaken espresso different from other dairy free Starbucks drinks is the triple blonde espresso.

Starbucks signature blonde espresso is smoother than their regular, and gives an even bigger caffeine hit.

The mixture of blond espresso with the chocolate and almond milk works really well, and gives you a great dairy free drink.

A single serving of the iced chocolate almondmilk drink has 255mg of caffeine, 110 calories, and 16 grams of sugar in a serving, but it's perfectly safe for those who with a lactose intolerance. 

The iced chocolate almondmilk shaken espresso is popular with dairy and non-dairy drinkers alike and great for those who have chocolate drink cravings.  

6. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso 

The iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso looks very similar to the chocolate almond milk iced espresso, but the use of oat milk gives it a very different character.

It’s very sweet and strong and works well for those who need a strong pick me up in the summer months. 

The iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso is made using their new brown sugar syrup and combines it with oat milk to give it a real depth of flavor that you don’t have in many other Starbucks iced drinks.

They make it with a triple espresso base mixed with the brown sugar syrup and then hand shake it with oat milk over ice.  

You can also request the iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso with a blond espresso base. The blonde espresso makes it smoother, and stronger, giving you a bolder drink. 

A single serving has 255mg of caffeine, 128 calories, and 15 grams of sugar in a serving. 

It’s a popular option with non dairy milk coffee lovers who like it sweet, and the oat milk works well in balancing out the espresso and brown sugar flavors.  

If you prefer, you can add caramel syrup to your iced brown sugar oatmilk espresso.

This gives a really nice, sweet flavor, but make sure you add caramel syrup, not caramel sauce because the sauce isn't dairy free.

7. Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew And Nitro Cold Brew 

Starbucks cold brew is made by slowly distilling coffee beans in cold water for 18 hours.

This cold brew technique gives a very similar taste to regular Starbucks coffee but retains much more caffeine and gives a huge caffeine hit. 

In fact, many people have started having cold brews instead of energy drinks because you can get as big a caffeine hit. 

A standard cold brew can have up to 300mg of caffeine in a serving. This is equivalent to 3 or 4 espressos, so you can see why cold brew and nitro cold brew drinks are so popular.

In the honey almondmilk cold brew, the caffeine is complimented by the sweetness of the honey and the almond milk to make it surprisingly easy to drink.

You can also ask for the nitro cold brew version, which incorporates nitrogen into the cold brew process and makes the nitro cold brew velvety smooth to drink.  

The iced honey almondmilk cold brew is made with Starbucks cold brew mixed with honey syrup and topped with almond milk.

There are 50 calories, 205mg, and 6 grams of sugar in a serving, so it's a light option, and the honey almondmilk cold brew is very popular with coffee enthusiasts and those who need that big caffeine boost to get through the day.  

8. Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink 

If you’re looking for a fruity but healthy, dairy free alternative, then the iced pineapple matcha drink is a perfect choice.

This dairy free drink combines bold pineapple with the natural sweetness of matcha to give you a stimulating flavor that is mixed with the rich coconut milk so that it coats your mouth.

The iced pineapple coconut green smoothie is available in every Starbucks and will make you feel like you’re sipping a tropical drink on holiday.  

Each serving of the iced pineapple coconut green smoothie has 170 calories, 27 grams of sugar, and no dairy. 

The matcha iced tea gives you about 80mg of caffeine in a serving, so you'll also get a slight energy boost, and it’s a favorite with Starbucks drinkers of all ages because of its unique and sophisticated taste.

9. Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink 

The Starbucks iced guava passionfruit drink is the most tropical drink Starbucks has on the menu.

This dairy free drink is made by mixing guava juice with pineapple and ginger, which is then hand-shaken with coconut milk over ice.

It's smooth, creamy, and surprisingly rich for a tropical drink, so it's sure to give you a big hit of refreshment.

There’s no dairy in this drink, but there are 190 calories and 33 grams of sugar. There's also no caffeine, so it's a suitable Starbucks drink for kids or adults, and it's a great morning drink on a hot day. 

Most Starbucks will offer it year-round, but some only stock it in summer, so you might have to check the availability in your local store.

10. Dragon Drink 

The dragon drink looks great and tastes great.

The mango and dragon fruit flavors are unlike anything else on the Starbucks menu, and it's perfect for anyone who wants a creamy but dairy free summer drink. 

It's made by mixing mango and dragon fruit extracts with milk and ice. Real dragon fruit pieces are then added to enhance the flavor.

These unique purple color of this drink makes it perfect for showing off on social media. It’s a favorite with younger drinkers and especially popular with teens across the world.

There are 130 calories, 23 grams of sugar, and 45mg of caffeine in each serving.  

11. Star Drink 

The Starbucks refreshers star drink is inspired by the flavors of starfruit and kiwi.

These are definitely acquired tastes, but the sweet and slightly tangy flavor mixes well with the rich coconut milk.

It creates a tropical drink that will make you feel like you're lying on the beach enjoying the sunshine.

The smooth texture and fruit flavors make this a favorite for dairy and non-dairy drinkers alike. It’s made by mixing starfruit and kiwi juice with coconut milk and real kiwi fruit pieces.

There are 130 calories, 23 grams of sugar, and 45mg of caffeine in a serving, and it's popular with young and old Starbucks drinkers alike. 

You should be able to order it year-round, but it’s generally one for the summer months.  

12. Pink Drink 

The pink drink is one of the most famous Starbucks options. It rose to fame on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram as influencers couldn’t resist taking loads of pictures of the uniquely pink drink.

It’s made with a strawberry acai refresher base, coconut milk, and fresh strawberries, and it is definitely one of the most striking drinks on the Starbucks menu.  

The Starbucks pink drink tastes a bit like a strawberry milkshake. It has a rich creaminess from the coconut milk and an intense strawberry flavor throughout.

It's completely dairy free and has 140 calories, 24 grams of sugar, and no caffeine. It’s a favorite with younger Starbucks drinkers but tends to be most popular with teenage girls.  

Understanding Non-Dairy Drinks (Quick Facts + How To Order)

Starbucks is actually quite progressive when it comes to dairy free drinks, and there are many different options.

If you're lactose intolerant, then you don't want to take any risks, so alongside the 12 drinks we've introduced, there are a few other things you should consider: 

Choose The Right Milk  

Starbucks uses 2% milk as standard in their hot drinks and cold drinks. However, all Starbucks now offer at least a few dairy free milk options.

These usually include coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk as dairy free alternatives.

These dairy free milk options have the advantage of being lactose-free but also having fewer calories, so many people choose them as a diet option.  

The plant-based milks all have a different taste, and you'll need to work out which one you prefer.

Only coconut milk and soy milk froth up the same way as regular dairy milk, so you're better off using them in mochas, cappuccinos, and lattes - in fact a coconut milk latte can be even more creamy.

You'll have to pay extra for these plant-based milks, and it will usually be around $0.50 more, depending on the size of your drink.  

Check The Syrup 

You might think that if you get a non dairy milk then you're safe, and that Starbucks syrup is safe to order, but many of them actually have dairy in them.

The good news is that the majority of Starbucks syrups are safe for those with lactose intolerance and there's a wide variety to choose from, including caramel syrup (not the caramel sauce), vanilla syrup, mocha sauce, and cinnamon dolce syrup.

However, you should avoid the cookies and crème syrup, caramel sauce, toffee, and white chocolate sauces and syrups.

It's a good idea to ask your barista if you're not sure, so you avoid the syrups which contain dairy.  

Use The App 

The Starbucks app lets you skip the queues and get points for every dollar you spend. It also lets you see the nutritional values of all Starbucks drinks, including the dairy in the ingredients.[3]

Using the app can let you see the drinks which have dairy free milk and are safe for you to order and helps you avoid the others.

Speak To The Barista 

If you aren't using the app, then it's worth speaking to the barista.

This can be a little uncomfortable for some people, but if you tell them you need to avoid dairy, then they can advise on the best drinks and dairy free milk options that you are good to order, and help you decide if you want a coconut milk latte, or a dark almond milk based hot drink.

This is the best way to make sure you get the best dairy free Starbucks beverages for you.  

Common Dairy Free Starbucks Drink Questions

Do Starbucks syrups have dairy? 

Not all Starbucks syrups have dairy, but a few do, such as the cookie crème, toffee, and white chocolate syrups, but make sure to ask your barista before you order to make sure the syrups in the drink are dairy free.

Does Starbucks have dairy-free cold foam? 

Yes, Starbucks has released a new non-dairy cold foam with under 50 calories per serving. This is the perfect accompaniment for Starbucks non dairy drinks.  

Is Starbucks mocha dairy free? 

A standard Starbucks mocha isn’t dairy free because it contains 2% cow's milk. However, the mocha syrup is dairy free, so if you ask for the Starbucks mocha with a dairy free milk, then it is suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Conclusion - Try These Alternative Milk Drinks!

Over 36% of Americans are lactose intolerant to some degree, so it's a condition that affects millions of people.

Thankfully, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get a great Starbucks drink because they really do have something for everyone, including dairy free options for those avoiding dairy milk.

Hopefully this guide has given you some interesting non dairy Starbucks drinks to try on your next visit.

References:

1. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123161/hot

2. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/406/hot

3. https://www.wikihow.com/Use-the-Starbucks-Card-Mobile-App