As a mom myself, I know this reality: your kids will likely end up at a Starbucks at some point. Whether it’s tagging along with you for a morning latte or meeting friends. So wondering if there are Starbucks drinks for kids makes total sense. The short, exciting answer? Yes—there are plenty of non-caffeinated Starbucks drinks!
Several drinks for kids exist at Starbucks that they will love and that make your coffee run even more exciting. From creamy steamers to fruity refreshers, Starbucks offers drinks designed for younger taste buds without the caffeine.
Below, we’re sharing 15 of the best Starbucks drinks for kids, organized into easy-to-skim categories so you can find the perfect choice. Plus tips for customizing them and ordering from the Starbucks kids menu like a pro.
Caffeine-Free Starbucks Drinks for Kids
1. Steamed Vanilla Milk (Vanilla Steamer)
The Vanilla Steamer is a classic choice for kids at any coffee shop. Just ask for steamed milk with one or two pumps of vanilla syrup. Starbucks can also make steamers with caramel or other syrups, but vanilla is my personal favorite. You can even swap out 2% milk for coconut, oat, or almond milk.
Parent tip: Works for toddlers and preschoolers, caffeine-free, can be made with less sugar if requested.
2. Hot Chocolate
The tried-and-true classic: hot chocolate. Made with steamed 2% milk, two pumps of mocha sauce, whipped cream, and a drizzle of mocha, this is perfect on snowy mornings or after school. For a twist, try White Hot Chocolate.
Parent tip: Order at kids’ temperature for safety. 8oz is kid-size.
3. Babyccino
Although this drink is not officially on the menu, it’s easy to order. Just ask for a short size of steamed milk with extra foam. The tiny drink will be an amazing pick-me-up for an eager toddler who wants to be included at the Starbucks drive-thru.
4. Apple Juice (Caramel Apple Spice)
The Caramel Apple Spice is a magical, autumnal treat. Made with steamed apple juice, cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle, it tastes like a caramel apple in a cup.
Parent tip: Perfect for chilly days or nostalgic coffee runs. Caffeine-free.
5. Iced Strawberry Milk
Simple, sweet, and nostalgic. Made with ice, milk, and strawberry puree, you can swap in any type of milk.
Parent tip: Easy option for picky eaters — caffeine-free, customizable.
6. Horizon Boxed Chocolate Milk
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Horizon chocolate milk is grab-and-go, making it perfect for younger kids who want a familiar flavor.
Iced Starbucks Drinks Kids Love (No Coffee)
7. Blended Strawberry Lemonade
This caffeine-free slushee mixes lemonade, strawberry puree, and ice. Zesty, sweet, and sour — perfect for hot summer days.
8. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
Blended strawberry puree, ice, milk, and whipped cream. Great for a pool day or park outing.
9. Purple Drink
We’ve all heard about the famous pink drink, but now its the purple drink’s time to shine. A refreshing violet drink with passion iced tea, soy milk (or any milk), blackberries, blueberries, and vanilla syrup. Perfect for summer.
Seasonal & Fall Favorites
10. Pumpkin Spice Crème Frappuccino
All the pumpkin flavor, none of the coffee. Made with 2% milk, four pumps pumpkin sauce, pumpkin spice topping, and whipped cream. A non-caffeinated way to celebrate fall.
Sweet Treat Frappuccinos
11. Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
Simple, classic, kid-friendly. Made of vanilla bean, milk, vanilla syrup, and ice, topped with whipped cream.
12. Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino
Blended with whole milk, three Frappuccino chips, three pumps mocha sauce, ice, whipped cream, and mocha drizzle. Sugar-heavy, so best earlier in the day.
13. Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino
A TikTok-inspired drink: Strawberry Crème Frappuccino + 2 scoops vanilla powder + 3 pumps white mocha + 2 pumps cinnamon dolce syrup. Tastes like frozen strawberry cheesecake.
Smoothies & Fruit Drinks
14. Orange Mango Smoothie
Blended banana, 2 scoops protein powder, 2% milk, and orange mango puree. Refreshing, fruity, and one of Starbucks’ healthier options.
Introducing Coffee to Older Kids
15. Chai Crème Frappuccino
A gentle introduction to caffeine: 40mg per drink, less than a Mountain Dew can. Great for older kids wanting a “grown-up” taste without going full latte.
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell
How to Order Starbucks Drinks for Kids
- Specify size: Short or Tall
- Ask for kids’ temperature on warm drinks
- Reduce syrup pumps to cut sugar
- For “secret menu” drinks, give baristas exact instructions
| Drink Type | Caffeine-Free | Can Be Low Sugar | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed Milk | Yes | Yes | Toddlers & preschoolers |
| Vanilla Bean Crème | Yes | With mods | Special treats |
| Hot Chocolate | Yes | With mods | Cold days |
| Apple Juice | Yes | Yes | Younger kids |
Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Drinks for Kids
1. Are Starbucks drinks safe for kids?
Yes, Starbucks offers a variety of kid-friendly options with low or no caffeine, perfect for children to enjoy in moderation.
2. What is the best Starbucks drink for young children?
Popular choices for young kids include warm milk-based options like the Vanilla Steamer and Iced Passion Tango Tea for a caffeine-free cold drink.
3. Are there low-sugar kid-friendly Starbucks drinks?
Yes, drinks like the Iced Passion Tango Tea and Mint Majesty Herbal Tea are naturally low in sugar, and you can ask to reduce syrups or sweeteners in others.
4. Can you customize Starbucks drinks for kids?
Absolutely! Baristas can adjust ingredients to reduce sweetness or eliminate caffeine, making drinks suitable for younger taste buds.
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.
