Dairy Free Starbucks Guide: Complete with Beverages, Food & Vegan Info (2024)

Updated May 2024! Oh how Starbucks has evolved over the years. When I first posted about this mega coffee house chain, it was to share the dairy-free versions of their “new” Vivanno Nourishing blends. Those have since vanished from the menu. And sadly, their wonderful Tazo tea menu has also been replaced by an overly sweet, floral Teavana line-up (IMHO). However, for dairy free Starbucks coffee drinkers or a quick vegan nosh on the go, the options have actually expanded. Scroll through our guide, or use these jump links to get ahead:

• What’s New at Starbucks
• Dairy-Free Drinks at Starbucks (Hot, Cold, and Seasonal)
• Starbucks Sauces, Syrups, and Toppings Guide
• Dairy-Free Starbucks Food
• Starbucks at Home(grocery products)

Dealing with a milk allergy? Jump to the Allergen Info!

News from Starbucks

May 7, 2024 – Starbucks Goes Red, White, and Blue with Summer Drinks

Starbucks has declared Summer Berry the official flavor of the season. It’s a cool blue Refresher with a mixed berry flavor, filled with popping red raspberry-flavored pearls. It comes in classic and lemonade versions, but they also have a dairy-free Summer Skies Drink with creamy coconut milk added. This is just following their April launch of three Spicy Refreshers, each with a spicy chili powder blend and freeze-dried fruit.

March 7, 2024 – Starbucks Springs it on with Cool New Drinks

The spring menu is in full bloom at Starbucks this year, and it features a new dairy-free Lavender Oatmilk Lattes – available hot or iced. These floral-inspired beverages are made with a sweet lavender powder that’s naturally colored with fruits and vegetables. But be warned that the new tiered Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha is made with dairy sweet cream. It can be custom ordered (sans layered look) without the sweet cream. The new Lavender Creme Frappuccino can also be custom ordered – just hold the whip! The chilled Lemonade Refreshers are also on feature at Starbucks this season, in Strawberry Acai, Pineapple Passion Fruit, and Mango Dragon Fruit. And if you’re lucky enough to be near a Starbucks Reserve location, you can custom order one of their new Affogatos with dairy-free oatmilk gelato. Pair it with one of their dairy-free Avocado Toasts for a sweet and savory experience.

January 3, 2024 – New Year, New Oatmilk Espresso Drink

This year’s winter menu includes an all new dairy-free drink, the Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. It’s made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, sweetened with hazelnut syrup, shaken, and then topped with creamy oatmilk. Starbucks has also brought back their pistachio drinks, but they cannot be made without dairy. The Pistachio Sauce at Starbucks does contain milk. And the new winter food menu items for 2024 are all dairy heavy. But we’ve detailed the dairy-free food and drink options still available in the menu guide below.

How to Order Dairy Free Starbucks Drinks

We have all the details on the dairy free Starbucks beverages, including hot, cold, and pre-packaged. I have also added their new allergen information, which was sent out via an alert in July 2018. It didn’t change much in terms of their policies, but was intended for transparency and awareness.

All Starbucks locations now have coconut milk beverage and soymilk on hand for whipping up dairy-free lattes, mochas, and more. They also serve non-dairy almondmilk and oatmilk, but at some locations this can change seasonally. The downside: you still have to pay extra for this “upgrade” in most countries. In 2023, Starbucks U.K. eliminated the surcharge, but North America has yet to follow suit.

But you must use caution with the add-ons. Syrup might seem like a dairy-free no-brainer, but a few Starbucks flavors contain milk. Not to mention the whipped cream toppers and powdered blenders. I created this which is helpful at many coffee houses, but Starbucks uses their own in-house sauces and syrups. The following is a detailed list of their dairy-free drinks, add-ons, and how to order dairy-free Starbucks drinks!

Always relay your dietary needs to the staff, and confirm that your order is dairy free as needed. Ingredients are subject to change at any time, and different locations can have different levels of allergen safety. This is just a helpful guide for informational purposes only. Please kindly comment below if you see any menu changes.

Starbucks Dairy-Free Drinks on the Menu

In addition to their coffee (ordered black), plain tea drinks, and lemonades, these beverages can be ordered as is. They’re intended to be dairy-free, and most are vegan (see * notes)!

Coffee Drinks

• Honey Almondmilk Flat White*
• Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Iced Honey Almondmilk Flat White*
• Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte
• Lavender Oatmilk Latte
• Oleato Caffè Latte with Oatmilk
• Oleato Iced Cortado (reserve locations)
• Oleato Reserve Caffè Latte (reserve locations)

Tea Drinks

• Peppermint Matcha Latte with Oatmilk (secret menu)

Other Drinks

• Lavender Oatmilk Chill
• Dragon Drink (made with coconutmilk)
• Paradise Drink (made with coconutmilk)
• Pink Drink (made with coconutmilk)
• Summer Skies Drink (made with coconutmilk)
• Refresher, Mango Dragonfruit – Regular, Lemonade, and Frozen Lemonade
• Refresher, Pineapple Passionfruit – Regular, Lemonade, and Frozen Lemonade
• Refresher, Strawberry Açaí – Regular, Lemonade, and Frozen Lemonade
• Refresher, Summer Berry with Raspberry Pearls – Regular and Lemonade
• Spicy Refresher, Dragonfruit
• Spicy Refresher, Pineapple
• Spicy Refresher, Strawberry
• Steamed Apple Juice

Straight Up! Of course, the plain Brewed Coffee, Cold Brew, Espresso Shot, Caffè Americano (hot or iced), and Teas (hot or iced) are naturally dairy-free. You can customize them with your milk alternative of choice and flavor shots. See our sauces, syrups, and toppings guide below, or read on for menu customizations.

Just Ask! The Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew, Honey Oatmilk Latte (hot or iced), Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Lattes (hot and iced), and Hazelnut Mocha Coconutmilk Macchiato are no longer on the permanent menu, but can still be made on request.

Ready to Drink: Starbucks Pink Drink is now sold in ready-to-drink bottles in stores, too.

Special Order these Dairy-Free Starbucks Drinks

The following drinks can easily be made dairy free and vegan (unless otherwise noted*), while still retaining some or all of their specialty flavors. Order them with your dairy-free milk beverage of choice (almond, coconut, soy, or oat) instead of dairy milk, and follow any other noted instructions.

Hot Drinks (ordered with dairy-free milk beverage)

• Blonde Vanilla Latte
• Caffè Latte
• Caffè Misto
• Caffè Mocha (Hold the Whip)
• Cappuccino
• Chai Tea Latte*
• Cinnamon Dolce Latte (Hold the Whip & Cinnamon Dolce Topping)
• Espresso Macchiato
• Flat White
• Hot Chocolate (Hold the Whip)
• London Fog Tea Latte
• Matcha Green Tea Latte
• Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
• Starbucks Reserve Dark Chocolate Mocha
• Starbucks Reserve Latte
• Steamed Milk
• Vanilla Crème Steamer (Hold the Whip) (seasonal)

Heads Up! TheStarbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte cannot be made dairy free, because it uses a dairy milk that is infused with hazelnut praline flavor and sweetened condensed milk.

Frappuccinos*** (ordered with dairy-free milk beverage)

• Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)
• Caramel Frappuccino (Hold the Whip & Caramel Sauce)**
• Chai Crème Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)*
• Coffee Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)
• Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino (Hold the Whip & Frappuccino Chips)
• Espresso Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)
• Lavender Crème Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)
• Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)
• Mocha Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)
• Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino (Hold the Whip & Frappuccino Chips)
• Strawberry Crème Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)
• Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino (Hold the Whip)

Other Cold Coffee & Tea Drinks (ordered with dairy-free milk beverage)

• Cold Brew Coffee with Milk
• Cold Brew Coffee with Lemonade
• Iced Black Tea Lemonade (optionally blended)
• Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
• Iced Caffè Latte
• Iced Caffè Mocha (Hold the Whip)
• Iced Chai Tea Latte*
• Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte (Hold the Whip & Cinnamon Dolce Topping)
• Iced Coffee with Milk
• Iced Flat White
• Iced Lavender Oatmilk Matcha (Hold the Sweet Cream)
• Iced London Fog Tea Latte
• Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
• Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
• Iced Shaken Espresso
• Starbucks Reserve Iced Dark Chocolate Mocha
• Starbucks Reserve Iced Latte
• Starbucks Reserve Pineapple Rum Float with Oatmilk Gelato
• Starbucks Reserve Affogato with Oatmilk Gelato

Heads Up! The Starbucks Reserve items are available exclusively at Reserve locations (Seattle, New York, or Chicago). They offer a dairy-free oatmilk gelato at these shops. Speak with your barista for any modifications needed.

* These menu items are not strictly vegan due to the addition of real honey.

**Caramel Drinks – I’ve listed some of their caramel drinks with a note to hold the caramel sauce. These particular drinks are made with additional syrups, like toffee nut syrup, so they are still unique even without the caramel sauce. You could also ask for a drizzle of caramel syrup instead, since it is dairy-free. Please note that the caramel syrup is not the same as the caramel sauce or the caramel drizzle.

***Several years ago, Starbucks reformulated their frappuccino formula to make it suitable for dairy-free and vegan visitors.

Starbucks Dairy-Free Sauces, Syrups & Toppings

You can craft your own dairy-free beverage with the following. Some are seasonal, so your local shop will not have all of the following at any given time. But they will have many of these!

• Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
• Caramel Brulee Topping (but not the sauce)
• Caramel Sugar Topping
• Caramel Syrup (this is not the same as the caramel sauce or the caramel drizzle)
• Cascara Topping
• Chai Tea Concentrate (not vegan, contains honey)
• Chestnut Praline Syrup
• Chestnut Praline Topping
• Chocolate Cookie Grind Topping
• Chocolate Cookie Mint Sprinkle
• Chocolate Malt Powder
• Cinnamon
• Cinnamon Caramel Syrup
• Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
• Classic Syrup
• Cloud Powder (not vegan, contains egg)
• Cocoa Powder Topping
• Coffee Frappuccino Syrup
• Crème Frappuccino Syrup
• Gingerbread Flavored Syrup
• Irish Cream Syrup
• Hazelnut Syrup
• Holiday Sugar Sparkles With Crispy White Pearls Topping
• Honey Blend
• Lavender Powder
• Macadamia Syrup
• Matcha Tea Blend
• Mocha Sauce
• Nutmeg
• Oatmilk Gelato(reserve locations)
• Peppermint Syrup
• Pumpkin Spice Topping (not the sauce, this is basically spices)
• Raspberry Flavored Pearls
• Red Green Sprinkles
• Refresher Bases (all fruit flavors)
• Salted Brown Butter Cookie Flavored Topping
• Sea Salt Topping
• Smoked Butterscotch Sugar Topping (but not the sauce)
• Spiced Apple Drizzle
• Strawberry Puree Sauce
• Sugar Cookie Flavored Syrup
• Sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
• Tangerine Ginger Sugar
• Toasted Cookie Topping
• Toasted Honey Topping
• Toffee Nut Syrup
• Vanilla Bean Powder
• Vanilla Syrup
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Sauce (UK only)

Heads Up! The Salted Brown Butter Cookie Flavored Topping might be dairy-free. We are waiting on confirmation of the natural flavors.

AVOID:StarbucksSauces, Syrups & Toppings that CONTAIN DAIRY

• 125 Ped Cream
• Caramel Brulee Sauce
• Caramel Drizzle
• Caramel Sauce
• Cascara Cold Foam*
• Chocolate Sweet Cream
• Cinnamon Dolce Topping
• Cold Foam*
• Dark Caramel Sauce
• Dark Chocolate Curls
• Eggnog
• Frappuccino Chips
• Lemon Spiced Cold Foam*
• Macadamia Cream
• Oleato Golden Foam
• Panna (this is whipped cream)
• Pistachio Sauce
• Pistachio Sweet Cream
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
• Pumpkin Spice Sauce
• Salted Caramel Cream
• Salted Vanilla Sweet Cream
• Smoked Butterscotch Sauce
• Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Sauce
• Vanilla Sweet Cream
• Whipped Cream
• White Chocolate Mint Sauce
• White Chocolate Mocha Sauce

*The cold foam must be ordered specifically with a non-dairy milk beverage to be dairy-free. According to Starbucks, the dairy-free milks don’t perform as well for cold foam.

But Are They Allergy-Friendly?

I’ve heard many rumors about Starbucks changing their policies for handling allergens. As it turns out, they haven’t changed their processes, but they are trying to be more transparent. As before, pitchers should be rinsed and fresh pitchers can be requested, but the presence of milk is still abundant at each shop. Those with a severe milk allergy should use caution when ordering drinks and food, and might want to stick to safe pre-packaged and pre-bottled options. Or go basic with simple coffee or tea. You can also order flavor shots and milk alternatives, but request to stir yourself rather than having your drink shaken or steamed.

Here is their new allergen alert:

Starbucks reviews its practices on an ongoing basis to look for better ways to work and provide transparency to our customers and partners (employees). Starting July 10 [2018], Starbucks removed dairy labels from steaming and blending pitchers. Because our beverages are made using shared equipment (steaming wands, blender pitcher, rinsers) the removal of the sticker is more transparent and realistic of how the pitchers are used. As a beverage standard, our baristas use a rinsed pitcher for each handcrafted beverage. If you have questions or concerns, please ask your barista to remake the drink using a fresh pitcher and please remember that this does not guarantee that the beverage will be allergen-free.

Does Starbucks Offer Vegan Whipped Cream

In 2020, they tested vegan whipped cream in the UK, and it is still on the menu in many locations. In the U.S., they have sparsely begun testing a lentil-based, dairy-free whipped cream – rumor has it at just two locations in Washington state. If it becomes more widespread, we’ll update!

Dairy Free Starbucks Eats

On their website (below), Starbucks now includes allergen information for all of their standard food items. These can change often, but at last check, they listed the following items as not containing milk in the U.S (food items might vary in other countries).

Bakery Items

• Bagel, Everything (also vegan)
• Bagel, Plain (also vegan)
• Bagel, Sprouted Grain (also vegan; Canada only)
• Banana Walnut & Pecan Loaf
• Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf
• Blueberry Oat Cake (also vegan – exclusive to their Hawaii stores)

Heads Up: Starbucks was test marketing a vegan dark chocolate fudge brownie. At last check, it isn’t currently available, at least not in most stores. The double chocolate brownie that’s available in most stores does contain milk. Check to see if your store carries a vegan version!

Breakfast Items

• Rolled & Steel Cut Oatmeal (also vegan)
• Seasonal Fruit Blend (also vegan)

Heads Up: The only thing on the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich that is dairy-free is the patty. A vegan plant-based breakfast sandwich was test marketed, but it hasn’t been added to their permanent menu. All of their egg patties and several of their breads do contain milk. The Breaded Chicken Breakfast Fillet and Oat Biscuit Roll are made without milk, but that sandwich comes premade with maple butter.

Condiments

• Avocado Spread (also vegan)

Lunch (select locations)

RIP: Unfortunately, the Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box, Chicken & Fig Spread Sandwich, Egg Salad Sandwich, and Honey BBQ Sriracha Chicken Sandwich were discontinued.

See Also

Starbucks Misses Out for 20th Straight Year as These 4 Chains Corner the Vegan PSL MarketIs Starbucks Chai Vegan? Examining The Ingredients - Vegetarian VacationsVanilla Gingerbread Latte.The Best Vegan Starbucks Drinks for the Holidays

Heads Up! Many components on Starbucks sandwiches, beyond the cheese, contain milk. If you are okay with potential cross contamination, the Eggs & Cheese (Gouda or Cheddar) Protein Boxes are made without milk if you remove the cheese.

Starbucks Reserve Locations – Chicago, New York, Seattle

• Eggs in Purgatory
• Mixed Fruit
• Porchetta & Egg On Ciabatta
• Olive Oil Cake
• Avocado Toast with Pancetta & Egg
• Avocado Toast with Cherry Tomatoes
• Avocado Toast with Pickled Red Onions
• Pistachio Mortadella on Olive Sfilatino
• Olive or Raisin Sfilatino

Pre-Packaged Snacks & Sweets

• Country Archer Hickory Smoked Turkey Jerky
• Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (also vegan)
• Kind Almond Coconut Cashew Chai Bar
• Kind Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Bar
• Kind Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut Bar
• Peter Rabbit Organics Strawberry Banana Fruit Puree (also vegan)
• Squirrel Fruit + Nut Blend (also vegan)
• Starbucks Salted Kettle Potato Chips (also vegan)
• That’s It Apple Mango Bar (also vegan)
• That’s It Apple Blueberry Bar (also vegan)

Heads Up! The pre-packaged goodies available can vary by Starbucks location.

Pre-Bottled Drinks

For grab-and-go, pre-packaged drinks, Koia Protein Shakes and Evolution Fresh juices are available. Most of the smoothies from this brand now contain milk, but it looks like Starbucks is no longer carrying the smoothies. Either way, stick to their bottled juices (not protein drinks) and verify the ingredients.

Starbucks has also released some dairy-free coffee beverages and creamers for at-home enjoyment. These products are primarily sold in grocery stores, not Starbucks stores. They include Pink Drink, Oatmilk Cold Brew Bottles, Oatmilk Frappuccinos, and .

Dairy-Free Starbucks at Home

The Starbucks at Home line now includes a great range of products that you can buy at the store. All of these are sold at grocers, and are not available at Starbucks coffee shops.

• Starbucks Non-Dairy Creamers – These popular creamers have stuck around for several years. Their current flavors include Caramel, Hazelnut, and a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte.
• Oatmilk Cold Brew – Their multi-serve cold brew is available in one lightly creamy, dairy-free variety: Dark Chocolate.
• Oatmilk Frappuccinos – Starbucks dairy-free, single serve drinks have come and gone from the market with some regularity. Their current offerings are these creamy oatmilk blends in Caramel Cookie Waffle and Dark Chocolate Brownie.
• Plant-Based Chilled Classics – In the UK, they offer these single serve coffees with a range of milk alternatives in a coffee cup to go.

This Post is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, food sourcing, and restaurant protocols are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure they can accommodate your situation. This post is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

Each location of a chain restaurant has different management and staff, and some might have different owners. This means differences in processes, ingredients used, menu options, and food sourcing can occur. Always verify the safety of your order for your needs at your current location.

Where to Find Starbucks

They have locations around the globe. To find addresses and hours, visit the website below.

Website:www.starbucks.com

Make Starbucks-Worthy Drinks & Baked Goods with Go Dairy Free!