Skip to main content
Starbucks for Kids: 10 Caffeine-Free Drinks They'll Love



<br>

Starbucks

Starbucks for Kids: 10 Caffeine-Free Drinks They’ll Love

Satisfy any child’s taste with these cool, caffeine-free beverages from Starbucks.


441 Likes

Anyone with child experience—whether it’s kids of your own or a profitable babysitting gig—knows that you can’t take them anywhere without a few “I want (fill in the blank).” Kids are naturally curious, and if they see you sipping on a latte or a vibrant Starbucks Refresher, they’re going to want one, too. Of course, there’s no way we’re about to hand a caffeine-laden Frappucino to a human being with already boundless energy. Luckily, these caffeine-free beverages will satisfy the “I wants” of any child on a hot day. 

jump to the DRINKS

Caffeine-free drinks at Starbucks

Children aside, sometimes adults need a refreshing beverage with a little less jolt to it. Whether you’ve already had your morning coffee, or it’s 3pm and you just want something a little fun and sweet to power through a never-ending afternoon, these beverages can appeal to grown-ups, too.  

VegNews.Cup1.StarbucksStarbucks

RELATED: The 2026 Guide to Vegan Starbucks Summer Drinks

Remember, decaf is always an option, too. If you love the taste of coffee but don’t want to throw off your beauty sleep, you can order decaf anything. A decaf soy mocha on a chilly evening or a decaf Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso on a balmy night can both be exceptional. 

One final note on caffeine: the blonde roast actually contains slightly more caffeine than the medium and dark roasts. For example, a grande Blonde roast coffee contains 360 milligrams of caffeine compared to the same size Pike roast, which contains 310 milligrams of caffeine. If you need a pick-me-up but are sensitive to caffeine, swap out any Blonde espresso shots (which are automatically included in the Iced Shaken Espressos) with the classic Signature Espresso.

Kid-friendly vegan drinks at Starbucks

From blended Frappucinos (hold the whip) to brightly hued lemonade mixers, here are 10 cool Starbucks drinks to order for kiddos, from toddlers to tweens. 

Tropical Butterfly Lemonade RefresherStarbucks

1Refreshers

Yes, you can order Starbucks Refreshers without caffeine. Because these are typically made with green tea, customers will need to specify they’d like a caffeine-free Refresher when ordering. Luckily, the app makes it easy with the “caffeine options” customizer: simply select “caffeine-free.” Most refreshers—Lemonade Refreshers, Coconutmilk Refreshers, and classic Refreshers—can be made without caffeine except for the Energy Refreshers. This year’s summer lineup includes the Tropical Butterfly Refresher, Ocean Drink, Mango Dream, and more. 

2Lemonade

A key ingredient for its Refreshers and iced teas, lemonade is a permanent staple at Starbucks. This classic bev is made simply with water, lemon juice, lemon oil, and sugar. Order a grande for yourself and the kiddos on a hot summer day for an instant cooling treat.

3Blended strawberry lemonade

The blended strawberry lemonade is a menu staple that you can order by name, or get creative and try lemonade blended with mango or raspberry syrups for a smoothie-like drink with a kid-friendly amount of pucker.

Starbucks iced passion tango teaStarbucks

4 Herbal iced teas

Starbucks offers refreshing herbal iced teas perfect for kids or anyone looking for a caffeine-free bev. Go for the Iced Passion Tango Tea, which features hibiscus, cinnamon, apple, lemongrass, and licorice root. For added sweetness, order it with lemonade. The coffee chain can also make an iced version of any loose-leaf tea available in-store. Mint Majesty is another solid pick.

5 Chocolate milk

Baristas can add a pump or two of vegan-friendly chocolate syrup to any of the non-dairy milk offerings for a custom chocolate milk. Choose from soy, almond, coconut, or oat milk for your kiddo’s chocolate-infused beverage. Ask for freeze-dried strawberry slices for a fun and fruity floating addition.

VegNews.Cups.StarbucksStarbucks

6 Hazelnut milk

Truly, you can do this with any flavor (toasted coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon dolce, etc.), but hazelnut is a crowd-pleaser no matter the age. Ask for a cup of almond milk (or oat or soy) with two pumps of hazelnut syrup, and you have custom-made, perfectly sweet hazelnut milk. Nutrition tip for parents: soy milk has the most protein and calcium out of all the Starbucks non-dairy milk options. If you’re looking to sneak in some nutrition along with your kids’ “fun” drink, opt for soy.  

7 Crème Frappuccinos

All Frappuccinos are not created equal (or vegan). In fact, there are thousands of ways to customize these blended beverages—one of which includes creating (vegan) crème-based, coffee-free concoctions. Vanilla Bean Crème and Strawberries and Crème are kid-friendly staples—just be sure to ask for no whipped cream. Also steer clear of anything made with caramel sauce and Java Chips, as they both contain dairy. Barista tip: add one pump of hazelnut syrup to the vanilla or strawberry Crème for a cake batter-inspired flavor kids (and adults) will love.

VegNews.Guides.Starbucks.1Starbucks

8 Decaf anything

Just about everything at Starbucks can be made decaffeinated, beyond the nitro cold brew. Is your preteen wanting a more grown-up option? Try an Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte with decaf blonde espresso, soy milk, no whip, and replace dolce sprinkles (which contain dairy) with nutmeg or chocolate powder. Frappuccinos can also be reworked sans caffeine by subbing in decaffeinated shots. Cut down on sugar as well by asking for a decaf Caramel Frappuccino with sugar-free syrup, no whip, and no drizzle.

Evolution FreshEvolution Fresh

9 Bottled juices

Let your kid have their pick of an organic fruit juice from the refrigerated section of the store as you wait to order your cold brew. Options include Evolution Fresh Super Fruit Greens and Evolution Fresh Pure Orange. Ask the barista for a tall cup with ice, then pour the juice over ice so your kid feels like they’re sipping a custom-made drink, just like the grown-ups. Boxes of Tree Top’s organic apple juice are also on offer.

Spindrift

10Spindrift

Swap soda for a fruity can of sparkling water. Let your kid choose from lemond or raspberry lime, then ask your barista for a tall cup with ice and fresh strawberries. Pour the chilled can over the ice and fruit for a fizzy, caffeine-and-sugar-free refresher.

For more plant-based stories like this, read:

Share this

Become a VegNews VIP for freebies, insider deals, and perks galore!

Tell Me More

Get the Newsletter

Never miss out on breaking stories, recipes, and deals

Get the Magazine

#147 2026 The Summer Travel Issue
#147 2026 The Summer Travel Issue
#147 2026 The Summer Travel Issue

All things plant‑based, in your mailbox and inbox

Subscribe