Although Starbucks essentially began as a coffee shop, today's flavors extend beyond the bold taste of the bean.
Starbucks now offers various drink options that will satisfy even the pickiest of kids.
And many espresso-based drinks can be made kid-friendly by ordering them without espresso.
Just keep in mind that some drinks get caffeine from tea bases or coffee bases too, so it's always worth asking if you're unsure.
Quick Answer: What are the best Starbucks drinks for kids?
The best Starbucks drinks for kids are usually caffeine-free classics like hot chocolate, chocolate milk, lemonade, steamers (steamed milk + syrup), and steamed apple juice.
For a fun treat, crème-based Frappuccinos like Vanilla Bean or Strawberry Crème are popular. If you want to keep it caffeine-free, ask for no espresso and skip tea-based drink bases.
From classic hot chocolate to fruity drinks to teas, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Starbucks besides coffee.
This article will list the best Starbucks drinks for kids, including caffeine-free options.
1. Hot chocolate
Kids have always loved traditional hot chocolate, and it's typically a drink option in most coffee shops and restaurants nationwide.
Starbucks' delicious and inviting hot chocolate is made with steamed milk and melted chocolate. The drink is also topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.
If desired, kids can add any extra flavors to the drink, like caramel.
Aside from traditional hot chocolate, your kids can enjoy a warm white hot chocolate with its delicious, rich flavor.
Just be mindful when ordering white hot chocolate, as it contains more sugar than the traditional version.
Traditional hot chocolate contains about 18 g (0.63 oz) of sugar, while white hot chocolate contains about 28 g (0.99 oz).
2. Chocolate milk
Another traditional drink that's popular with kids is chocolate milk.
Starbucks offers prepackaged chocolate milk made by Horizon, or you can have the barista prepare it for you.
Starbucks creates creamy and delicious chocolate milk made with your choice of milk, cocoa powder, and a hint of sweetness.
3. Caramel apple spice
It is a sweet apple-flavored drink with a caramel flavor and a hint of spice.
It's made of fresh apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and caramel, complemented with a sweet caramel drizzle and whipped topping.
Of course, you can always omit the caramel drizzle and whipped cream to lessen the sugar content.
There are approximately 36 g (1.27 oz) of sugar in the ingredients listed above for a kid or short size.
4. Fruit smoothies
Depending on your location, Starbucks may not have made-to-order fruit smoothies on the standard menu anymore.
If you're looking for a fruit-forward option, you'll usually have better luck with lemonade-based drinks, crème-based blended drinks, or bottled juice options from the fridge case.
If you want something smoothie-like, ask what fruit-based bottled drinks are available, or go with a blended drink that doesn't use coffee or tea as the base.
5. Evolution juices
Starbucks launched a line of non-caffeinated, kid-friendly drinks called Evolution Juice.
Availability and flavors vary by location, but it's an easy grab-and-go option if you want something fruity without coffee.
Here are some flavors that are usually available:
- Super fruit greens
- Pure orange
- Defense up
6. Fruit inclusions with water or milk
Like the Pink Drink, the fruit inclusions are typically added to Starbucks Refreshers.
However, you can request milk or water as the base instead of caffeinated tea.
If you want a simple, caffeine-free custom option, you can ask for water or milk with a scoop or two of fruit inclusions.
It gives you a light fruity taste without ordering a tea-based Refresher as the base.
7. Iced brown sugar oatmilk
The caffeinated version is made with espresso, but you can order a kid-friendly version by asking for an iced oatmilk with brown sugar syrup and cinnamon, without espresso.
If you want it less sweet, ask for fewer pumps of syrup and skip any optional toppings.
As previously mentioned, this drink has a caffeine-free version, allowing you to enjoy your caffeine fix while your child enjoys their caffeine-free alternative.
Both versions are super simple to make at home by following the recipe in my article, “Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: Delicious Recipe.”
To make this delicious treat for your child, simply omit the espresso.
8. Lemonade
Another classic drink that's suitable for kids is Starbucks lemonade.
The lemonade ingredients consist of ice and lemonade concentrate, which is made of water, lemon juice, and sugar.
Kids can enjoy the refreshing tang of simple lemonade or kick up the flavor.
These lemonades are among the best Starbucks drinks for kids because you can customize the traditional flavor by adding other fruity syrups to delight their taste buds.
9. Blended strawberry lemonade
The blended strawberry lemonade is a popular drink that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of lemonade, creating an inviting flavor combination.
This sweet and tart lemonade is made with Starbucks' own lemonade, Crème Frappuccino syrup, and strawberry puree sauce, blended with ice to create a smoothie-like texture.
It's a sweet, dessert-like blended option that a lot of kids enjoy, especially on warm days.
The bright pink hue of the drink makes it an eye-catching choice, and it is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
10. Iced passion tango tea
Iced Passion Tango is a refreshing herbal blend of hibiscus and lemongrass.
It's refreshing and lightly sweetened with Starbucks' own lemonade concentrate.
This refreshing tea is perfect for hot days, as it is chilled and features light flavors of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple.
It also includes an infusion of cinnamon, licorice root, and fruit juice extract, resulting in a blend of herbal and fruity flavors.
These ingredients are shaken with ice and served in a tall size or larger. Alternatively, you can order a grande and ask for an extra cup to split it with your child.
11. Iced passion tango tea lemonade
Starbucks added a twist to the above-mentioned iced passion tango tea by introducing a version that includes lemonade in the mix.
The iced Passion Tango tea lemonade combines the original delicious flavors of the iced Passion Tango tea with the tartness of Starbucks' lemonade.
As previously mentioned, Starbucks lemonade is made by adding water to its own concentrate, which includes lemon juice, sugar, and lemon oil.
S, there is a small amount of sugar, but it's still less than in most of the drinks they offer.
12. Steamers
Starbucks steamers are made with milk of your choice and a shot of your favorite flavor.
These steamers are an excellent option for kids, being caffeine-free, and there are plenty of flavor options to choose from, such as the following which are fan favorites:
- Vanilla
- Toasted vanilla
- Brown sugar
- Toffee nut
- Cinnamon dolce
- Dark caramel
- Raspberry
- Pumpkin spice (seasonal)
- Peppermint (seasonal)
- Sugar Cookie (seasonal)
These steamers are also topped with whipped cream, spices, or other treat bits if you prefer.
13. Steamed apple juice
Starbucks' steamed apple juice is a popular kid-friendly drink available at Starbucks. It is made with freshly pressed apple juice (not concentrate) that is steamed.
The drink contains no added sugar and is a great way to encourage your kids to appreciate the natural sweetness of apples.
14. Iced strawberry milk
The iced strawberry milk is a refreshing flavor combination and one of the best Starbucks drinks for kids during the summer.
The drink consists of ice, milk, and strawberry puree. And as with other Starbucks drinks, you can customize it using a non-dairy milk option instead.
Swapping regular milk for non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut milk or oat milk, can reduce the sugar and fat content of the drink.
15. Herbal teas
Think outside the box and ask your child if they want to try one of the warm and inviting herbal teas on the menu.
Starbucks' herbal teas are a simple caffeine-free option, and they're easy to customize (sweetened or unsweetened).
If your child prefers cold tea, ask the barista for a cup of ice.
Once the tea has steeped and cooled for a few minutes, they (or you) can pour the tea into the cup of ice for a chilled and more refreshing version.
Starbucks offers two caffeine-free herbal teas, Mint Majesty and Peach Tranquility.
Mint majesty
This tea blend includes the herbal flavors of mint with a hint of lemon verbena. Mint is naturally refreshing and is commonly used in teas and smoothies.
This warm blend of herbs is excellent on cold days, such as those in fall and winter.
Peach tranquillity
If your kid loves peaches, this may be the tea they can try on your next Starbucks visit.
Included are the delicious fruit flavors of peach and candied pineapple, blended with herbs such as chamomile blossoms, lemon verbena, and rose hips.
16. Strawberry crème Frappuccino
The strawberry crème Frappuccino is a beloved treat that your kids will surely enjoy if they love strawberry-flavored drinks.
This is part of Starbucks' Frappuccino blended beverage line, and it's made iced with milk of your choice and layered with strawberry puree.
It's topped with more strawberry puree and vanilla whipped cream. There are approximately 32 g (1.13 oz) of sugar contained in a tall.
17. Peppermint mocha
This seasonal drink is typically a coffee-based drink that's highly popular during the holiday season.
It can be made kid-friendly by asking your barista to omit the espresso.
The Peppermint Mocha features peppermint and chocolate-flavored syrup, served with your choice of steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate.
While the Peppermint Mocha has less sugar than most chocolate drinks, it still contains a good bit.
However, the amount of sugar in the drink is significantly lower than in most similar-tasting drinks, at approximately 28g of sugar for a short-size peppermint mocha.
18. Vanilla bean Frappuccino
The Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is one of the best drinks for kids to celebrate a special occasion, as it's more of a milkshake-type drink.
This is a frozen drink that is sweet and creamy. It is a vanilla-flavored base, topped with whipped cream and an optional caramel drizzle.
Note: This drink has more sugar (about 50g+ for a grande) and calories than many other drink options due to its ingredients.
However, ordering it with almond milk or oat milk and omitting the whipped topping will reduce the sweetness.
You can also ask your barista for an extra cup and split it with your young one!
More great Starbucks drinks
Ready to learn more about what kind of drinks Starbucks has?
Great!
Below, you will find all the lists I've created so far:
- Best Starbucks Caramel Drinks
- Best Starbucks Cold Brew Drinks
- Best Starbucks Decaf Drinks
- Best Starbucks Espresso Drinks
- Best Starbucks Frappuccino Drinks
- Best Starbucks Holiday Drinks
- Best Starbucks Hot Drinks
- Best Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks
- Best Starbucks Latte Flavors
- Best Starbucks Oat Milk Drinks
- Best Starbucks Protein Drinks
- Best Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks
- Best Starbucks Vanilla Drinks
And for even more information about Starbucks, check out the Starbucks hub here!
Conclusion
Starbucks is a great option when you are looking for drinks for kids that will be both delicious and interesting.
Although there may be many coffee-based beverage choices, kids don't actually drink coffee, and Starbucks understands this.
There are plenty of options when ordering drinks for children, ranging from delicious Frappuccinos to refreshing smoothies.
With these various flavors in mind, you can find something on the menu that suits any child's taste.
