Best Caffeine-Free and Low Caffeine Starbucks Drinks to Try

1. Caramel Apple Spice

The champion of caffeine-free Starbucks drinks earns its top spot. This heavenly mix combines steamed apple juice with cinnamon dolce syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Take off the lid and boom—the smell of spiced apples hits you like fresh apple pie in liquid form. The cinnamon gives warmth and depth to the sweet apple base. It works in any season but feels extra special in fall.

Many people think it's seasonal only. Nope! Caramel Apple Spice stays on the menu all year. It's basically liquid apple pie à la mode—with zero caffeine.

Pro tip: Double-check that your barista adds the whipped cream and caramel drizzle. These toppings transform this drink from good to mind-blowing.

2. Mint Majesty Herbal Tea

As the lone true herbal tea at Starbucks, Mint Majesty stands out as totally caffeine-free. This fresh blend mixes spearmint leaves, peppermint leaves, and lemon verbena.

The first sip gives a cooling feeling that tea fans will love. Just smelling it calms you down—great for unwinding after a rough day.

What makes this tea special? The balance of two mint types. Peppermint brings sharp, intense flavor, but spearmint softens it into something gentler and more soothing. The hint of lemon verbena adds brightness without fighting the mint.

Zero calories, zero sugar—this is the healthiest option on our list by far. Try it hot or ask for it iced when it's hot outside.

3. Vanilla Crème Steamer

For cozy comfort, the Vanilla Crème delivers big time. This simple yet satisfying drink blends steamed milk with vanilla syrup, topped with whipped cream (though mine came without it—what's up with that?).

The magic of this drink is its simplicity. Warm, creamy milk meets vanilla syrup in a sweetness balance that's just right—not too sweet but definitely a treat. Reminds me of warm vanilla milk before bed as a kid, but fancier.

The Vanilla Crème gives you that latte feeling without any caffeine at all. It's my go-to evening drink when I want something warm and creamy but need to sleep later.

For the full experience, remind your barista about the whipped cream—it adds richness and looks pretty too.

4. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino

Want something cold and fruity without caffeine? The Strawberry Crème Frappuccino takes the crown. This pink beauty mixes ice, milk, and Starbucks' strawberry puree sauce into a refreshing frozen treat.

The standout feature? High-quality strawberry puree. Unlike fake strawberry flavors that taste like candy, this stuff captures real strawberries—both sweet and slightly tart.

The texture stays nice even as it melts, with little strawberry bits throughout. It's like a strawberry milkshake with none of the caffeine you'd get from Refreshers.

Bonus points for how pretty it looks—the pink color and visible strawberry bits make it super Instagram-worthy.

5. Emperor's Clouds & Mist Green Tea

This green tea has minimal caffeine (1-15mg per 12oz)—just enough for a tiny alertness boost without jitters. The elegant name hints at its special origin: Chinese cloud tea grown high in the mountains for imperial rulers.

The flavor is unique—slightly smoky with earthy notes and subtle sweetness that grows as you sip. It's not your regular green tea, which explains why some love it and others don't.

What makes it special? Its smooth finish with no bitterness, even when steeped for a long time. The subtle complexity makes it great for slow sipping.

For best results, drink it plain without sweeteners that might hide its unique taste. If you like nuanced flavors and want just a touch of caffeine, this ancient imperial tea deserves a try.

6. Blended Strawberry Lemonade

This refreshing frozen drink combines lemonade, ice, crème Frappuccino syrup, and strawberry puree for a sweet-tart summer treat with zero caffeine.

I was skeptical after trying Starbucks' plain lemonade (so watery!), but this blended version surprised me. The strawberry puree totally transforms the basic lemonade into something special—bright, fruity, and just right for hot days.

Sweet strawberry balances nicely with lemon's tang. It can create a harmonious frozen drink that feels lighter than milk-based options. The icy texture makes it extra refreshing when temps soar.

One small issue: this drink separates if you sip slowly. The strawberry sinks as ice melts, so drink it quickly or stir it now and then.

7. Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino

For chocolate lovers wanting a treat without much caffeine, this option hits the spot. It has only about 10mg of chocolate—basically nothing compared to coffee drinks.

This dessert-in-a-cup blends ice, milk, mocha sauce, and tiny chocolate chips, topped with whipped cream and chocolate cookie bits. It looks amazing before you even taste it.

The flavor matches the looks—rich chocolate with fun texture from cookie pieces and chocolate chips. Think deluxe chocolate milkshake with added crunch.

Just be sure to ask for the "Crème" version when ordering, since Starbucks also makes a coffee-based Chocolate Cookie Crumble Frappuccino with lots of caffeine.

8. Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino

This caffeine-free classic mixes ice, milk, and vanilla bean powder, topped with whipped cream. The vanilla bean powder—with real vanilla specks—makes this better than any basic vanilla shake.

Each sip has tiny vanilla bean flecks giving authentic flavor and visual appeal. Tastes like premium vanilla ice cream in drinkable form—sweet but not fake.

Its simplicity is what makes it great. With no competing flavors, pure vanilla shines through. Vanilla fans will find this hits all the right notes.

Think of it as your blank canvas—yummy as-is but also great with added toppings or flavor shots.

9. Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea

This green tea blend combines green tea with spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass for a refreshing cup with minimal caffeine (16-25mg per 12oz).

The taste starts with cooling mint followed by subtle citrus hints. The mint isn't too strong but gives a nice tingle that makes this tea extra refreshing.

Beyond just tasting good, this tea has health perks too. Green tea packs antioxidants, and some research suggests lemongrass might help lower anxiety and blood pressure (though scientists need to study this more).

With zero calories and zero sugar, it's great for health-conscious people wanting minimal caffeine. It's especially good iced during summer.

10. Chamomile Mint Blossom Hot Tea

This soothing blend has green tea (16-25mg caffeine) plus chamomile flowers, spearmint, apple, rose hips, lemon verbena, licorice root, and lemongrass. And this creates a complex but gentle flavor.

The main taste is soothing chamomile, then mint and subtle floral notes. This combo makes a calming cup just right for winding down.

Though chamomile often helps with sleep, the small caffeine amount from green tea gives a gentle lift. And so this is better for afternoon relaxation than bedtime sipping.

This healthy option has no sugar and only five calories, giving flavor without guilt. For tea fans who enjoy herbal blends but want a touch of caffeine, this hits the mark.

11. Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte

For those okay with small caffeine amounts (about 20mg per 12oz), this tea latte offers a nice alternative to coffee drinks. It mixes Starbucks' English Breakfast tea with steamed milk and classic syrup.

The bold black tea stands up nicely to creamy milk, creating a balanced drink that feels substantial and satisfying. The sweetener brings out the natural malty flavor of the tea.

This makes a great morning option for those cutting back on caffeine but still wanting a traditional breakfast drink. The milk adds protein and creaminess that plain tea doesn't have.

For extra flavor, try swapping vanilla syrup for the classic sweetener. This small change adds depth without overwhelming the tea character.

12. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino

This eye-catching caffeine-free option comes with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and crunchy caramel sugar topping. It looks like a dessert masterpiece and turns heads everywhere.

Despite its gorgeous looks, the flavor doesn't quite match up. The sweetness drowns out the caramel notes. It tastes more generically sweet than distinctly caramel.

The texture also melts too quickly. It can change from frozen treat to milky drink faster than ideal. But the crunchy caramel pieces add fun texture contrast.

When ordering, be super clear about wanting the "Crème" version—the regular Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino has coffee and lots of caffeine.

13. White Hot Chocolate

This caffeine-free alternative to regular hot chocolate mixes milk with white chocolate mocha sauce. Since white chocolate lacks cocoa solids, it has no caffeine.

The flavor is mild and creamy but lacks the depth that makes other Starbucks drinks memorable. It tastes mainly sweet with subtle vanilla notes but needs something extra to really shine.

Think of this drink as a blank canvas for customization. Adding peppermint, cinnamon dolce, or other flavor syrups transforms it into something more exciting. During holiday seasons, the Peppermint White Hot Chocolate offers this improved version officially.

Best for those with a serious sweet tooth or as a base for creative add-ins.

14. Hot Chocolate

Starbucks' hot chocolate has minimal caffeine (about 20mg per 12oz) from cocoa. Made with mocha sauce, vanilla syrup, and steamed milk, it should be a cozy classic.

Sadly, it falls short. The chocolate flavor lacks richness and depth. It can come across as watery and bland. It needs either more chocolate intensity or more sweetness to balance things out.

The smell promises more than the taste delivers and it creates disappointment with each sip. At nearly $4 for a tall size, the value just isn't there.

For a better hot chocolate experience, ask for extra mocha sauce or try one of the seasonal versions like Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

15. Lemonade

The plain lemonade at Starbucks has zero caffeine but also minimal flavor appeal. Made with water, lemon juice, sugar, and lemon oil, it should be refreshingly tart-sweet.

Instead, it tastes watered down and lacks the bright acidity good lemonade needs. Despite having 19 grams of sugar, it doesn't taste very sweet or lemony—just vaguely citrus-flavored water.

Best use for this drink? As a base for customizations. Adding strawberry puree completely transforms it (like in the Blended Strawberry Lemonade). You can also ask for extra lemon slices to boost the flavor.

With so many better caffeine-free options at Starbucks, plain lemonade isn't worth ordering unless you plan to modify it a lot.

How to Customize Your Caffeine-Free Starbucks Order

Don't just stick to the standard menu. Starbucks is all about customization, and with a little creativity, you can create even more caffeine-free options:

Milk Choices: Every drink works with different milk options—whole, skim, oat, almond, soy, or coconut. This simple swap can totally change how a drink tastes and feels in your mouth.

Flavor Syrups: Starbucks has tons of caffeine-free syrups to jazz up any drink:

• Vanilla
  
• Caramel
  
• Cinnamon Dolce
  
• Hazelnut
  
• Toffee Nut
  
• Seasonal options like Pumpkin Spice

Temperature Swaps: Most hot drinks can be ordered iced, and many cold drinks can come warm. This doubles your options right away.

Whipped Cream: Adding or skipping whipped cream changes both taste and mouthfeel. Don't be shy about asking for it if your drink should have it but shows up without.

Sweetness Levels: Most drinks can be adjusted for sweetness. Ask for "less sweet" or a specific number of syrup pumps to control sugar.

Are Caffeine-Free Drinks Really Healthier?

Just because a drink lacks caffeine doesn't mean it's healthy. Many Starbucks caffeine-free options pack lots of sugar and calories. Here's what to know:

Sugar Content: Crème Frappuccinos and flavored steamers typically have 30-60 grams of sugar per serving. That's 7-15 teaspoons—way more than health experts recommend daily.

Calorie Counts: The more indulgent options like Frappuccinos can hit 300-500 calories per serving same as a small meal.

Healthier Alternatives: For lower-calorie, lower-sugar options, try:

• Herbal teas (like Mint Majesty) without sweetener
  
• Steamers with sugar-free syrups and non-fat or plant-based milks
  
• Lemonade with less sweetener

Recent research on caffeine shows it affects many systems in the human body beyond just keeping us awake. The effects can be good or bad depending on the person. Knowing how sensitive you are to caffeine helps you decide if you need strictly caffeine-free drinks or can handle ones with tiny amounts.

Seasonal Caffeine-Free Options to Watch For

Starbucks rotates special offerings throughout the year, including some great caffeine-free choices:

Fall: Try Steamed Apple Juice with cinnamon dolce syrup—a simpler version of the Caramel Apple Spice.

Winter Holidays: Toasted White Hot Chocolate offers a caramelized twist on the standard White-Hot Chocolate.

Spring/Summer: Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino (Crème version) mixes strawberry puree with funnel cake-flavored syrup and powdered sugar topping.

The seasonal menu changes each year, so check the Starbucks app or ask your barista about current caffeine-free seasonal specials.

Final Thoughts

After testing all 15 options, clear winners emerge for different tastes:

Best Overall: Caramel Apple Spice delivers the most satisfying flavor experience without caffeine.

Best Tea Option: Mint Majesty gives refreshing and caffeine-free sipping with health benefits.

Best Cold Option: Strawberry Crème Frappuccino balances sweetness with fruity flavor for a refreshing treat.

Best Value: Vanilla Crème offers simple satisfaction at a lower price than Frappuccinos.

Healthiest Choice: Mint Majesty or plain Blended Strawberry Lemonade provide flavor without excess calories.

Remember that taste is personal. What I love might not be your thing. The best approach? Experiment! Try something new from this list each Starbucks visit until you find your go-to caffeine-free drink.

With these options in your back pocket, skipping caffeine doesn't mean missing out on your Starbucks ritual.

If you need a premium coffee option for those days when caffeine is back on the menu then you can try Lifeboost's organic, low-acid coffee beans. Our coffee deliver rich flavor without the stomach upset or jitters that cheaper brands cause.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most popular caffeine-free drink at Starbucks?

The Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino tops the most-ordered caffeine-free options, along with Strawberry Crème Frappuccino and Caramel Apple Spice.

Does Starbucks hot chocolate contain caffeine?

Yes, Starbucks hot chocolate has about 20mg of caffeine in a 12oz cup from the cocoa. Regular coffee has about 235mg for comparison.

Are all Starbucks teas caffeinated?

Almost all Starbucks teas have some caffeine except Mint Majesty, their only completely caffeine-free herbal tea.

Can I get a completely caffeine-free Frappuccino?

Yes, any "Crème" Frappuccino (Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème, etc.) has no coffee and no caffeine, except tiny amounts in chocolate-based ones.

How can I tell if a Starbucks drink has caffeine?

Ask your barista or check the Starbucks app, which shows caffeine content for all drinks. Generally, anything with coffee, espresso, tea (except herbal), or chocolate will have some caffeine.

Are Starbucks Refreshers caffeine-free?

No, all Refreshers contain green coffee extract with caffeine. Try the Blended Strawberry Lemonade instead for a caffeine-free fruit option.

About the Author

This article comes from the Lifeboost writing team based on taste tests at multiple Starbucks locations. We tried each drink exactly as listed on the menu without changes to give fair comparisons. Our rankings look at taste, value, appearance, and overall satisfaction for people avoiding caffeine. We double-checked all caffeine info against Starbucks' official nutrition data for 2024.

Disclaimer: This info isn't meant to replace medical advice. If you have health concerns about caffeine, talk to your doctor. Caffeine affects everyone differently, and what works for one person might not work for you.