Do Starbucks Have Milkshakes?

Quick Answer

Starbucks usually does not list “milkshakes” on the menu. But you can still order a drink that feels like one. In the US and many other places, the closest match is a Frappuccino® Blended Beverage. Crème based versions work best because they skip coffee. In India and a few other markets, Starbucks sells Signature Milkshakes with names like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry. With a few simple tweaks, most stores can make a thick and creamy drink that hits the same milkshake vibe.

Key Takeaways

• Starbucks US offers milkshake style Frappuccinos, not classic ice cream milkshakes.
  
• Starbucks India and some markets sell Signature Milkshakes by name.
  
• Crème Frappuccinos are your easiest milkshake swap without coffee.
  
• Many grande Frappuccinos pack a lot of sugar, so size and tweaks matter.
  
• You can adjust milk, syrups, toppings, and coffee to match your taste.

Many first time Starbucks visitors look for milkshakes and come up empty. That menu can feel like it speaks a different language. You see “Frappuccino® Blended Beverage” and “Crème Frappuccino.” But you do not see the word “milkshake” in most places.

Here’s the simple truth. Starbucks can give you a milkshake style drink. You just have to order it using Starbucks words. And those words change by country, so your location matters.

This guide shows you what to order for a milkshake style drink at Starbucks. It also shares simple doctor approved tweaks that can cut sugar and calories for a lighter treat.

What Do We Actually Mean by "Milkshake" at Starbucks?

Classic Milkshake: The Baseline

A classic milkshake is ice cream, milk, and flavoring. That’s it. You blend it until it turns thick and creamy. Many shops finish it with whipped cream. Some add chocolate sauce or caramel sauce. Some go for colorful sprinkles.

But Starbucks in the US does not usually scoop ice cream at the bar. So, you won’t get the same “ice cream first” build. This one detail shapes how their frozen drinks taste and feel.

Starbucks Frappuccino® vs. Traditional Milkshake

A Frappuccino® Blended Beverage mixes ice, milk or a dairy alternative, flavor syrups, and a proprietary base. Some versions also include coffee. Starbucks blends it all until smooth. You get a sweet and cold treat that can feel like a milkshake cousin. Frappuccinos are a trademarked product line. They include coffee drinks and also non-coffee dessert drinks.

The texture differs from classic ice-cream shakes – Frappuccinos tend to be lighter and more icy than a traditional milkshake, though still creamy. Coffee Frappuccinos include coffee, but crème versions skip the coffee entirely for a more dessert-like experience.

For Starbucks, most "milkshake moments" are handled by the Frappuccino and, in some regions, by true milkshakes on local menus.

Starbucks Milkshake-Style Drinks

Do Starbucks Have Milkshakes on the Menu?

Short Answer: It Depends on Where You Live

US and many markets

Starbucks rarely lists “milkshake” as a separate drink type. If you want something close, look at Frappuccino Blended Beverages. You can pick coffee versions or crème versions.

India and select international markets

In India and a few other markets, Starbucks has marketed Signature Milkshakes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. They’ve called them milkshakes in local ads and on local menus.

Availability shifts over time. Some drinks come and go during menu simplification. So, the safest move is checking the app for your nearby store before you order.

Why Starbucks Uses "Blended Beverage" Instead of "Milkshake"

“Frappuccino” is a trademarked family of drinks. It covers coffee-based and coffee-free dessert drinks. The word mixes “frappé” and “cappuccino.” In parts of New England, a frappé can mean a thick milkshake with ice cream. A cappuccino is espresso coffee with frothed milk.

Starbucks uses one umbrella name for a reason. It keeps the menu easier to manage. It also lets them add seasonal flavors and local versions without changing what they call the drink.

Milkshake-Style Options You Can Order at Starbucks

Crème Frappuccinos: Your Main Milkshake Alternatives

The Crème Frappuccino base skips coffee entirely. It instead focus on a mixture of milk (or dairy-free milk), crème base, ice, and flavor. This makes it the closest option to a traditional milkshake at most Starbucks locations.

Reliable examples that still appear on menus include:

• Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino – a simple vanilla blend that's very milkshake-like with its smooth, sweet flavor profile.
  
• Strawberry Crème-type Frappuccinos where available (such as Strawberry Crème or seasonal strawberry blends) offer that classic fruity milkshake experience.
  
• Matcha Crème-style Frappuccinos in regions where they're sold provide a tea-based twist on the creamy frozen drink concept.

Exact flavors vary by country and season, so your local Starbucks menu may offer different options.

Coffee-Based Frappuccinos That Feel Milkshake-Like

Some people want a milkshake texture plus a coffee kick. For these customers, several coffee Frappuccinos deliver a dessert-like experience.
Present-day examples still widely promoted include:

Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino mixes coffee, mocha sauce, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and cookie pieces. You get a rich drink that feels like dessert in a cup.

Seasonal coffee Frappuccinos like Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée show up during the holidays. You can order them as blended drinks. They work like a milkshake swap when you want something sweet and cold.

Some older picks like the Java Chip Frappuccino are no longer on the US menu due to a menu simplification in 2025. But you can still get close with a custom order. Ask for mocha sauce and chocolate chips in a similar Frappuccino and you’ll land in the same neighborhood.

How to Order a Milkshake-Style Drink at Starbucks (Anywhere)

Step 1: Pick Your Base

For a classic, non-coffee milkshake vibe:

• Ask for a crème Frappuccino such as Vanilla Bean or the closest vanilla or strawberry option on your menu.

For a coffee-forward treat:

• Choose a mocha-style or cookie-style Frappuccino and ask the barista to make it extra creamy.
  

Step 2: Customize for Milkshake Texture

Ask for:

• "Extra thick" or "less ice" if your region allows that tweak.
  
• Whole milk or another richer milk option for more body (if available).

Optional tweaks that many stores support:

• Extra pumps of flavor syrup.
  
• Whipped cream blended in or piled on top.
  
• Extra cookie crumbs or chips where they're still offered (or a Mocha Frappuccino with added chips to mimic Java Chip in markets that removed it).
  

Step 3: Make It Your Own (Taste and Dietary Needs)

For less sweetness:

• Ask for fewer syrup pumps or a smaller size.

For dairy-free:

• Choose oat, almond, or another plant-based milk, and skip whipped cream if necessary (availability varies by region).

For a gentler caffeine hit:

• Stick to crème Frappuccinos, or ask for fewer espresso shots in coffee-based versions.
  

Best Starbucks "Milkshake" Orders for Different Situations

If You Want a Classic Vanilla or Strawberry Milkshake Vibe

In markets without official milkshakes (like most US stores):

• Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino.
  
• Strawberry-style Crème Frappuccino or seasonal strawberry tea/cream Frappuccinos when available.

In markets with milkshakes (e.g., India):

• Signature Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry Milkshake if visible on the menu or delivery apps.
  

If You Want a Coffee Milkshake

Recommend:

• Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino (or local equivalents on the menu).
  
• Holiday coffee Frappuccinos like Peppermint Mocha or Caramel Brulée during seasonal menus.

If You Want Lower Sugar or Dairy-Free

Guide toward:

• Smaller sizes, fewer syrup pumps, and asking for no whipped cream.
  
• Plant-based milks available in their region (oat, almond, soy, etc.).

Nutrition will still be dessert-like, but these tweaks bring it more in line with everyday habits many health-conscious readers aim for.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got the milkshake plan for Starbucks. Order a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino for that creamy taste. Or ask for a custom version with extra toppings. It’s like choosing your own ice cream sundae. Just in a cup.
But keep one thing in mind. These drinks pack sugar. So, treat them like a treat and not your daily go-to.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Starbucks have milkshakes on the menu?

In the United States and most countries, no. Starbucks doesn’t put “milkshakes” on the menu as a category. You’ll see Frappuccinos instead. But in India and some other markets, Starbucks sells drinks named “Signature Milkshakes.” These can come in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

What is the closest drink to a milkshake at Starbucks?

The Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino is usually your best bet. It has no coffee. It tastes like sweet vanilla. And it has that creamy texture that feels close to a milkshake, like a smoothie’s richer cousin.

Can I order a custom milkshake at Starbucks?

Yes. You can ask for a crème Frappuccino and request extra creaminess. Then add toppings you enjoy. The barista can change your milk type. They can add flavor syrups too. They can top it with whipped cream. But in the US, adding ice cream usually isn’t possible because it’s not a standard Starbucks ingredient.

Does Starbucks still have Java Chip Frappuccino?

It was discontinued in the US in March 2025 as part of a menu simplification. But many people still order something close. They ask for a Mocha Frappuccino and add chocolate chips. Outside the US, availability can change, so it depends on the store and country.

Are Starbucks Frappuccinos bad for you?

Treat Frappuccinos like an occasional sweet drink. Not your everyday go-to. A standard Grande (16 oz) Frappuccino often has a high amount of added sugar. You can cut it down by asking for fewer syrup pumps. You can also choose non-fat milk or remove whipped cream. If you need health advice, talk to a health professional who knows your health history.

About the Author

This article was written by the Lifeboost writing team based on current medical research, including studies from the International Neurourology Journal and BMC Urology. We referenced information from trusted medical sources including the Mayo Clinic, NHS, and WebMD.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. Menu items, ingredients, and availability may vary by location and change over time. This content is not affiliated with or endorsed by Starbucks Corporation.

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