Starbucks is one of the world’s most well-known coffee brands. Its stores are found on almost every block in some big cities. From espresso drinks to Frappuccino® blended beverages and whole range of other blends, their possibilities are endless. But what about those who don’t drink coffee? Are there good options for those who don’t want the bitter, acidic taste of coffee?
The good news is that, yes, there are a lot of non-coffee drinks on offer. There are hot and iced teas, hot and iced lemonades, non-dairy or specialty milks, including almond milk and coconut milk, hot chocolate, and chilled Cocoa Cloud Macchiato, a frothy and creamy drink with a hint of cocoa. You can also find a selection of frappuccinos in flavors like mocha or vanilla chai, which can be made with milk or non-dairy milk, and without coffee.
In recent years, Starbucks has started to focus more on non-caffeinated beverages, in response to the changing demands of consumers, who are increasingly mindful of their health and lifestyle. In addition to regular drinks like hot chocolate, Starbucks offers a variety of seasonal and speciality drinks, like the Teavana® Crafted Iced Teas, which are lightly sweetened and flavored with real fruit juices.
Nitro Cold Brew is a popular drink for coffee drinkers who want the flavor and texture of coffee, but without the kick. Cold brew is subtly sweet and smoky, but with a smooth, creamy finish. It’s made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, without adding heat. The result is a refreshing drink with a strong coffee flavor, and a lower amount of acidity and bitterness. It’s served over ice with a nitrogen froth to give it a creamy texture, and can be sweetened or made with milk or non-dairy milk.
Smoothies are a great way to get in some vitamins and nutrients, not just caffeine. At Starbucks, you can get the Superfoods Boost Organic Acai Bowl, the Protein Power Smoothie, and even an energy-boosting shot of spinach and kale, blended with banana and apple juice, that’s been dubbed the green drink.
For something a bit more decadent, Starbucks offers iced and blended drinks like the Frappuccino Light blended chocolate drink, which comes in flavors like chocolatey mocha, toasted white chocolate and raspberry, and banana carrot. There are also frozen hot chocolate drinks and fraps made with yogurts, creams, and real fruits.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy and energizing beverage, or something sweet and decadent, Starbucks offers a variety of non-coffee drinks to choose from.
Non-coffee Drinks for Health Conscious Customers
Starbucks has recently increased its focus on healthier drinks, in addition to its regular tea and hot and iced coffee offerings. For example, the TeavanaTM Crafted Iced Teas, which are lightly sweetened and flavored with real fruit juices, offer health-conscious customers the opportunity to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence. These lightly sweetened drinks are refreshed with natural juices like apple and pineapple, and contain antioxidants and minerals.
Starbucks also offers Superfoods Boost Organic Acai Bowl, which is made with antioxidant-rich frozen acai berries, granola and flax seeds, and are topped with bananas, almonds, and blueberries. This is a great snack or breakfast complement for those who want to add some nutrients and vitamins to their daily diet.
The Protein Power Smoothie is made with Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and protein powder, providing 21g of protein to help fuel your day. It comes in a variety of flavors, such as mango pineapple and strawberry banana, to offer customers an indulgent, energizing beverage.
Lastly, Starbucks offers an energy-boosting shot of spinach and kale blended with banana and apple juice, aptly dubbed the ‘green drink’. With its natural ingredients, this drink offers customers a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals, as well as a healthy helping of antioxidants.
Coffees Without the Coffee
Starbucks has also rolled out a series of drinks with the flavor of coffee without the caffeine. The Nitro Cold Brew is a popular drink for coffee drinkers who want the flavor and texture of coffee, but without the kick. This cold brew is subtly sweet and smoky, but with a smooth, creamy finish. The taste is much less bitter and acidic than traditional hot coffee.
When it comes to specialty coffee drinks for non-coffee drinkers, the Chai Latte is a top choice. This drink combines a mildly spiced blend of black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and honey with steamed milk. Non-dairy milks such as almond, soy, and coconut are also available. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and sweetness, and perfect served hot or iced.
If you’re in the mood for something chocolatey, the Mocha Frappuccino Blended Chocolate drink is a great choice. It’s made with Starbucks signature espresso, creamy milk and chocolate chips, and is topped with whipped cream. This drink can be made with non-dairy or specialty milks, like almond and coconut.
Another favorite is the Iced Caffe Mocha, which is a creamy blend of espresso and chocolate topped with whipped cream and mocha drizzle. For those who don’t want the caffeine but still want a coffee-like flavor, this treat offers a great balance of sweetness and coffee.
Fruity Refreshment
If you’re looking for something light and fruity, the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher is a great option. This drink is an icy blend of sweet dragonfruit, juicy mango, and refreshing lemonade, topped with a lime wheel. This drink is light, refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer day.
Starbucks also offers a variety of flavored Frappuccinos, like mocha, raspberry, or vanilla chai, which can be made without coffee. The Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino is a creamy creation of rich cream cheese, vanilla bean, and ice, topped with whipped cream and strawberries, making it a perfect pick-me-up.
For those who don’t like coffee but crave something cooling on a hot day, the Italian Soda is a great option. This lightly sweetened bubbly drink comes in a range of fruity flavors such as peach, raspberry, or blackberry, and is topped with a spritz of cream.
Deliciously Decadent Treats
If you’re in the mood for something decadent, Starbucks offers sweet drinks and treats, such as frozen hot chocolate and fraps made with real cream, yogurt, and fresh fruits. The Frappuccino Light blended chocolate drink comes in flavors like chocolatey mocha, toasted white chocolate and raspberry, and banana carrot.
If you’re looking for a dessert-like treat, The S’mores Frappuccino blended beverage combines whipped cream, marshmallow-infused whipped cream and milk chocolate sauce. It’s topped with even more marshmallow whipped cream and graham cracker crumbles, making it the perfect sweet indulgence.
For a sophisticated dessert-like drink, the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino is a great pick. This sweet and creamy drink is made with espresso, steamed milk, mocha, and sweet caramel syrup. It’s topped with a swirl of whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, and a pinch of sea salt.
Freshly Brewed Teas
For those who like the flavor of tea but don’t want the caffeine, Starbucks offers an array of freshly brewed iced teas. From their traditional iced teas to their more sophisticated tea lattes, these drinks can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
The Crystal Ball FrappuccinoTM, for instance, is made with a shimmery pearl-infused sauce and is a surprisingly delightful caffeine-free treat. It’s a creamy blend of mango and passion fruit flavor with freeze-dried whole blackberries and hints of lemonade and honey.
Another must-try is the Iced Passion TangoTM Tea, which is created by blending juicy hibiscus with sweet passion fruit andnotes of orange. For a rich and creamy tea experience, try the Iced Chai Latte, which is a blend of black tea, sweet spices and steamed milk, and can be made with non-dairy milks such as almond and coconut.
Refreshing Lemonades
Lemonades are also a top choice for non-coffee drinkers at Starbucks. Hot or iced, these drinks are made with real lemon slices and come in a variety of flavors, such as strawberry or blueberry. For a zesty twist, there’s the Iced Lemon Iced Tea made with a blend of subtle peach, green tea, and lemonade.
The Pink Drink is a lighter, more refreshing version of the classic lemonade. This non-dairy drink is made with real strawberries, mango syrup, and combined with light and refreshing coconutmilk. It’s a great pick for those looking for a healthy and delicious drink.
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, the Iced Matcha Lemonade is another top choice. This refreshing drink is made with a blend of matcha green tea, honey, and lemonade. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is a great way to get in some antioxidants.
