Despite the vast array of flavours and beverages Starbucks offers, many patrons are shocked to find there’s not a single drink on the menu that is complete free of coffee. If a customer is trying to go coffee-free from the iconic coffee chain, there are still plenty of delicious alternatives to choose from.
Steamed drinks, such as their creamy hot chocolates, are a decadent option on a cold night. Latte macchiatos, a unique blend of espresso, foamy milk and flavoured syrup, are creamy and sweet. The Chai Tea Lattes, with black tea and warm spices, are a customer favourite. Those looking for a refreshingly fruity option can choose between other tea-based beverages, such as the Peach Green Tea Lemonade, with real-fruit juice and green tea, or the Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea, with natural tropical flavours. Starbucks also offers premium Teavana Teas, which can be purchased brewed, over ice or hot.
Frappuccinos are customers’ favourite go-to for a hot summer day. There are dozens of blended drinks, like the Vanilla Bean or Java Chip Frappucinos, or the Mango or Cinnamon-Dolce Crème Frappucinos. Refreshing smoothies can also be found on the menu, like their Strawberry-Lemonade Light Smoothie or Orange Mango Light Smoothie. There’s also light classic smoothies like the Strawberry with coconut milk or the Fiesta-Papaya Light Smoothie. Customers can also choose from several naturally sweetened refresher drinks, like the Very Berry Hibiscus with blackberries, hibiscus, green coffee and ginger, or the Cool Lime with limes, spearmint, sugar and real lime juice. For breakfast, Starbucks offers a variety of juices, including orange, apple and cranberry.
Non-dairy alternatives can also be used for steamed drinks and frappucinos. Customers can choose from soy, almond, coconut and oat milks that froth on the coffee machines. Starbucks’ selection of plant-based milks also extends to their espresso-based drinks and frappucinos, and can be enjoyed warm or over ice. Several of their classic dishes also come in vegan and gluten free versions.
Tinne Gattegno, a health and nutrition coach, suggests everyone should try to consume plant-based beverages to be more aware and mindful of the food and drinks they consume. “By going coffee-free at Starbucks, you’ll be doing your body a favour by avoiding anything with caffeine. Plant-based drinks like teas and smoothies will provide your body and mind with natural energy without the need for added, processed ingredients”.
Darren Taylor, a content strategist, claims that “switching to plant-based drinks, even if it’s just one day per week, is an eye-opening experience. By removing coffee and comparing it to other 100% plant-based drinks, you’ll be able to truly appreciate what your body needs, both nutritionally and environmentally.”
Going coffee-free at Starbucks doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. There is an abundance of delicious drinks, snacks and dishes to choose from to until the caffeine-withdrawal passes.
Hot Chocolate
For those who want a comforting and delicious beverage any time of day, Starbucks’ hot chocolates are creamy, flavourful and customizable. Toppings such as whipped cream and flavourful syrups can be added to customize the drink.
Whether your preference is white, milk and dark chocolate or a combination of them all, Starbucks has an extensive selection for you to choose from.
For white chocolate lovers, the White Hot Chocolate is a cold or hot beverage, for a luxury drink, Starbucks has Caramel Brulée Hot Chocolate. Those who are vegans can try their newly introduced Oat Cinnamon Hot Chocolate, made from oats, cinnamon, cacao and pea protein.
If time is of the essence, Starbucks’ hot chocolate powder cans are the perfect on-the-go option. Cold or hot, it will satisfy any chocolate cravings.
Syrups and Sauces
The next time you visit Starbucks, don’t be afraid to explore their various syrups and sauces. Surprisingly, these syrups can also be used as a topping for your coffee-free drinks.
Try the Caramel Syrup in your hot chocolate, or even in your teas for a little bit of extra sweetness. Vanilla, Almond, Hazelnut and Coconut syrups are also available for adding depth of flavour and sweetness to drinks.
Hot or cold, the syrup and sauces will provide a unique twist to drinks–try Golden Syrup as a topping for a subtly sweet and nutty flavour, or Gingerbread Syrup for a fiery and aromatic taste.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some of their chocolate sauces for a unique and indulgent flavour? The Smoked Butterscotch syrup is an ideal accompaniment for the dark chocolate sauces.
Dairy Alternatives
Starbucks has an array of plant-based and non-dairy alternatives to choose from. In addition to soy, almond, coconut and oat milks, Starbucks also offers vegan and gluten-free alternatives for those who want to indulge in something special.
Treat yourself with one of the delicious tea-based beverages or Frappuccinos and make it indulgent with soy or almond milk for a creamy and velvety-smooth beverage. Soy and coconut milk are an excellent alternative to dairy if you’re looking for something non-dairy and still want to enjoy your coffee-free Starbucks drink.
In terms of preferences, soy has a mild taste and pairs well with either sweet or savoury foods, while almond milk is mild yet nutty and pairs well with sweet flavours more so than savoury.
Coconut milk has a strong, sweet flavour which works well with sweet and spicy beverages. Alternatively, Oat milk is ideal for latte art, and provides a creamy, velvety texture.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great alternative for anyone looking for a refreshing, yet indulgent coffee-free beverage. Starbucks has a variety of smoothies to choose from, such as their Strawberry-Lemonade Light, Orange Mango Light, Strawberry and Coconut Milk, and Fiesta-Papaya Light.
The smoothies, made from real fruit and a variety of ingredients, provide the boost of energy many need during their day-without the post-latte crash. If you’re looking for some added flavours, try the Raspberry Blackcurrant Light Smoothie, or the Dragon Drink with its intensely fruity, uniquely coloured drink.
For anyone wanting a higher-fibre option, the spinach, kale and protein-packed Matcha Green Tea Latte is the ideal choice. In need of something indulgent? The Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino is a creamy and fluffy blend of strawberry puree and milk topped with whipped cream and freezes concoction pieces.
Teas
If you’re a tea-lover, don’t worry–Starbucks has you covered! From green, black and herbal teas, to creamy Chai Tea Lattes, Starbucks’ tea selection is extensive.
Choose from Peach Green Tea, Shakespeare Cocoa Blend Chai Latte, or Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea for a unique and exotic twist. Teavana Teas are also available, with a selection that changes regularly and can be brewed, over ice or hot.
When it comes to herbal and floral teas, Starbucks have customer favourites like the hibiscus and mint blend, cool lime blend, and the lemon and ginger infusion. For something more stimulating and invigorating, the matcha beverage is sure to leave you feeling energized.
If you’re feeling daring and want to combine teas with other ingredients, the English Breakfast Tea Latte or the Mango-Lemon Tea is the perfect concoction.
