While I had to wait until I was 16 for a Starbucks to open near me, my kids have been going to Starbucks since they were born. They weren’t even tall enough to see over the counter when they could place their own order. Now, they know all their own favorite drinks and snacks, too.
Of course, I don’t want my kids hyped up on coffee. That would definitely defeat the purpose of my “coffee break”. But, having kids that are crying for a treat or drinking all of my drink would also ruin the point of mommy’s coffee time, which is why I’ve figured out how to order them something that’ll keep them happy, too. Sometimes that’s a drink; other times that’s a more affordable treat like a cake pop.
So, I definitely know a thing or two about the best Starbucks drinks for kids and I’m going to share the best 18 drinks at Starbucks for kids, including some secret menu options.
These are all no caffeine (except for one low caffeine option for older kids) and include options for iced, blended, and hot drinks. There are quite a few secret menu drinks, too, which means you won’t find them on the menu, but you can order them easily at any location.
With this list, you’ll be ready to order for any little ones in your group next time you visit a Starbucks, so you can actually enjoy that coffee break. You deserve it.
6 Cold or Iced Starbucks Drinks for Kids:
Mad Hatter –
Rather than a Pink Drink or Strawberry Acai Refresher, both of which have caffeine, ask for a lemonade with strawberry puree, which will look similar, taste great and not have any caffeine. They can even blend it, to make it like a slushie, or you can ask for a blended lemonade with strawberry puree on top, which is also a secret menu drink called the Mad Hatter. It’s delicious.
Chocolate Milk:
An easy one, because almost any kid loves it. You can grab a Horizon chocolate milk that’s ready to go or if your kiddo wants a drink that looks just like yours, order a tall chocolate milk – with ice – using any milk of your choice. Got a dairy free little friend? No problem. You can get that chocolate milk with oatmilk, almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk. And, if you have light ice added, it’ll look just like mama’s mocha.
Vanilla Milk:
Maybe chocolate isn’t a fan favorite or they want something that looks like your latte. Grab a vanilla milk, which is just milk with vanilla syrup added. This can be steamed to look like hot drink or done cold/iced to be cold. Your choice of milk customizes the drink and you could even get crazy and add whip. Why not.
Raspberry Italian Soda:
Have you ever had an Italian soda? They are so good! Starbucks can whip one together using raspberry syrup and soda water over ice. Add a splash of cream to make it look similar to a pink drink.
Passion Iced Tea:
While most teas have caffeine, such as black and green teas, the passion tea is caffeine free. Iced, it’s a fruity drink that’s a pretty dark pink color. But, without any sweetener, it is a bit tart. You can add simple syrup to make it sweeter and your little one will love it.
Passion Tea Lemonade:
The same passion tea base mentioned above, but mixed in with their lemonade for a delicious summertime drink even you will love. You can also add the sweetener here to take the edge off the tartness. Buyer beware, though, this one is so good, you might want one for yourself.
8 Blended Starbucks Drinks for Kids:
Blended Strawberry Lemonade:
The blended strawberry lemonade is a refreshing blended drink that everyone loves and is perfect for kids, because it doesn’t have a ton of added sugar, dairy or caffeine. I’ve ordered this myself in the heat of summer when I needed something cold and refreshing, but didn’t want to get a frappuccino.
Strawberry Creme Frappuccino:
The Strawberry Creme Frappuccino tastes like a creamy strawberry milkshake. It’s seriously so good. I included it in the post on strawberry drinks that are berry good.
This drink uses their strawberry syrup and frappuccino cream base. You can make some customoizations, such as dairy added, size, if you want to add any other syrups and if you want whipped cream on top.
Vanilla Bean Frappuccino:
Similar to the strawberry, the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino uses a vanilla bean cream base without any caffeine. This is another really delicious drink that kid will love. Heck, adults love it, too. It’s also the base of the Caramel Macchiato Frappuccino, which is also good – but definitely has caffeine.
Customize any frappuccino with your choice of milk, size, any syrups you want added or if you want whipped cream on top.
Chocolate Creme Frappuccino:
If mommy is getting a mocha frappuccino, then your mini-me may love a Chocolate Creme Frappuccino. This is like a mocha, but no coffee added, so it’s basically chocolate syrup and the frappuccino base. They do usually add the java chocolate chips and my kids don’t like those, so I order it without those and it’s nice and smooth.
Just like the others, you can order it with your choice of milk, syrups, size, and toppings.
Strawberry Smoothie:
Did you know that Starbucks offers smoothies? They’re good and one of the healthier items on the menu. Strawberry is a kid favorite, of course. All smoothies are made with a banana, 2% milk (or your choice), whey protein and fiber. Strawberry also has strawberry fruit puree added.
The only downside to the smoothies is they are only available in one size – 16 ounces. You can have them split it between two tall cups, though, and add whip to top for a treat.
Orange Mango Smoothie:
Similar to the strawberry smoothie, but with orange and mango purees instead. Delicious!
All smoothies are made with a banana, 2% milk (or your choice), whey protein and fiber. Just like the strawberry, they are only available in one size – 16 ounces. You can have them split it between two tall cups, though, and add whip to top for a treat.
Chocolate Smoothie:
Want something a bit more decadent? Order a chocolate smoothie. Instead of fruit puree, it’ll be made with mocha syrup, which is chocolatey and caffeine free. Just like the others, it also has banana, 2% milk, whey protein and fiber. It only comes blended and in the 16oz. size.
Syrup Creme Frappuccino:
You don’t have to choose one of the pre-made frappuccinos. You can actually design your own using any of the syrups that are available at Starbucks. If you ask for the creme frappuccino base, it’ll be made without coffee and with the caffeine-free base that is put in all frappuccinos.
A syrup creme Frappuccino is made with milk (can be your choice), the caffeine-free base, ice, and any syrup of your choice – such as caramel. So, your kid can have a caramel frappuccino just like you, but theirs will be customized to be caffeine free. Yum.
4 Warm Starbucks Drinks for Kids:
Hot Chocolate:
Starbucks makes a delicious hot chocolate – in fact, it’s one of my favorites. They top it with a generous amount of whip. Plus, if you order it for kids, they’ll make it the perfect temperature that is drinkable right away.
You can customize it with your choice of milk and whether or not you want the whipped topping.
Caramel Apple Spice:
Another favorite of mine and my kids when it’s cold out. The Caramel Apple Spice is warmed up apple juice with caramel sauce, whip cream and drizzle. So good. No caffeine and not as much sugar as other drinks, too.
Babyccino:
Have you heard of this one? If you’ve heard of the Pup Cup or the pupuccino, you’ll love the babyccino. This is designed to look like a grown-up cappuccino without caffeine, because it is just extra-foamy milk. You can add some vanilla syrup to sweeten and it’s served in a cappuccino mug, too. So, if you’re little buddy always wants a sip of your cappuccino, order a Babyccino for them and pat yourself on the back while you enjoy your reset time.
Vanilla Steamer:
Need that warm drink to go? Get a vanilla steamer, which is warmed milk, similar to a babyccino, with vanilla syrup, in a to-go cup. It’s a comforting, sweet milk drink that kids will love. You can have it made with your choice of milk, too, for a dairy-free option.
More Starbucks Drinks to Try:
- 6 best Caramel Frappuccinos you’ll love
- 17 TikTok Inspired Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks
- 14 best Starbucks Iced Coffee drinks
- 10 Dutch Bros secret menu drinks
- 12 healthier Starbucks drinks under 200 calories
- 14 best Starbucks iced coffee drinks
****
Did you find the next drink you’ll try for your little bestie? Getting a coffee is something I look forward to, it’s my break time. So, having kids that are crying or upset or drinking all of my drink defeats the purpose. Having drink ideas for your kids is a great way to include them in the coffee trip and keep them happy, so you can actually enjoy your coffee and relax for a few minutes.
If you have a favorite kids drink at Starbucks, let me know! I’d love to include it.
Get roasted,
A
