10 Best Starbucks Decaf Drinks To Try
Updated - Team Colipse
Starbucks decaf drinks are beverages made with decaffeinated coffee, with most of the caffeine removed. These non caffeinated coffee drinks taste like regular versions but contain less than 15 mg of caffeine per 12 oz, depending on brewing method. Starbucks offers decaf coffee as drip brewed or espresso-based drinks. The best decaf Starbucks drinks are those that match your taste preferences, budget, and health goals such as low calorie, sugar free, or pregnancy safe options.
Some Starbucks drinks are caffeine-free, including herbal teas, steamers, hot chocolates, and refreshers. Others like decaf coffee, decaf espresso, and traditional tea contain less caffeine per serving. Starbucks makes decaf coffee by using the Direct Contact Method, which soaks green coffee beans in methylene chloride. This comparison reviews top-rated Starbucks decaf drinks and highlights Swiss Water® Process beans as an alternative that avoids chemical solvents and retains full flavor.
- Starbucks Decaf Iced Coffee
- Starbucks Decaf Espresso
- Starbucks Decaf Latte
- Starbucks Decaf Caramel Macchiato
- Starbucks Decaf Mocha
- Starbucks Decaf Americano
- Starbucks Decaf Cappuccino
- Starbucks Decaf Pumpkin Spice
- Starbucks Decaf Frappuccino
- Starbucks Decaf Shaken Espresso
1. Starbucks Decaf Iced Coffee
Starbucks decaf iced coffee is a cold beverage made with decaffeinated coffee or espresso shots. Starbucks offers decaf iced coffee in several styles, but the iced Americano stands out as the best option for caffeine-sensitive individuals due to its low caffeine and calorie content. To order, request iced coffee or espresso with decaf shots and customize with milk or syrup. Decaf iced coffee at Starbucks contains 3-15.8 mg of caffeine per shot and 0-5 calories depending on additions.
2. Starbucks Decaf Espresso
Decaf espresso at Starbucks is made with decaffeinated beans and offers rich flavor with less caffeine. Starbucks offers decaf espresso for espresso-based drinks, but the plain version remains the best sugar-free option. Different decaf espresso drinks include iced Americano, latte, Frappuccino, and white chocolate mocha. Starbucks also offers a decaf blonde espresso option. The caffeine content in Starbucks decaf espresso ranges from 3 to 15.8 mg per shot depending on size. To order decaf espresso at Starbucks, ask for decaf shots or request a decaf espresso drink with decaf shots.
3. Starbucks Decaf Latte
Starbucks decaf latte is a coffee drink made with decaffeinated espresso and steamed milk. The main ingredients of Starbucks decaf latte include decaf espresso, milk or milk alternatives, and optional syrups, while calories depend on milk choice and size, ranging from 100 to 200. Different types of Starbucks decaf lattes include the classic decaf latte, vanilla latte, and seasonal variations with syrups based on flavor preference. Customers can order a Starbucks decaf latte with almond milk by requesting decaf espresso and steamed almond milk. The amount of caffeine in a Starbucks decaf latte is about 15-30 mg per shot of decaf espresso. Caffeine content varies by size, with Short and Tall having one shot and Grande and Venti having two shots.
4. Starbucks Decaf Caramel Macchiato
Starbucks decaf macchiato ranks among the most popular decaf drinks and contains decaffeinated espresso, milk, and caramel or vanilla syrup. Starbucks decaf macchiato comes in different types and flavors include caramel macchiato hot or iced, vanilla macchiato, and seasonal variations. A decaf caramel macchiato can be ordered at most Starbucks locations by requesting decaf espresso. Caffeine content in a decaf macchiato is very low at about 5 mg or less per size. The decaf caramel macchiato at Starbucks contains about 140 calories in a grande size. The drink combines Starbucks caramel macchiato flavor with decaf espresso for a low-caffeine option.
5. Starbucks Decaf Mocha
A decaf mocha at Starbucks is a chocolate-flavored coffee drink with decaffeinated espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup. Starbucks offers decaf mochas in classic form and seasonal variations such as white chocolate mocha or peppermint mocha. Customers can order a decaf mocha in Short, Tall, Grande, or Venti sizes. The caffeine content in a decaf mocha is about 5 mg per serving. Starbucks does not offer a calorie-free decaf mocha, but skipping whipped cream can reduce calories. To order a decaf mocha, specify decaf espresso shots at the counter or in the Starbucks app.
6. Starbucks Decaf Americano
A decaf Americano at Starbucks is espresso made with decaffeinated coffee, diluted with hot water, creating a milder coffee without caffeine. Starbucks offers decaf Americanos in hot or iced versions with customizable espresso shots at different decaf levels. The caffeine content in a Starbucks decaf Americano is 15-30 mg per size, lower than regular coffee. Decaf Americano at Starbucks contains no calories unless milk or syrup is added. This drink suits customers who want coffee taste without caffeine or added calories. To order, ask for a decaf Americano hot or iced; prices vary by location but start at $3 to $4.
7. Starbucks Decaf Cappuccino
A Starbucks decaf cappuccino is a traditional drink made with decaffeinated espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Starbucks serves decaf cappuccinos in Tall, Grande, and Venti sizes. The caffeine in a Starbucks decaf cappuccino is 15–30 mg per serving depending on size. It contains 80–100 calories depending on size and milk choice. Starbucks offers decaf cappuccinos with milk options such as whole, almond, oat, and coconut. Customers can order a decaf cappuccino at Starbucks by requesting decaf espresso, and it is available for takeaway. Regarding health, a Starbucks decaf cappuccino is a healthy option when made with low-fat or plant-based milk because it is lower in caffeine and calories.
8. Starbucks Decaf Pumpkin Spice
The decaf pumpkin spice at Starbucks is a pumpkin spice latte made with decaffeinated espresso. There are variations such as the hot decaf pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin spice creme without espresso, but the latte flavors are limited. To order, select the pumpkin spice latte and switch the espresso shots to decaf in the app or ask the barista in-store. Most Starbucks locations can prepare a decaf pumpkin spice latte, but availability may depend on store capabilities. The caffeine in the decaf pumpkin spice coffee is less than 15 milligrams per serving because it uses decaffeinated espresso.
9. Starbucks Decaf Frappuccino
A decaf Frappuccino at Starbucks is a blended iced drink with milk, ice, and coffee flavor, using decaf espresso shots or creme base instead of regular coffee. Starbucks does not have a direct decaf Frappuccino, but customers can customize coffee Frappuccinos with decaf shots or choose a creme version without coffee. Starbucks offers decaf Frappuccino flavors such as caramel, strawberry, and mocha. To order a decaf Frappuccino, request a regular version with decaf shots or choose a creme Frappuccino and ask for decaf shots to be added. The caffeine content of a decaf Frappuccino is minimal, about 5 mg or less depending on size. Calories depend on flavor and size and usually range from 200 to 400 per serving.
10. Starbucks Decaf Shaken Espresso
A decaf shaken espresso at Starbucks is made with decaffeinated shots, giving an iced, frothy espresso experience without caffeine. Decaf shaken espresso means the espresso shots are decaffeinated to keep caffeine low. A venti decaf shaken espresso contains about 12 mg of caffeine, based on 3 mg per shot across four shots. A grande decaf shaken espresso has about 6 mg of caffeine with two decaf espresso shots. Not every Starbucks location lists decaf shaken espresso on the app, but any espresso drink can be customized decaf by ordering in person or adding instructions. To order, request a shaken espresso with decaf shots and customize milk or syrup for a low-caffeine, refreshing drink.
How Do Starbucks Decaf Drinks Compare to Home-Brewed Decaf?
Starbucks decaf has a consistent roast profile but often lacks the freshness of home-brewed decaf made with freshly roasted beans. Freshness directly affects flavor; beans older than 2-3 weeks lose complexity. Starbucks beans are not always freshly roasted when sold. A healthier home-brewed alternative is decaf coffee made using the Swiss Water® Process, which does not use chemical solvents and keeps the full flavor. To make your own Starbucks-style decaf drinks at home, you can use freshly roasted, decaf whole bean coffee, milk or a milk alternative, and flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel with an espresso machine or French press.
What's the Best Way to Make Decaf Coffee at Home?
The best way to make decaf coffee at home is the French press method with freshly ground decaf beans. First, purchase whole decaf coffee beans from a specialty brand, like Colipse, for maximum flavor. Right before brewing, grind the beans to a coarse consistency. Add ground coffee to the French press, pour in hot water, and steep for four minutes. Finally, press the plunger slowly to separate the grounds from the coffee. This method gives a full-bodied cup and allows you to customize strength to your preference.
Where to Buy Premium Decaf Coffee Beans Online?
You can buy premium decaf coffee beans online from Colipse, which offers Swiss Water® Process decaf in whole bean and ground options. Choose from origins like Peru and blends like Colipse Decaf Espresso or Donut Shop. Select bag sizes from 12 oz to 5 lb with up to 40% off in bulk. All decaf coffee beans are roasted to order, vacuum sealed, and ship within 3–5 days. Free U.S. shipping and flexible subscriptions are available.
Which Starbucks Drinks Are Completely Caffeine Free?
Starbucks drinks that are completely caffeine free include herbal teas, steamers, crème-based Frappuccinos, and juice-based options. Caffeine-free Starbucks drinks are beverages on the Starbucks menu that contain no caffeine or have been specifically prepared without caffeinated ingredients. The most popular options are listed below.
- Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino
- Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
- Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino (the caffeine-free version, not the regular one)
- White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino
- Iced Passion Tango Tea (and passion tango tea lemonade)
- Mint Majesty Herbal Tea (available hot or iced)
- Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea (hot or cold)
- Strawberry Lemonade (shaken or blended)
- White Hot Chocolate
- Steamed Apple Juice
- Caramel Apple Spice
- Cinnamon Dolce Crème (steamer)
- Comfort Brewed Wellness Tea
- Lemonade (classic)
- Caramel Brulee Crème Frappuccino