Coffee Facts

22 of the Best Non-dairy Espresso Drinks at Starbucks!

You have a surprisingly large number of options for non-dairy espresso drinks at Starbucks. Apart from the non-dairy options like plain espressos and Americanos, you can easily make a Starbucks espresso drink dairy-free by asking for it to be made with plant-based milk like soy, almond, coconut, or oat milk. You should also skip the whipped cream if your drink comes with it.


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If you’re dairy-free, you know the struggle of finding a good coffee drink at Starbucks. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! There are plenty of dairy-free options at Starbucks that are just as delicious as regular drinks. And in some cases, they might even be better!

Read on as we go over all the dairy-free options on the Starbucks menu, as well as ways you can modify existing drinks to create a dairy-free version for yourself.

non dairy espresso drinks starbucks

Is Starbucks coffee non-dairy?

Are you one of those people who love Starbucks coffee but can’t have dairy? Well, you’re in luck! There are lots of options on the Starbucks menu that contain no dairy whatsoever, and there are even more ways to substitute milk for non-dairy options, so you can enjoy your favorite coffee without worrying about dairy products!

Whether you decide on black coffee and espresso, or a delicious latte or cappuccino with plant-based milk, you can definitely find something that suits your needs.

What are non-dairy beverages at Starbucks?

There are plenty of non-dairy options at Starbucks; you just have to know what to order. You can get a plain black coffee drink, a plain shot of espresso or an Americano since these drinks contain no milk whatsoever.

If you want to go for an espresso drink like a latte, cappuccino, or macchiato, ask to substitute the milk in the drink with almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk. There are also several dairy-free flavored syrups to help sweeten your drink!

Can you get a dairy-free macchiato at Starbucks?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free macchiato at Starbucks, you’re out of luck. The coffee chain doesn’t currently offer a dairy-free macchiato on its menu, but that doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck. You can easily hack the menu to create a dairy-free drink that resembles a macchiato.

Try ordering a macchiato with oat milk instead. We recommend oat milk because it steams well to create a thick and creamy addition to your coffee that’s similar in texture to dairy milk. However, it may not taste exactly like a traditional macchiato, so you may want to add some flavoring, like dairy-free flavored syrup (we recommend caramel).

white ceramic mug on the brown surface with Starbucks hot drink
Image Credit: Jayda Novak on Unsplash

Hot Non-Dairy Espresso Drinks at Starbucks

Plain Espresso Shot

We all know and love Starbucks for its delicious coffee, but their espresso is where the real draw is, especially if you’re looking for dairy-free options. If you want a pick-me-up that packs a punch, there’s no need to reach for the creamer—just order a plain Starbucks espresso shot, and you’ll be energized in no time!

The shot is only about 1.5 ounces of coffee, but a little goes a long way! A double shot of espresso will get you all the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee and then some!

Caffe Americano

One of the easiest ways to avoid dairy, this coffee drink is made with two shots of espresso and hot water—that’s it! It’s simple, but it’s also delicious and perfect for those mornings when you need an extra boost, with no need for dairy milk or creamers.

Americanos have a bold and intense taste compared to regular drip coffee, so if you need to cut it down with milk, go for some almond or oat milk for a smooth and delicious coffee.

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Cappuccino with Oat Milk

Who doesn’t love a classic cappuccino? If you’re looking for a delicious way to get your caffeine fix without the dairy, look no further than Starbucks cappuccino with oat milk. This tasty beverage is perfectly complimented by creamy oat milk and a touch of sweetness, but it’s even better with some caramel syrup! It’s the perfect pick-me-up for those mornings when you need a vegan-friendly boost!

Flat White with Almond Milk

This is a great option if you’re looking for a tasty, dairy-free alternative to the traditional latte. Flat whites are made with a shot or two of espresso and a thin layer of foamed milk on top. Rather than the standard 2% milk, substitute it with almond milk for fewer calories and none of the dairy. The flat white is a mellow drink with lots of flavors and a rich, creamy texture. And the foamy top is a nice touch!

Honey Almond Milk Flat White

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we begin to crave all things cozy. And there’s nothing cozier than a steaming cup of coffee in the morning. Starbucks has taken their classic flat white and made it even better by adding a touch of sweetness with almond milk and honey, and we can’t get enough of it.

This delicious drink combines the rich flavor of espresso with the sweetness of almond milk and honey. It’s perfect for those coffee drinkers looking for a delicious and easy-to-drink alternative to traditional dairy milk.

Caffe Latte with Soy Milk

Whether you’re looking for a quick morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break, you can’t do better than a Starbucks latte. This deliciously creamy beverage is made with Starbucks’ signature espresso blend and steamed milk.

Starbucks uses 2% cow milk unless otherwise specified, and lattes have a lot of it, so if you want a dairy-free version, you need to ask for a plant-based milk substitute—and soy milk is the classic favorite for Starbucks lattes.

woman in red sweater holding white ceramic mug Starbucks
Image Credit: Sena Aykut on Unsplash

Cinnamon Dolce Latte with Soy Milk, no Whipped Cream

In case you haven’t heard, the cinnamon dolce latte is the latest seasonal drink from Starbucks. This rich and flavorful latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a unique cinnamon dolce syrup. It’s also delicious—it tastes like a cinnamon cookie in a cup!

But if you want all the flavor and none of the dairy, ask your barista to make it with soy milk and skip the whipped cream. It’s just as sweet and indulgent as the original, but a little healthier!

Blonde Vanilla Latte with Oat Milk

Want a little bit of everything in your coffee? The Blonde Vanilla Latte is made with Starbucks’ Blonde espresso, a lighter-roasted coffee with a natural sweetness. Combined with vanilla syrup and steamed oat milk, this drink is the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion. It’s a fantastic combination of sweet and rich, with a hint of vanilla that will leave you wanting more.

Caffe Mocha

Rich chocolate meets bold Starbucks espresso, milk, and ice – and is crowned with sweetened whipped cream to create this delicious iced drink. But don’t worry, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a delicious Starbucks caffe mocha just because you’re avoiding dairy!

Simply substitute the milk in your mocha for a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk, and skip the whipped cream. The mocha sauce in this drink is dairy-free, so you don’t have to worry about it!

Hot Chocolate

When you think of dairy-free Starbucks drinks, we’re willing to bet that hot chocolate isn’t the first drink to come to mind. And it’s true—Starbucks hot chocolate is made with real chocolate and milk, and it is so rich and creamy that you will want to drink it all day long.

To make it dairy-free, ask for a hot chocolate with oat, soy, or almond milk, and hold the whip. Even with an alternative milk option, this drink is still a delicious and indulgent treat on a cold winter’s day (but it also comes iced, so try it in the summer!).

A Starbucks Coffees in a plastic cup with a straw on a Wooden Surface
Image Credit: Esranur Kalay on Pexels

Iced Starbucks Non-Dairy Espresso Drinks

Iced Espresso

Want the energy rush of a shot (or two!) of espresso, but the warm weather has you thinking twice? Don’t worry—a Starbucks espresso shot is just as good on ice as it is served hot. You can ask for a splash of oat or almond milk if you want, or you can enjoy the subtly sweet caramel flavors in the espresso on its own.

When it comes to non-dairy espresso drinks, it doesn’t get any simpler than this. Whether you ask for espresso as a starting point for a customized drink or on its own as an energy boost, you can’t go wrong.

Iced Caffe Americano

There’s nothing like a delicious iced coffee on a warm day! If you love a classic Americano hot, then we know you’re going to love it iced—in fact, it may be even better! The ice helps to mellow out the intense flavor of the Americano and seems to make it go down even smoother than the hot version.

We particularly love an iced Americano with a few pumps of vanilla or caramel syrup for an extra bit of sweetness to counterbalance the bold, dark flavor of the espresso. If you want to add a bit of milk, we recommend almond or soy milk for a light and refreshing flavor.

Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso

Looking for a delicious way to get your caffeine fix on a hot day? Look no further than Starbucks’ Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso. This drink is made with cold brewed espresso, almond milk, and malt chocolate powder, all shaken together over ice.

It’s the perfect pick-me-up for those hot summer days, when you need an extra boost to get through your day, or if you want to start your day with something indulgent and sweet. The drink is rich and creamy, with a subtle sweetness that balances out the intense espresso flavor. It’s like chocolate milk for grownups!

Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is made with cold brew coffee, oat milk, brown sugar, and espresso. It is then shaken and served over ice to create a delicious, refreshing, and caffeine-packed drink to help wake you up in the best way possible.

And the best part? It’s completely dairy-free as-is, so there’s no need to substitute a different milk option if you don’t want to. This delicious drink is perfect for those who love the taste of coffee and want to enjoy a cold, refreshing beverage with a sweet and creamy finish.

Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Looking for something different than your usual espresso drink? You’re going to love this one! Starbucks’ Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is a drink that is so sweet and rich that it should come with a warning label.

This delectable drink is made with oat milk, vanilla syrup, and espresso, and it is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The oat milk adds a creamy texture, the toasted vanilla flavor adds a touch of sweetness, and the espresso gives it a nice caffeine kick. It’s a delicious and dairy-free way to add some sweetness to your day!

Iced Flat White with Almond Milk

There’s no need to stop drinking a flat white when the weather warms up; this drink is just as delicious on ice! This coffee, made with Starbucks’ signature espresso and milk, with a thin layer of milk foam on top, is smooth, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.

It’s a fantastic drink for those hot summer days or any day you need a cold pick-me-up with a hint of sweetness. Best of all, you can have it made with dairy-free products like almond milk, so you can feel good about what you’re drinking.

Iced Honey Almond Milk Flat White

If you want subtle, sweet, and refreshing, you can’t go wrong with a Starbucks Iced Honey Almond Milk Flat White. This delicious drink is made with cold almond milk, sweet honey, and rich almond-flavored syrup. It’s the perfect way to wake up in the morning or enjoy a refreshing break in the afternoon.

There’s no need to make any substitutions since this drink is already dairy-free and delicious on its own. But if you want to upgrade it, you can make it sweeter by adding a pump of vanilla. Or, if you’d like it to be a bit creamier, try oat milk since it’s closer in consistency to 2% milk.

Starbucks Reserve® Iced Latte with Soy Milk

Coffee just got a makeover. Say hello to the Starbucks Reserve® Iced Latte – a beautifully crafted coffee designed to be enjoyed over ice. This iced latte is made with Starbucks Reserve® coffee, freshly pulled Starbucks Reserve® espresso and milk.

To make it non-dairy, ask for soy milk instead—it will give you a light and refreshing balanced flavor that goes down smooth. So be sure to give this iced latte a try the next time you’re in the mood for something cool and refreshing. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Starbucks Reserve® Iced Hazelnut Bianco Latte with Oat Milk

Looking for a quick caffeine fix? Why not try the Starbucks Reserve® Iced Hazelnut Bianco Latte? Made with hazelnut syrups, Starbucks Reserve® espresso, milk, and ice, this refreshing new drink is perfect for enjoying on a cool autumn day (or any day, for that matter).

It’s light, bright, and refreshing, and a good amount of milk helps to balance out the slightly acidic flavor in the light roast coffee. If you want a dairy-free version, we recommend oat milk for a rich, creamy finish!

Iced Caffè Latte with Soy Milk

Is it really summer if you don’t enjoy a delicious iced latte at least once? The best part about an Iced Caffè Latte with Soy? It’s probably one of the most versatile drinks at Starbucks many, and you can customize it any way you like. Leave it as-is for a smooth and subtle flavor, or add a dairy-free flavored syrup for an instant upgrade.

Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte with Soy Milk, no Whipped Cream

If you’re not much of a morning person, sometimes you need a little reward to get your day started. And there’s nothing more rewarding than the sweet and decadent Cinnamon Dolce Latte. There’s something about the iced cinnamon dolce latte that just brightens up your day in the best way.

Maybe it’s the sweet cinnamon flavor or the creamy milk (sub with soy milk for a dairy-free option). Regardless, this drink is an excellent caffeine kick when you need something special.

Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte with Oat Milk

The Starbucks Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte is made with Starbucks Blonde espresso, milk, ice, and a touch of vanilla syrup. For a dairy-free twist, you can get this delicious drink with oat milk for a creamy, rich taste. We love the subtle sweetness of the vanilla syrup and how it compliments the brightness of the Blonde espresso. It’s cold, refreshing, and sweet without being overpowering.

Person Holding White Starbucks Cup
Image Credit: Ade Rifaie on Pexels

FAQ’s

Does Starbucks offer vegan whipped cream?

Starbucks has a long tradition of incorporating non-dairy and vegan options into its menu. But if you’re looking for a vegan whipped cream to top your soy latte, you may have to wait a while. Starbucks has begun testing a vegan whipped cream option made with lentils, but right now, it’s only available at two Starbucks locations in Seattle.

But, if it turns out to be a hit, you may eventually see it pop up at your local Starbucks location. For now, there’s no vegan whipped cream option on the standard menu.

Are Starbucks’ non-dairy drinks allergy-friendly?

Starbucks’ non-dairy drinks have been a huge hit with customers looking for alternatives to milk and cream. But are they safe if you have allergies? They can be made with a variety of milk, from almond milk and soy milk to oat and coconut milk, and are free of dairy, lactose, and soy.

Obviously, almond milk is not safe for those who have a tree nut allergy. Luckily, you have other non-dairy milk options. So go ahead and safely enjoy your favorite drink with a dairy-free milk option.

Is the Iced Shaken Espresso dairy-free?

A few years ago, Starbucks released an entire line of Iced Shaken Espresso drinks, each with its own flavor profile. The original Iced Shaken Espresso comes with 2% milk by default, but you can always swap it with a non-dairy option like coconut, oat, or almond milk.

But the rest of the Iced Shaken Espresso line of drinks all contain non-dairy milk—that’s the Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, and the Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the best dairy-free Starbucks drinks! If you’re looking for a delicious and dairy-free way to enjoy your favorite coffee shop, give one of these drinks a try. From the classic Americano to the ever-popular soy latte, there’s something for everyone, no matter your preference. So next time you’re in line at Starbucks, don’t be afraid to try something new—you might find your new dairy-free fave!

Looking for more ideas? Try some of these vegan creamer recipes next time you’re making coffee at home. Or, if you want more inspiration for your next Starbucks run, try one of these super-sweet offerings.

Happy Caffeinating!

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