The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Drinks at Starbucks

Ordering vegan at Starbucks is easier now that the chain has dropped its extra charge for non-dairy milk thanks to PETA and thousands of its supporters. Spare affectionate cows and send a message that compassion is the only way to go when you order vegan. From holiday drinks to everyday favorites, here’s what to order and which dairy-based ingredients to skip.

What Drinks Are Vegan at Starbucks?

The basic drinks are vegan: Get yourself a hot coffee or an iced version with oat, soy, almond, or coconut milk and any flavored syrup (such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut), and you’re all set. Hot or iced tea is usually vegan, too. For more elaborate drinks, follow our guide below, which includes three simple rules: Swap, Hold, Avoid.

 VEGAN AS-IS

• Brewed coffee
• Caffè Americano
• Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Pink Drink
• Dragon Drink
• Mango Dream
• Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
• Strawberry Açaí Refresher
• Apple Pomegranate Refresher (Seasonal)
• Apple Pomegranate Lemonade Refresher (Seasonal)
• Snowy Apple Drink (Seasonal)
• Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
• Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
• Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

JUST SWAP THE MILK or COLD FOAM

• Caffè Latte
• Flat White
• Matcha Latte
• London Fog Latte
• Iced Sugar Cookie Latte (Seasonal)
• Iced Sugar Cookie Matcha (Seasonal)

Note: Several cold foams can be made vegan on request.

SWAP + HOLD

• Caffè Mocha → vegan milk + no whip
• Caramel Macchiato → vegan milk + no caramel drizzle
• Cinnamon Dolce Latte → vegan milk + no whip or cinnamon dolce topping
• Matcha Crème Frappuccino → vegan milk + no whip
• Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino → vegan milk + no Frappuccino chips or whip
• Peppermint Mocha→ vegan milk + no whip or chocolate curls (Seasonal)

AVOID

Some Starbucks drinks can’t be made vegan because their sauces or syrups contain cow’s milk or honey. Avoid:

• Anything with white chocolate mocha sauce
• Anything with pistachio sauce
• Anything with caramel brûlée
• Anything with pumpkin sauce
• Anything with dark caramel sauce
• Honey Citrus Mint Tea
• Tiramisu Velvet drinks (Seasonal)
• Velvet Mascarpone Cream Cold Foam (Seasonal)
• Drinks made with Starbucks chai concentrate, which contains honey stolen from bees. This includes Chai lattes (the Teavana brewed chai is vegan)

Note: Clear syrups are usually vegan, but the sauces aren’t—except the mocha one.

When the barista asks for your name, don’t forget to use your cup to speak out for animals!

Does Starbucks Have Vegan Food?

Starbucks also sells vegan food, including some bagels and packaged snacks. Check out our Starbucks Vegan Food Guide to see what’s available.

Why Vegan Milk Matters

Cows are excellent mothers and only produce milk to feed their babies. In the dairy industry, workers repeatedly forcibly impregnate cows, take away their calves (often within hours), and steal their milk for human consumption.

Beyond the cruelty to animals, the dairy industry is a leading producer of greenhouse gases, fueling the climate catastrophe. Offering vegan milk at no extra cost makes it easier for people to make choices that are better for our fellow animals and the Earth we share.

By going vegan, you can save nearly 200 animals per year! Our free vegan starter magazine has tips and information about how to be kind to animals every time you eat. For animals, the environment, and your health, order one today.