One thing about my kids is that they order their own drinks when we’re at Starbucks—every. single. time. And that’s when brain fog sets in sometimes. What can I order for my little rascals that’s not overly caffeinated and still delicious?
Surely, I can’t order plain old milk for them whenever we visit. Their personalities and big appetites won’t let me! That’s why I’ve researched and discovered the perfect Starbucks drinks for kids with tiny tastebuds. These drinks are safe for their developing bodies but tasty enough to keep them happy.
So, if you’re also hunting for kid-friendly Starbucks drinks, I got your back. Pin, save, or share this image for options that your little ones will love.
1. Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is like a warm hug that kids love, and Starbucks serves it just right. For one, it’s like coffee for them minus the caffeine. It’s sweet and creamy, and you can top it off with marshmallows or whipped cream. For reference, Starbucks hot chocolate is made with mocha sauce, milk, whipped cream, and a dash of vanilla syrup.1
Tip: Ask for less chocolate powder if your munchkin prefers a milder taste.
2. Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino
Vanilla bean crème frap is the la crème de la crème (pun fully intended). It’s my go-to choice when kids don’t want hot drinks. Starbucks serves it with vanilla bean powder, crème frappuccino syrup, whipped cream, milk, and ice.2 Moreover, you can customize it to your liking, like changing the milk to soy, adding a mocha drizzle, or adding cinnamon dolce sprinkles.
Tip: Request for non-fat milk and sugar-free syrup for a healthier alternative.
3. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
This one’s for the tiny tastebuds that love something sweet and tangy. Such a Starbucks concoction consists of strawberry puree sauce, crème frappuccino syrup, whipped cream, milk, classic syrup, and ice.3 Additionally, it’s customizable. You can change the milk type, add frappuccino chips, change the syrup flavor, etc.
Tip: Go for almond milk and honey as a sweetener to keep the calories in check.
4. Lemonade
When life gives you lemons, let Starbucks make lemonade for your kids. It’s our staple drink for refreshment on hot summer days. Starbucks’ lemonade is made with real lemons and ice.4 Furthermore, they offer two lemonade categories: Seasonal Exclusive and Lemonades and Frozen. Choices include summer-berry lemonade for the former, pineapple passionfruit lemonade, and strawberry açaí lemonade for the latter.
Tip: Add strawberries or freeze-dried pineapple for a fruity twist.
5. Refreshers Like Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade
Refreshing Starbucks drinks for kids don’t only include lemonades. They also include their famous Refreshers, with choices like mango dragonfruit, pineapple passionfruit, summer berry, and pink drink. Refreshers are made with real fruit juices, lemonade or coconut milk, and ice.5 In addition, these Starbucks drinks for kids are healthy alternatives to soda and great energy boosters.
Tip: Play with fun toppings like lavender powder or salted caramel cream foam.
6. Steamed Milk
Back to the basics! Starbucks also offers steamed milk for the munchkins. This classic is made with pure milk, so you have lots of wiggle room to add in their favorite flavors, toppings, and add-ins.6 The possibilities are endless—from caramel and toffee nut to spicy chili, mocha, and even toasted cookie crumble topping.
Tip: Order Babyccino, a small cup of steamed milk with extra foam, for the tinier tots.
7. Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie
Okay, hear me out. This might sound unconventional, but this beverage’s nutritional value is nothing to scoff at. Plus, it’s a tasty way for the bubbas to eat their greens without even knowing it! Starbucks’ official website has yet to include an ingredient list for this smoothie.7 However, it’s safe to bet that it contains pineapple, coconut, and something green, like kale or spinach.
Tip: This smoothie is already packed with healthiness, so try not to add any sugary syrups or whipped cream.
8. Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino
Sugar rush? Yes, please! Indulgence now and then is fun, especially for the little ones. This icy drink is an absolute treat for kids who love chocolate. It’s made with Starbucks’ signature creme frappuccino syrup, milk, ice, and frap chips.8 Double chocolaty chip creme frappucino packs the sweetness punch, so be ready for hyperactivity!
Tip: Mix coconut milk when blending for a dairy-free option.
9. Iced Blueberry Black Tea
Try this if you want a sweet yet healthier alternative to double chocolaty chip creme frap. The iced blueberry black tea cold Starbucks concoction is refreshing, making it perfect for hot days. It combines Teavana® iced black tea, blueberry-flavored fruit juice blend, liquid cane sugar, and ice.9 As usual, you can customize this drink from juice options to syrups to fruit add-ins.
Tip: Try it with a splash of oat milk or heavy cream for a creamier texture.
10. Pink Drink
The list of Starbucks drinks for kids with strawberries isn’t complete without the pink drink. This fruity beverage is made with strawberry açaí base, coconut milk, ice, and freeze-dried strawberries.10 The pink drink is a sight to behold, and the sweet yet refreshing flavor makes it a hit with children.
Tip: Add a pump of macadamia syrup for an extra burst of nuttiness.
11. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Caramel-loving tots will love the caramel ribbon crunch frap. Dark and regular caramel sauce, coffee frap syrup, ice, whipped cream, milk, and caramel sugar topping—it’s heaven in a cup.11 This Starbucks drink for kids is so rich that you may want to share it.
Tip: A dash of peppermint syrup can give it that winter holiday feel.
12. Secret Menu Items
The secret’s out—the coffeehouse has tons of secret menu items for your munchkins. They’re not staples or official Starbucks drinks for kids, but the baristas will make them if you know what to ask. Here’s a list of some popular secret menu items:
- Nutter Butter Frap: A hazelnut frap mixed with blended banana, toffee nut syrup, and cinnamon dolce syrup.
- Cotton Candy Frap: A vanilla bean crème frap with pumps of raspberry syrup
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Frap: A pumpkin spice frap with white chocolate mocha sauce and cinnamon dolce syrup.
- Hot Butterbeer: A mix of steamed milk, toffee nut syrup, cinnamon dolce syrup, caramel syrup, and whipped cream.
- Ferrero Rocher Frap: A double chocolaty chip frap with pumps of hazelnut syrup, white chocolate mocha sauce, and mocha drizzle.
Tip: Secret menu items are not always available, so ask your barista if they can make it beforehand.
Takeaway
Starbucks drinks for kids make for a fun visit to the coffeehouse. From fruity refreshers to chocolatey frappuccinos, there’s something for every little one. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the secret menu is always a fun surprise.
What Starbucks drinks for kids have you tried? Drop them in the comments below!
- “Hot Chocolate.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Lemonade.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Starbucks Refreshers Beverages.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Steamed Milk.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Iced Blueberry Black Tea.” Starbucks.) ↩︎
- “Pink Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage.” Starbucks. ↩︎
- “Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino Blended Beverage.” Starbucks. ↩︎
