Starbucks is one of the most popular coffee chains in the world, known for its extensive menu and cozy ambiance.
Over the years, they have embraced the growing demand for plant-based choices by offering more vegan-friendly drinks and food items.
In 2004, Starbucks introduced its first dairy-free alternative—soy milk—making it easier for vegans and lactose-intolerant customers to enjoy their favorite drinks.
As the demand for plant-based options grew, they added coconut milk, almond milk, and most recently, oat milk, expanding the range of vegan-friendly drinks.
Today, Starbucks offers a variety of plant-based snacks and meals, from oatmeal and bagels to protein boxes and salads. Let’s dive into the full menu to help you order vegan at Starbucks with confidence.
Vegan Milk Options at Starbucks
Starbucks offers four non-dairy milk alternatives, which can be substituted in most drinks to make them vegan-friendly:
- Oat Milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, oat milk pairs beautifully with lattes and flat whites. It creates a rich, velvety texture, making it a top choice for coffee lovers.
- Almond Milk: Light, slightly nutty, and lower in calories, almond milk adds a subtle sweetness to drinks, especially in iced beverages.
- Coconut Milk: Smooth and tropical, coconut milk adds a unique flavor to iced coffees and blended drinks like frappuccinos.
- Soy Milk: The original Starbucks dairy-free option, soy milk has a creamy texture that blends well with espresso-based drinks.
Starbucks Vegan Drinks Guide
Here are the vegan-friendly drink options currently available at Starbucks:
Vegan Coffee Options
- Black Coffee: Pike Place Roast, Blonde Roast, and Dark Roast (all vegan by default).
- Espresso: Enjoy it solo or as the base of your favorite drinks with plant-based milk.
- Cold Brew Coffee: Naturally vegan, smooth, and refreshing. Add oat or almond milk for a creamy touch.
- Iced Coffee: Vegan by default; customize it with your choice of non-dairy milk.
Vegan Teas and Refreshers
- Teavana Hot Teas: All varieties, including Emperor’s Clouds & Mist, Jade Citrus Mint, and Peach Tranquility, are vegan.
- Iced Teas: Iced Black Tea, Iced Green Tea, and Iced Passion Tango Tea are vegan-friendly.
- Refreshers: Made with fruit juice and green coffee extract, Refreshers like Strawberry Acai and Very Berry Hibiscus are vegan—just ask for no lemonade or dairy-based ingredients.
Vegan Specialty Drinks (With Modifications)
- Caffè Latte: Order with oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk.
- Cappuccino: Vegan when made with a plant-based milk alternative.
- Mocha: The standard mocha sauce is vegan—order with plant-based milk and no whipped cream.
- Frappuccinos: Customize with non-dairy milk and skip the whipped cream. Choose flavors without dairy-based sauces (e.g., Coffee or Strawberry Crème).
Starbucks Cup Sizes Explained
- Tall (12 oz): Smallest size, perfect for a quick coffee fix.
- Grande (16 oz): Medium-sized and a customer favorite.
- Venti (24 oz): Largest size for cold drinks, 20 oz for hot drinks.
Starbucks Vegan Food Options
Starbucks offers several vegan-friendly food choices, although some may require modifications. Here are your best options:
Vegan Breakfast and Snacks
- Classic Oatmeal: Made with steel-cut oats, topped with dried fruit and nuts.
- Plain, Sprouted Grain, or Blueberry Bagels: Pair with avocado spread for a filling breakfast.
- Avocado Spread: A creamy, zesty addition to bagels, wraps, or protein boxes.
Vegan Lunch and Protein Boxes
- Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box: A satisfying, plant-based protein option.
- Hearty Veggie & Brown Rice Salad Bowl: Packed with wholesome grains and fresh vegetables.
Vegan Snacks
- Fresh Fruit Cups: Assorted seasonal fruits like grapes, apples, and strawberries.
- Potato Chips: Plain, salted varieties are typically vegan.
- Mixed Nuts or Nut Bars: Check labels to ensure they are dairy-free.
Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch Out For at Starbucks
While Starbucks offers many vegan options, some ingredients may contain dairy or animal products. Be sure to avoid these:
- Whipped Cream: Made from dairy—skip it or ask if they offer non-dairy whipped cream (available at select locations).
- Caramel Sauce and White Mocha Sauce: Both contain dairy. Instead, opt for caramel syrup, which is typically vegan.
- Honey Blend: Found in some teas and drinks—ask to substitute with a different sweetener.
- Pumpkin Spice Sauce: Contains dairy—order a Pumpkin Spice Latte with pumpkin spice topping only and non-dairy milk.
Tips for Ordering Vegan at Starbucks
To make sure your Starbucks order stays totally vegan, follow our tips:
- Request Plant-Based Milk: Substitute oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk for dairy milk.
- Say No to Whipped Cream: Unless a non-dairy version is available.
- Double-Check Syrups and Sauces: Ask your barista if you’re unsure about ingredients.
- Customize Your Order: Many drinks are vegan with simple modifications—just ask!
- Avoid Pre-Made Blended Drinks: Unless you confirm they’re made with non-dairy milk.
A Note on Cross-Contamination
Starbucks prepares both vegan and non-vegan items using shared equipment, so there’s always a slight risk of cross-contamination.
If you are highly sensitive or prefer to avoid this risk, be sure to mention your dietary preferences to the barista so they can take extra care.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks has come a long way in embracing plant-based options, offering a variety of vegan drinks, snacks, and meals.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or a filling protein box, there are plenty of options to enjoy while staying true to your plant-based diet.
By choosing vegan options at Starbucks, you’re not only supporting sustainable choices but also encouraging more plant-based offerings in the future.
So, order your favorite oat milk latte, enjoy your avocado toast, and feel good about staying plant-based!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Starbucks syrups vegan?
Most are, but some—like white mocha and caramel sauce—contain dairy. Always ask your barista to confirm.
Does Starbucks have vegan whipped cream?
Select locations offer non-dairy whipped cream. If unavailable, skip it to keep your drink vegan.
Is oat milk at Starbucks gluten-free?
Starbucks’ oat milk may be processed in facilities with gluten, so it may not be suitable for those with celiac disease.
Can I bring my own plant-based milk to Starbucks?
While you can’t have it steamed or blended, you’re welcome to add your own milk to iced drinks.
Is Starbucks considered a vegan-friendly company?
While not fully vegan, Starbucks continues to expand its plant-based options. Supporting their vegan items helps drive demand for even more choices.
