Starbucks offers various plant-based milk options and non-dairy sweet cream, but some syrups and sauces contain dairy. While sauces like Caramel and White Chocolate Mocha include dairy, there are many dairy-free syrups and powders available. Some toppings, such as whipped cream and frappuccino chips, also contain dairy, while others like cookie crumble are dairy-free. Starbucks has hinted at a dairy-free whipped cream but has yet to release one.
Starbucks, a global coffeehouse chain known for its extensive menu of coffee drinks and specialty beverages, has made a concerted effort to cater to dairy-free diets by offering a variety of plant-based milk options, including coconut, soy, almond, and oat milk. Additionally, customers can enjoy non-dairy sweet cream and oat milk cold foam. However, while many beverages can be customized to be dairy-free, there are specific syrups and sauces on Starbucks’ menu that contain dairy, which can complicate the pursuit of a completely dairy-free drink.
Dairy-Containing Sauces and Syrups
Starbucks offers several popular syrups and sauces that include dairy. Specifically, the Caramel Sauce, Dark Caramel Sauce, and White Chocolate Mocha Sauce all contain dairy. This means that drinks such as the Salted Caramel Mocha or the White Chocolate Frappuccino will not be dairy-free unless these sauces are omitted. It’s also important to check seasonal sauces and syrups, like the Pumpkin Spice, as these may contain dairy ingredients.
Dairy-Free Syrup Options
For those looking to avoid dairy, Starbucks provides a range of dairy-free syrups that can be used to customize your drink. These include:
- Classic Syrup
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- Hazelnut Syrup
- Brown Sugar Syrup
- Peppermint Syrup
- Raspberry Syrup
- Toffee Nut Syrup
- Regular Vanilla Syrup
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
These syrups can be combined with plant-based milks to create a fully dairy-free beverage.
Also Read: Starbucks Unveils First Dairy-Free Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte—But It’s Not Fully Vegan!
Ingredients and Toppings to Watch For
Aside from syrups and sauces, Starbucks’ menu features various other ingredients and toppings that may or may not be dairy-free. For example:
- Dairy-Free Powders: The lavender powder, chocolate malt powder, matcha tea powder, and vanilla powder are vegan-friendly. However, new or seasonal powders should be checked for dairy content.
- Dairy-Free Toppings: Cookie crumble, caramel sugar, and freeze-dried fruit toppings are dairy-free. Unfortunately, whipped cream and frappuccino chips contain dairy.
Starbucks has previously hinted at developing a dairy-free whipped cream, but as of now, there is no official dairy-free whipped cream alternative. For those seeking a creamy texture without dairy, the non-dairy vanilla sweet cream remains a good substitute.
Navigating Starbucks’ menu for a dairy-free option requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to syrups and sauces. While many beverages can be customized with plant-based milk and dairy-free syrups, it’s crucial to be aware of the dairy content in specific sauces and toppings. By making informed choices, customers can enjoy a variety of delicious drinks while adhering to a dairy-free diet.