Starbucks is one of the most progressive companies in America and is known for its inclusive work environment. This inclusivity also extends to their valued customers, including vegans like us!
Not only does Starbucks have a wide variety of drinks that are already vegan but they also allow you to modify any drink on the menu. This means that you can take many non-vegan options and make them vegan to suit your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for vegan espresso drinks, vegan iced teas, coffee, or espresso, Starbucks is one of the most vegan-friendly cafes you can choose.
In today’s post, I’ll be showing you the best vegan drinks at Starbucks. I’ll also explain how to modify and order each drink, so you can make it 100% vegan!
The Best Vegan Hot Drinks At Starbucks: How To Order Them
Few drinks can beat a hot beverage on a cool morning. Here are some of the best vegan hot drinks at Starbucks and how to order them.
1) Coconut Milk Latte
- Ingredients: Coconut Milk, Signature Espresso, Coconut Milk Foam
The Latte is one of the oldest and most respected drinks on Starbucks’ menu! Although the beverage is typically made using whole milk, you can swap this for coconut milk to create a creamy, milky, espresso beverage.
The Coconut Milk Latte is traditionally made with Starbucks Signature Espresso – a dark-roast espresso known for its strong flavor that blends perfectly with steamed coconut milk. The drink is topped with leftover coconut milk foam to provide a cloud-like texture.
2) London Fog Latte With Coconut Milk
- Ingredients: Earl Gray Tea, Coconut Milk + Foam, Vanilla Syrup
In the UK, tea with milk is an even more popular drink than coffee (which most of us Americans prefer). The London Fog is a delicious black tea latte made with real earl gray tea (which contains some caffeine), vanilla syrup, and your choice of milk.
Traditionally, the London Fog Latte is made with 2% milk. However, this can be easily switched to your choice of plant-based milk. Personally, I’ve found that coconut milk pairs the best with the flavor of black tea and vanilla.
3) Caramel Apple Spice (No Whip, No Caramel)
- Ingredients: Steamed Apple Cider, Cinnamon Syrup
The Caramel Apple Spice is one of those “hidden drinks” that Starbucks rarely ever advertises (except around the winter season).
If you love the taste of hot apple cider and spice, though, this drink is perfect. I especially like to order it whenever I have a sore throat or I’m feeling under the weather.
Traditionally, the Caramel Apple Spice is served with whipped cream and caramel drizzle, both of which are non-vegan. However, you can modify the drink by leaving these two toppings off. The cider with the cinnamon tastes incredible!
4) Caffe Mocha With Oat Milk
- Ingredients: Starbucks Signature Espresso, Mocha Syrup, Vanilla Syrup, Oatmilk
If you like the idea of hot chocolate with a kick of espresso, then the Caffe Mocha is a great choice. Just ask them to sub the steamed milk for steamed oat milk instead!
The mocha syrup (made with real cocoa) and vanilla syrup add a nice bit of mild sweetness that perfectly compliments the strong Signature Espresso used as the caffeine base. I’ve also tried the mocha with almond milk, but I prefer the flavor of chocolate and oat milk a bit better.
The Best Dairy-Free Starbucks Drinks: Iced Drinks & Frappe’s
5) Chai Creme Frappuccino With Coconut Milk
- Ingredients: Coconut Milk, Chai Spice Syrup, Cinnamon Powder
Many people are unaware that you can swap plant milk out for the real milk in any Starbucks Frappuccino! The main rule when ordering a Frappuccino is to avoid caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate chips, as those all contain some form of dairy.
My favorite frappuccino is the Chai Creme Frappuccino! Just sub the coconut milk for whole milk, as it’s a similar thickness and won’t water the frozen drink down too much (like almond milk or oat milk would).
6) Nitro Cold Brew
- Ingredients: Nitrogen-Infused Cold Brew Coffee
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew is one of my favorite drinks to get when I’m feeling sleepy! They take their already wonderful cold brew and pressurize it with nitrogen gas. It pours just like a thick stout beer, but it’s 100% coffee.
I like mine black. However, you can add a sweet kick to it with some Raw sugar, your choice of syrup, and a bit of your favorite plant-based milk.
7) Iced Matcha Tea Latte With Coconut Milk
- Ingredients: Sweetened Matcha Tea Blend, Ice, Coconut Milk
Although I typically go for caffeinated drinks at Starbucks, I really enjoy the taste and texture of the Iced Matcha Tea Latte With Coconut Milk! Matcha is powdered green tea, which is incredibly healthy for you and packed full of antioxidants.
Starbucks’ Iced Matcha Latte is typically made with cow’s milk. However, you can substitute the milk with coconut milk to make it vegan-friendly. I really enjoy the thick, creamy texture that the coconut milk adds to the matcha latte.
Is The Starbucks “Pink Drink” Vegan?
The “Pink Drink” is one of Starbucks’ best-selling Refreshers (fruit-based juice drinks). It’s 100% vegan and is naturally dairy-free, so you don’t have to modify anything.
It blends together the health and goodness of acai juice with coconut milk and real strawberry chunks. The result is a milky, fruity drink that’s as good for you as it tastes!
Are Starbucks Refreshers Vegan?
Yes, all of Starbucks’ Refreshers are 100% vegan! They’re made using pure fruit juice, ice, water, and sometimes herbal/tea additives.
They never contain any dairy or animal-derived products, so you’ll never have to worry about modifying anything.
Conclusion – What’s The Best Vegan Drink At Starbucks?
It really depends on the time of the year. During the hot summers, I really enjoy the Starbucks Pink Drink and the Nitro Cold Brew (if I need some caffeine). When it’s colder out, my go-to is usually the Caffe Mocha made with coconut milk.
The great thing about Starbucks is that you can sub almost any ingredients and even make your own concoctions. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, then be sure to check out my list of the best vegan coffee creamers next!
