It is not uncommon to have your little ones with you when the need to visit your local Starbucks kicks in. More often than not, our need for a little caffeine to keep us going is actually thanks to our kids and their through-the-roof activity level. It’s also not uncommon to hear your kids begging and pleading with you to order them a drink so they can be like you. You may fight the urge to grant their wish and bestow upon them their first little Starbucks cup, but eventually, we all know you’re going to give in.
To help you make this important introduction to not only Starbucks, but the world of truly tasty drinks, we’ve made a list of the 10 best Starbucks drinks for kids. This can help make your decision easier and ensure that your child starts out on the right foot when it comes to their local Starbucks. Take a look at our favorites below.
The 10 Best Starbucks Drinks for Kids:
1. Vanilla Steamer
Yes, even Starbucks has options that don’t include caffeine. The Vanilla Steamer is a great drink to satisfy your little one’s need to be like you and drink a yummy Starbucks beverage. The Vanilla Steamer consists of steamed milk and a couple of vanilla syrup pumps. This drink is also customizable. If your kid isn’t a fan of vanilla, you can ask for caramel or chocolate syrup instead. You can also switch milk. Most steamers are made from 2% but Starbucks has oat, coconut, or almond milk you can choose from.
2. Caramel Apple Spice
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Another drink on the menu that’s safe for kids of all ages is the Caramel Apple Spice. Again, no coffee in sight, just steamed apple juice and cinnamon syrup topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Little ones will think they are enjoying a caramel apple in a cup. What could be better when visiting Starbucks with the adults?
3. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
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If you aren’t trying to avoid giving your kids a bit of sugar, then the Strawberry Crème Frappuccino is a great choice. Yes, this treat is sweet, but if we’re being honest, it’s very similar to a cup of ice cream. Starbucks makes this drink by blending ice, milk, and strawberry puree. It’s then topped with whipped cream. Your little ones will love the taste on a hot day as a way to cool down.
4. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk
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One of the most popular drinks at Starbucks is the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. While you may love this energizing drink, it is a bit too much for your kids. Instead, Starbucks offers an unleaded version to give them a great taste without all the caffeine, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk. This drink is ideal for kids that need to avoid dairy, and of course, the espresso, while staying as hip as their parents.
5. White Hot Chocolate
When the weather outside is turning colder, children like warm drinks to warm up just like adults do. Starbucks can oblige with their White Hot Chocolate. This drink only uses steamed milk and white chocolate sauce to give your little ones a tasty treat. The only issue with this one is that it has quite a bit of sugar. If you don’t want your young ones bouncing off the walls you may need to order a short size!
6. Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
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Most kids will love Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, especially if they are fans of vanilla milkshakes. This drink is easily a favorite of people of all ages. It’s simple, yet tasty, and makes taking on a hot summer day easier. If you’re visiting Starbucks with your kids, this drink will make them happy while helping you ensure they aren’t drinking something you wouldn’t approve of.
7. Blended Strawberry Lemonade
For kids who are fans of slushies, strawberries, and lemonade, the Blended Strawberry Lemonade is a sure hit. This one is made using Starbucks’ zesty strawberry puree, crème Frappuccino sauce, and of course, lemonade. Kids of all ages will love this treat but keep in mind, it is thick. Smaller tots may have issues drinking it.
8. Babyccino
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The Babyccino is Starbucks’ answer to little ones who want the same drink as their parents. The Babyccino is simply steamed milk with a cute name. There’s no espresso or coffee. You can grab these cute cups to let your mini-me walk around feeling like they’re drinking coffee with the pros. You and the barista will be the only ones who know the truth.
9. Purple Drink
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Starbucks may not have put a lot of effort into naming this drink, but you will find that they put deliciousness in the cup. We know how kids love drinks with cool colors, and this one answers that call. The Purple Drink is a mix of passion iced tea, vanilla syrup, and soy milk that is served chilled. On top, you’ll find blackberries and blueberries floating around. Little ones will love this blend and may even start asking to take a trip to Starbucks more often, which is a win for you too.
10. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
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If you’re looking for a way to treat your kids for making good grades or cleaning their room, the Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino could be your answer. It’s basically dessert in a Starbucks cup so keep that in mind when you take your kids to pick one up. This cool drink is made with ice, milk, caramel syrup, and a slight splash of iced coffee. There’s also whipped cream, caramel sauce, and caramel sugar added on top. As we said, it’s a dessert beverage that will give your little ones a bit of energy so be prepared when you order it. You can also order it without the coffee in it if you don’t want your kid to have any caffeine.
Conclusion
Indulging your little ones on a visit to Starbucks with mom and dad doesn’t need to be a bad thing. Yes, a few of the drinks on this list have a bit of sugar. One even has a bit of coffee in it. But if you start your little one’s Starbucks adventure on the right foot by keeping a close watch on what you allow them to try, the entire family can have a fun experience. Let your kids try out the 10 drinks on your list and determine which ones are their favorites. You can make those your go-tos when the family decides to stop by the local shop.
Melissa has been a fan of coffee since the first sip she stole from her Granny's cup when she was just a girl. Now, she spends each morning writing with a hot cup of coffee at her side. With a love of sweet and creamy bliss, Melissa and her daughter, Amber, stop by and try out every local coffee shop they see. Neither are afraid to try something new and have a long list of favorite coffee beverages they simply can't do without.
When she's not freelance writing about her 2 passions, coffee, and pets, Melissa spends her time with her husband, 2 kids, and 5 fur babies. She also loves diving into the fiction world under her pen name, Rena Marin. If she isn't at the laptop or with the family, Melissa is out enjoying the mountains of East Tennessee she calls home.
