Heading to Starbucks with your little ones can be a fun treat, but navigating the menu for kid-friendly options isn’t always straightforward. With so many choices, it’s easy to wonder what’s delicious, safe, and won’t send them bouncing off the walls. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Finding the best Starbucks drinks for kids means looking for low-caffeine or caffeine-free options, drinks with manageable sugar content, and, of course, flavors they’ll love.
We’ve rounded up some fantastic choices that are either perfectly suited for children or can be enjoyed by parents looking for their own boost while the kids sip on something special. From fruity refreshers to creamy delights, let’s explore the best Starbucks drinks for kids that will make your next visit a breeze!
1. Starbucks Pink Drink, Strawberry Acai with Coconut Milk, 12-Pack
The famous Pink Drink has stolen hearts everywhere, and it’s a fantastic, vibrant option that many kids adore, especially in its bottled form for easy enjoyment anywhere. This delightful beverage offers a refreshing blend of sweet strawberry and açaí notes, perfectly balanced by the creamy richness of coconut milk. It’s a fruity, fun, and visually appealing drink that feels special without being overloaded with coffee or excessive caffeine, making it one of the best Starbucks drinks for kids who love a sweet, tropical treat.
Key Features:
- Includes 12 (14oz) bottles of Starbucks Pink Drink
- Made with coconut milk and fruit juice for a fruity and creamy experience
- Infused with Strawberry Acai flavors
- Inspired by your Café favorites
Pros:
- Delicious and refreshing fruity flavor
- Creamy texture from coconut milk is a hit with kids
- Convenient bottled format for on-the-go
- Relatively low caffeine compared to coffee drinks (though still present, so consider portion size for younger kids)
Cons:
- Contains some sugar, so moderation is key
- Still contains a small amount of caffeine from green coffee extract (check for very sensitive children)
User Impressions: Parents frequently praise its appealing color and taste, noting it’s a great compromise for kids who want something “fancy” like mom or dad. Many appreciate the convenience of having these ready-to-drink bottles at home.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Drink Coffee Beverage, Vanilla
Now, let’s be clear upfront: this Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Drink is not for kids. Packed with coffee, B vitamins, ginseng, and guarana, it’s designed for adults needing a serious kickstart. However, we’ve included it here because while you’re picking up a lovely kid-friendly drink for your little one, you might be in dire need of some grown-up energy to keep up! It offers a rich, bold Starbucks coffee flavor combined with sweet vanilla, perfect for powering through a busy day of errands and playdates.
Key Features:
- Includes 12 (15 fl oz) cans of Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Drink Coffee Beverage, Vanilla flavor
- Blended with rich, bold Starbucks coffee and vanilla flavor
- Made with B Vitamins, Ginseng, and Guarana for an energy boost
- Coffee With a Boost for adult consumption
Pros:
- Provides a significant energy boost for adults
- Delicious vanilla coffee flavor
- Convenient canned format
- Helps adults stay alert and focused
Cons:
- Definitely not suitable for children due to high caffeine and energy-boosting ingredients
- Can be high in sugar for those monitoring intake
- Some may find the coffee flavor too strong
User Impressions: Adults consistently rave about the powerful energy boost and the smooth, satisfying vanilla coffee taste. It’s a go-to for many commuters and busy professionals who need sustained energy.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink, Coffee, 13.7 fl oz
Similar to the Doubleshot, the classic Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink is another indulgence designed for adult coffee lovers. This bottled version brings the iconic café experience home, offering an indulgent blend of creamy milk and real brewed Starbucks coffee. While the idea of a Frappuccino sounds fun for kids, this specific “Coffee” flavor contains actual coffee and caffeine, making it unsuitable for children. For kids, you’d typically opt for a “Creme” Frappuccino from the café, which omits the coffee base. This is a great grab-and-go option for parents who want that familiar Starbucks coffee fix.
Key Features:
- Includes 12 (13.7oz) bottles of Starbucks Frappuccino, Coffee flavor
- An indulgent blend of creamy milk and real brewed Starbucks coffee
- Inspired by a classic enjoyed in our cafes everyday
- Made with the finest arabica coffee beans
Pros:
- Rich, creamy, and satisfying coffee flavor for adults
- Convenient ready-to-drink format
- A classic and beloved Starbucks taste
- Good for a quick pick-me-up
Cons:
- Contains coffee and caffeine, making it inappropriate for children
- High in sugar, as is typical for sweet coffee drinks
- Not as customizable as a fresh café Frappuccino
User Impressions: Customers love the consistent taste and convenience of these bottled Frappuccinos, often praising them as a perfect treat when a trip to the café isn’t possible. It’s a nostalgic favorite for many.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Starbucks Refreshers, 3 Flavor Variety Pack (Peach, Cherry, Strawberry)
Now we’re back to some truly kid-friendly goodness! The Starbucks Refreshers Variety Pack is a fantastic choice for kids and teens looking for a fruity, lightly bubbly, and invigorating drink. These sparkling juice blends offer distinct fruit flavors like Strawberry Lemonade, Black Cherry Limeade, and Peach Passion Fruit. What makes them great for kids is their blend of real fruit juice, cool coconut water, and B vitamins. While they do contain caffeine from green coffee extract, it’s generally a lower amount compared to traditional coffee drinks, making them a more suitable “special” treat. This variety pack is perfect for finding your child’s favorite flavor.
Key Features:
- Pack of twelve 12 ounce aluminum cans, Starbucks Refreshers sparkling juice blends
- Distinct and lightly bubbly fruit flavors that will lift you up when you’re on the go
- Made with a blend of feel-good ingredients like real fruit juice, cool coconut water, B vitamins, and caffeine from green coffee extract
- Contains 25% fruit juice
- Includes 3 flavors (4 cans each) Strawberry Lemonade, Black Cherry Limeade, and Peach Passion Fruit
Pros:
- Refreshing, fruity, and lightly carbonated
- Good variety of flavors to choose from
- Contains real fruit juice and B vitamins
- Lower caffeine content than coffee drinks (but still present)
Cons:
- Contains some sugar, so consume in moderation
- Still has caffeine, so consider for younger children or those sensitive to it
- Not a completely caffeine-free option
User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the delicious and unique flavor combinations, noting they are less sweet than some sodas and offer a nice pick-me-up without the jitters of strong coffee. Kids and teens particularly enjoy the fizzy texture and vibrant tastes.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Starbucks Pink Drink, Strawberry Acai, 12-8 Fl OZ Bottles
Here’s another fantastic contender for the best Starbucks drinks for kids – another version of the beloved Pink Drink! This smaller, 8 fl oz bottle pack of the Strawberry Acai Pink Drink is perfect for little hands and smaller servings. It features the same delightful Strawberry Acai flavor, enhanced with creamy coconut milk, making it a tropical, sweet, and satisfying beverage. Crucially, this particular offering boasts less than 5 mg of caffeine per serving, making it an excellent choice for children and teens where caffeine intake is a concern. It’s a lighter, fruitier alternative to traditional sodas or juice boxes, offering a touch of Starbucks magic.
Key Features:
- Packaged in a convenient 12 – 8 fl. oz. bottles making it easy to stock up for various occasions
- Features the Strawberry Acai flavor enhanced with the addition of creamy coconut milk
- Perfect for those seeking a lightly caffeinated, fruity beverage option
- Great for both adults and teens
- Less than 5 mg of caffeine per serving
Pros:
- Delicious and popular Strawberry Acai flavor
- Creamy texture from coconut milk
- Very low caffeine content (less than 5mg/serving), making it highly suitable for kids
- Smaller bottle size is ideal for children
- Refreshing and hydrating
Cons:
- Contains sugar, so should be enjoyed as a treat
- May not appeal to kids who prefer non-creamy or non-fruity drinks
User Impressions: Parents consistently praise the taste and the significantly lower caffeine content, making it a guilt-free option for their children to enjoy a “Starbucks drink.” The smaller size is also frequently mentioned as a major benefit.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about Starbucks Drinks for Kids
Q1: Are all Starbucks drinks safe for kids?
A1: No, definitely not! Many Starbucks drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, or other ingredients not suitable for children. Always check the ingredients and caffeine content before ordering for a child. Stick to options known to be low in caffeine or caffeine-free.
Q2: What should I look for when choosing a Starbucks drink for my child?
A2: Prioritize low or no caffeine, reduced sugar content, and simple, natural ingredients. Milk-based drinks, refreshers with low caffeine, and decaf options are usually good starting points. Always ask the barista for recommendations or modifications.
Q3: Are there any completely caffeine-free options at Starbucks for kids?
A3: Yes! Many options are naturally caffeine-free. Think steamed milk (often called a “steamer”) with flavors like vanilla or caramel, apple juice, chocolate milk, or specific “Creme” Frappuccinos (make sure to specify no coffee). You can also ask for decaf hot chocolate or decaf tea.
Q4: Can I customize drinks to make them more kid-friendly?
A4: Absolutely! Customization is key at Starbucks. You can ask for less syrup to reduce sugar, choose smaller sizes (like a ‘short’ or ‘tall’), ask for half-sweet, or substitute dairy milk for non-dairy alternatives. Don’t hesitate to tell your barista it’s for a child.
Q5: What’s the deal with Refreshers and caffeine for kids?
A5: Starbucks Refreshers, including the popular Pink Drink, do contain caffeine derived from green coffee extract. While the amount is typically lower than a regular coffee or espresso drink, it’s not caffeine-free. For very young children or those sensitive to caffeine, opt for truly caffeine-free drinks like juice, milk, or steamers. The 8 fl oz Pink Drink we reviewed has less than 5mg, which is very low.
Q6: What are some “secret menu” or barista-recommended kid drinks?
A6: Many baristas are great at suggesting kid-friendly options! Some popular “secret” or modified drinks include:
* Babyccino: Just foamed milk in a small cup.
* Lemonade with Raspberry Syrup: A sweet and tangy treat.
* Strawberry Crème Frappuccino (no coffee): A popular creamy, fruity blend.
* Caramel Apple Spice: Steamed apple juice with cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle (can be made with less syrup).
Q7: How much sugar is too much sugar for my child?
A7: The American Heart Association recommends that children aged 2-18 consume no more than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day. Many Starbucks drinks can quickly exceed this. Always check nutritional information or ask for less syrup to manage sugar intake.
Finding the perfect Starbucks treat for your child doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By focusing on low-caffeine or caffeine-free options, and considering convenient pre-bottled choices like the Pink Drink or Refreshers, you can ensure a happy and delicious experience for everyone. Enjoy your next Starbucks run with these best Starbucks drinks for kids in mind!