Going to Starbucks isn’t just a treat for adults; kids love the experience too! But when faced with a vast menu of coffee-heavy or super-sugary options, picking the best drinks for kids at Starbucks can feel a bit daunting. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the world of Starbucks, offering not just in-store ideas but also fantastic Starbucks-branded options you can enjoy at home.
We’ve rounded up five top choices, including delicious ready-to-drink beverages, cozy treats, and even clever accessories to make their Starbucks experience (or Starbucks-inspired moment at home) absolutely perfect. Let’s dive in and discover some super kid-friendly sips!
Starbucks Pink Drink, Strawberry Acai with Coconut Milk (14oz Bottles)
Who doesn’t love the vibrant color and refreshing taste of a Pink Drink? This bottled version brings the popular cafe favorite right to your fridge, making it one of the delightful best drinks for kids at Starbucks that you can conveniently enjoy anytime. It’s a fantastic pick for a fruity, creamy treat without the hassle of a coffee run, offering a sweet escape that’s often a hit with the younger crowd for its unique flavor profile and eye-catching hue.
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:
– Deliciously fruity and refreshing flavor
– Creamy texture from coconut milk is appealing
– Visually attractive “pink” color kids often love
– Convenient for grab-and-go at home
Cons:
– Contains some sugar, like most sweetened beverages
– Bottled versions might not have the same “special occasion” feel as an in-store drink for some kids
User Impressions: Parents frequently praise this bottled Pink Drink for being a consistent crowd-pleaser. Kids are reportedly drawn to its fun color and sweet taste, making it a go-to for school lunches or after-school treats. Many appreciate having a café-inspired drink available without the wait.
Starbucks Hot Cocoa, Marshmallow, 7 Ounce
When the weather turns chilly, or you just want to cozy up, nothing beats a classic hot cocoa. This Starbucks Marshmallow Hot Cocoa brings that familiar café warmth and rich chocolatey flavor straight to your home. It’s a timeless treat that instantly makes any moment feel special, and with marshmallows already in the mix, it’s a delightful choice for children who adore a comforting, sweet drink without any caffeine worries. It’s truly one of the best ways to bring the Starbucks experience home for your little ones.
Key Features:
– 7 ounce Tin
– 7 Servings for multiple cozy moments
– Easy Prep, just add hot water or milk
– Great for Special Occasions
– Ethically Sourced Cocoa
Pros:
– Classic, comforting, and kid-friendly flavor
– Easy to prepare at home for a quick treat
– Ethically sourced cocoa adds peace of mind
– Perfect for chilly days or special family moments
Cons:
– Only for hot preparation, not a cold beverage option
– Requires additional ingredients (water or milk)
User Impressions: Customers rave about the rich, authentic chocolate taste of this hot cocoa, often noting that it lives up to the Starbucks name. Parents love how simple it is to whip up a delicious treat, and kids consistently give it two thumbs up for its yummy flavor and marshmallow goodness.
4 Pack Iced Coffee Sleeve, Reusable Neoprene Cup Sleeves
While not a drink itself, this 4-pack of reusable iced coffee sleeves is an absolute game-changer for keeping your kids’ favorite iced Starbucks drinks just right! Whether it’s a cold milk, juice, or a custom low-sugar refresher, these sleeves keep the condensation at bay, prevent spills, and insulate drinks to stay cold longer. It’s a practical accessory that makes enjoying any cold beverage, especially one from Starbucks, much more comfortable and mess-free – a huge win for parents and kids alike!
Key Features:
– Insulated Neoprene Coffee Sleeves to Keep Your Drinks Cool: Made of high-density, durable 4mm thick neoprene
– Prevents Spills, Condensation and Messes: Reduces condensation, keeps hands and desks dry
– Reusable: Durable neoprene reduces paper towel waste and protects hands from extreme temperatures
– Fits Most Cups: Stretches to fit various popular coffee cup sizes, water bottles, and soft drink cans
– Excellent Gift: Great for sharing with family, friends, and kids for parties or daily use
Pros:
– Keeps iced drinks colder for longer, perfect for slow sippers
– Eliminates messy condensation and prevents rings on surfaces
– Protects hands from cold cups
– Reusable and eco-friendly
– Versatile fit for many cup sizes
Cons:
– An accessory, not a drink itself
– May not fit all unique cup shapes perfectly
User Impressions: Users love these sleeves for their effectiveness in preventing condensation and keeping drinks cold. Many highlight how they’ve saved their desks, car cup holders, and hands from wetness. Parents find them particularly useful for active kids who might spill or get their hands cold easily with iced drinks.
Monin – French Vanilla Syrup with Monin BPA Free Pump
Want to bring the magic of a custom Starbucks drink home and make it perfectly kid-friendly? Monin French Vanilla Syrup is your secret weapon! This high-quality syrup, derived from real Madagascar vanilla beans, is not just for coffee; it’s explicitly “GREAT FOR… KIDS’ DRINKS.” Imagine crafting delicious, non-caffeinated vanilla steamers, flavored milks, or adding a touch of sweetness to hot cocoa. It’s a fantastic way to create custom, low-sugar, and perfectly tailored best drinks for kids at Starbucks style right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you features!
Key Features:
– GREAT FOR COFFEES, COCKTAILS, SHAKES, AND KIDS’ DRINKS: Derived from real Madagascar vanilla beans
– TASTING NOTES: Offers bold vanilla bean flavor, especially good for iced and frozen applications
– SPECIFICATIONS: Allergen Free, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Halal, Kosher, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Artificial Ingredients, No Artificial Preservatives, No Artificial Sweeteners, Non-GMO, & Clean Label
– SYRUP TO SUPPORT BEE COLONIES: Monin’s syrup recycling initiative feeds over 374 billion bees
– GREEN PACKAGING & LABELING: BPA free bottles, 100% recyclable boxes with biodegradable water-based ink
Pros:
– Specifically recommended for kids’ drinks
– Allows for easy customization and control over sweetness at home
– Free from allergens, artificial ingredients, and unnecessary additives
– Supports environmental initiatives
– Versatile for many drink types beyond coffee
Cons:
– Requires effort to prepare drinks, not a ready-to-drink option
– The initial cost for a large bottle might be higher than single-serve options
User Impressions: Customers consistently praise Monin syrups for their authentic and high-quality flavors, noting that a little goes a long way. Many appreciate the clean label and allergen-free nature, making it a top choice for families. Parents frequently use it to create healthier, homemade versions of their kids’ favorite café treats.
Starbucks Pink Drink, Strawberry Acai, 12-8 Fl OZ Bottles
Similar to our first pick, but in a more convenient, smaller size, these 8 fl. oz. bottles of Starbucks Pink Drink offer another fantastic option for the best drinks for kids at Starbucks (or at home!). This pack explicitly highlights its “lightly caffeinated” nature, clocking in at less than 5mg of caffeine per serving, making it perfectly suitable for teens and older children looking for a fun, fruity, and refreshing beverage. It’s the ideal size for a quick grab, fitting easily into lunchboxes or backpacks for a sweet pick-me-up.
Key Features:
– Packaged in a convenient 12 – 8 fl. oz. bottles making it easy to stock up for various occasions
– This pack 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:
– Explicitly low caffeine content is reassuring for parents
– Smaller 8oz size is perfect for single servings and smaller hands
– Delicious fruity and creamy flavor profile
– Easy to store and take on the go
Cons:
– Still contains some added sugars
– Not suitable for very young children who should avoid all caffeine
User Impressions: Reviewers love the smaller bottle size for portion control and convenience. The taste is consistently praised as refreshing and a great thirst quencher. Parents particularly appreciate the clear indication of low caffeine, making it a trusted option for their older kids and teens who want a fun, Starbucks-branded treat.
Beyond the Menu: Tips for Customizing Kids’ Starbucks Orders
While these bottled and at-home options are fantastic, don’t forget you can also customize in-store! Here are a few quick tips for making Starbucks a happy place for your little ones:
- Ask for “kids’ temperature”: For hot drinks like hot chocolate or steamers, this ensures it’s safe to drink right away.
- Request less syrup: Most flavored drinks can be made with fewer pumps of syrup to reduce sugar.
- Opt for milk or juice: Simple and always a win!
- Look for caffeine-free options: Milk, steamers, apple juice, water, and some Refreshers (without the green coffee extract) are great choices.
Conclusion
Finding the best drinks for kids at Starbucks doesn’t have to be a guessing game. From the delightful bottled Pink Drinks and cozy hot cocoa to versatile syrups for home creations and practical accessories, there’s a whole world of kid-friendly Starbucks enjoyment waiting. Whether you’re grabbing a ready-to-go treat or crafting a custom creation in your kitchen, these options ensure your little ones can savor the Starbucks magic safely and deliciously. Happy sipping!
FAQ Section
Q1: Are all Starbucks drinks safe for kids?
A: No, many Starbucks drinks contain caffeine, which is not suitable for young children. It’s best to stick to specific kid-friendly options like milk, juice, hot chocolate, or custom non-caffeinated drinks. Always check the ingredients or ask your barista.
Q2: What are some caffeine-free Starbucks options for children in-store?
A: Great caffeine-free choices include milk (plain, chocolate, or flavored), steamed milk (often called a “steamer” or “creme”), apple juice, orange juice, hot chocolate (ask for kid’s temperature), and sometimes custom Lemonade or fruit-based Refreshers without the green coffee extract.
Q3: Can I customize Starbucks drinks for my child to be less sweet?
A: Absolutely! Most Starbucks baristas are happy to customize drinks. You can request fewer pumps of syrup for flavored beverages or ask for unsweetened options. This is a great way to control sugar intake for your child.
Q4: Are there any healthy Starbucks drinks for kids?
A: For truly healthy options, plain milk, water, or 100% juice are your best bets. If you’re looking for a treat, you can make it healthier by asking for skim milk, fewer pumps of syrup, or choosing unsweetened versions of drinks where possible.
Q5: What’s the difference between the in-store Pink Drink and the bottled version?
A: The in-store Pink Drink is made fresh with Strawberry Acai Refresher Base (which contains caffeine), coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries. The bottled versions, like the ones reviewed here, are pre-mixed and often explicitly state low or negligible caffeine content (e.g., less than 5mg per serving), making them a safer choice for kids who enjoy the flavor.
Q6: How can I make Starbucks-style drinks for my kids at home?
A: Making Starbucks-style drinks at home is easy! Use high-quality syrups like Monin French Vanilla to flavor milk or hot chocolate. You can also buy Starbucks-branded hot cocoa mixes or ready-to-drink options like the bottled Pink Drinks to bring the café experience home.
Q7: Do Starbucks offer kids sizes for drinks?
A: Yes, Starbucks typically offers “Short” (8 oz) and “Tall” (12 oz) sizes which are often suitable for kids’ drinks. You can request hot chocolates or steamers in a “Short” size for a perfect kid’s portion.