Last Updated on January 13, 2025 by Karen
For those who love the taste of coffee but want to skip the caffeine buzz, Starbucks offers a variety of caffeine-free options to suit every preference.
Whether you’re a fan of hot coffee, iced coffee, or something blended, Starbucks ensures that decaf coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite drinks with ease.
Let’s explore the decaf options available, the ordering process, and how to personalize your perfect coffee beverage using the Starbucks app or in-store.
What is decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee, short for decaffeinated coffee, is coffee made from beans that have undergone a process to remove most of their caffeine content. This process typically eliminates about 97-99% of the caffeine, leaving a small residual amount, but significantly reducing its stimulating effects.
The decaffeination process can be done in several ways, such as:
Swiss Water Process: A chemical-free method that uses water and osmosis to gently extract caffeine while preserving the beans’ natural flavors.
Solvent-Based Methods: These use organic solvents, like ethyl acetate or methylene chloride, to dissolve and remove caffeine.
Carbon Dioxide Process: A modern method that uses supercritical carbon dioxide to selectively extract caffeine molecules.
Decaf coffee retains much of the flavor and aroma of regular coffee, but without the high levels of caffeine. It’s an ideal choice for individuals who:
- Are sensitive to caffeine.
- Want a cup of coffee for the taste but want to reduce their caffeine intake for health reasons.
- Prefer coffee drinks in the evening or at night without interfering with sleep.
While decaf coffee contains significantly less caffeine than regular coffee, it is not entirely caffeine-free. An 8-ounce cup of decaf coffee generally contains about 2 to 5 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 80-100 mg of caffeine in a regular cup.
How to order decaf coffee at Starbucks
Ordering at the store
At your local Starbucks, simply tell the barista you’d like your drink order made with decaf. Starbucks allows most espresso-based drinks, like decaf lattes, mochas, and caramel macchiatos, to be customized with decaffeinated espresso shots. You can also ask for a pike place roast, a popular choice for its smooth, medium-roast flavor.
Ordering using the Starbucks Mobile App
The Starbucks app is a convenient way to order and customize your drinks. Browse the menu, select your drink type, and choose from the different Decaf options (full, 1/2, 1/2, 2/3) under “Espresso and Shots Options” when customizing your espresso drinks. You can even locate nearby Starbucks locations for pick-up. Many people use the app to save time and earn Starbucks Rewards, which makes it a great way to enjoy your favorite drink while collecting perks.
What are the different levels of decaf at Starbucks?
Starbucks offers various levels of decaffeination for customers who want to adjust their caffeine intake. These options include full decaf, half decaf (1/2 decaf), and two-thirds decaf (2/3 decaf). Here’s a breakdown of what these options mean:
Full Decaf
- This option uses only decaffeinated coffee beans or decaf espresso shots.
- Ideal for those who want to completely minimize their caffeine intake.
- Popular in drinks like decaf lattes, decaf Americanos, or decaf Pike Place Roast.
Half Decaf (1/2 Decaf)
- A 50/50 mix of regular coffee or espresso and decaffeinated coffee or espresso.
- A great option for those who want to reduce caffeine without eliminating it entirely.
- Commonly ordered in both brewed coffee and espresso-based drinks.
Two-Thirds Decaf (2/3 Decaf)
- This mix contains two parts decaffeinated coffee or espresso and one part regular coffee or espresso.
- Suitable for those looking for a milder caffeine kick than regular coffee but not as low as half decaf.
Other Customization Options
- Decaf Espresso Shots: Any espresso-based drink, like lattes or caramel macchiatos, can be customized with a mix of decaf and regular espresso shots (e.g., 1 regular shot and 1 decaf shot in a double-shot drink).
- Custom Ratios: Starbucks baristas can create customized caffeine levels in your drink by mixing decaf and regular options in any ratio, such as 1/3 decaf or 3/4 decaf.
You can order with decaf options for other drinks the same way, such as for iced coffee drinks.
Can you get decaf cold brew at Starbucks?
No, Starbucks doesn’t offer a decaf cold brew, but you can create a decaf iced drink by ordering an iced Americano with decaf espresso shots. You have the option to select one-third, one-half, or two-thirds decaf espresso shots.
How to order decaf levels at Starbucks
When ordering, simply specify your desired decaf level. For example:
“Can I get a half-decaf latte?”
“I’d like a two-thirds decaf Pike Place Roast, please.”
“Can you make my drink with one decaf shot and one regular shot?”
These decaf options are a great way to enjoy your favorite Starbucks coffee drinks while tailoring the caffeine content to your preference.
What are the decaf options at Starbucks?
Starbucks offers a variety of caffeine-free options to cater to all preferences:
Decaf Pike Place Roast: This classic medium roast is available as both a hot coffee and an iced coffee. Its balanced flavor with hints of cocoa and toasted nuts makes it a great option for any time of day.
Decaf Espresso Drinks: From decaf lattes to decaf mochas, you can customize virtually any espresso-based drink with decaffeinated espresso shots.
Cold Brew and Cold Foam: While Starbucks doesn’t offer true decaf cold brew, you can request cold foam made with decaf espresso for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Starbucks’ Decaf Frappuccinos: Treat yourself to a blended favorite like a decaf caramel frappuccino or a decaf mocha frappuccino, made with a decaf espresso roast or coffee base.
Teas and Hot Chocolate: For those avoiding caffeine entirely, Starbucks offers decaf teas, herbal teas, and rich hot chocolate.
Customizing your decaf coffee
Personalization is key when ordering at Starbucks, and there are plenty of ways to make your decaf coffee uniquely yours:
Drink Size and Shot Options: Choose from Starbucks’ range of sizes—Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), or Venti (20 oz for hot drinks, 24 oz for iced drinks). Add one or more decaf espresso shots to adjust the strength of your drink.
Adding Flavor: Experiment with flavor syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel. Starbucks also offers sugar-free options for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Alternative Milk Options: Select from soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk to match your dietary needs or preferred flavor profile.
Cold Foam Customization: Add a dollop of cold foam to your iced coffee or decaf espresso drink for a creamy, frothy finish.
Exploring other decaf drinks and products
Starbucks has something for everyone, even beyond traditional decaf coffee options:
Iced Drinks: Try a decaf iced americano or customize an iced coffee with decaf espresso roast for a refreshing, caffeine-free pick-me-up.
Holiday and Seasonal Favorites: Enjoy decaf versions of Starbucks’ holiday drinks, like peppermint mochas or chestnut praline lattes.
Decaf for Home Brewing: Purchase decaf coffee beans or grounds, such as pike place roast or a dark roast blend, to brew at home.
Starbucks also offers decaf K-cups for Keurig machines and half-decaf blends for those reducing caffeine without giving it up entirely.
Tips for ordering decaf
Customize Through the Mobile App: Use the Starbucks app to ensure your drink is just right, from decaf options to milk and flavor choices.
Ask About the Secret Menu: Lots of people don’t realize that Starbucks’ secret menu can often accommodate decaf requests.
Try a Variety of Drinks: From espresso-based drinks to teas and hot chocolate, there’s always something new to explore.
With Starbucks’ extensive decaf offerings, you can enjoy the perfect coffee beverage without compromising on flavor or customization. Next time you visit your local Starbucks, don’t hesitate to explore the decaffeinated coffee options available.
Happy sipping!
