12 Outstanding Starbucks Almond Milk Drinks You Must Try
Starbucks is one of the most popular coffeehouse chains in the world, known for its wide range of coffee and tea beverages, as well as its delicious and innovative drink offerings. In recent years, Starbucks has responded to the growing demand for non-dairy options by introducing Starbucks almond milk drinks.
Almond milk has become an increasingly popular choice for lactose intolerant or vegan people, or those seeking a healthier option than cow’s milk.
To meet this demand, the iconic coffeehouse offers a wide variety of drinks made with almond milk, including lattes, macchiatos, Frappuccinos, and more. These drinks have become a popular choice among customers looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional dairy-based drinks.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top Starbucks almond milk drinks, exploring their taste, popularity, and ingredients.
Let’s get started!
Delicious Starbucks Almond Milk Drinks
Almond milk has become a popular non-dairy option due to its nutty and slightly sweet flavor and its versatility in various drinks. Starbucks has capitalized on this trend by offering a variety of almond milk drinks to cater to their non-dairy customers.
Here are some Starbucks almond milk drinks you should try. We have selected something for everyone, including hot and cold coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and more!
1. Starbucks Blond Vanilla Almond Milk Latte
This is a classic latte made with steamed almond milk instead of dairy milk. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the espresso. It contains espresso shots, steamed almond milk, and vanilla coffee syrup.
Make sure to tell your barista to swap the regular milk with "almondmilk". Don’t be afraid to add flavors or make it stronger/weaker - almond milk lattes are quite versatile drinks.
You could swap the vanilla syrup with hazelnut syrup for a delicious hazelnut latte! Or, why not try cinnamon dolce syrup?
You can pick the strength of your almond milk latte by adding one shot, two shots, or even three espresso shots if you’re daring.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 250 calories and 35 g of sugar. Reduce the number of vanilla syrup pumps for a healthier version of the drink.
Wondering which almond milk Starbucks uses? That's a good question, check our Starbucks Almond Milk Post to find out!
2. Almond Milk Caramel Macchiato
A caramel macchiato made with almond milk instead of dairy milk is a popular alternative for those who prefer non-dairy options.
It has a sweet and nutty taste and is topped with caramel sauce. It contains espresso shots, steamed almond milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel drizzle.
If you love a macchiato, then you’ll like one made from almond milk. The plant-based milk gives a slightly different flavor twist to a classic. Some people say they can’t taste the difference between cow's milk versus almond milk but I’m sure some of you can pick up the nutty undertones even with the caramel goodness of this beverage.
You can also opt to go with the cinnamon almond milk macchiato.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 250 calories and 33 g of sugar. Reduce the number of vanilla syrup pumps for a healthier version of the drink.
3. Almond Milk Caffè Mocha
Ask your barista to swap the cow’s milk with almond milk when ordering this classic Caffè Mocha. The nutty taste of almond milk combined with the rich chocolate flavor is heaven in your mouth.
This drink contains espresso shots, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and whipped cream. This Starbucks beverage is a classic chocolate charmer that could be a dessert!
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 370 calories and 35 g of sugar. Reduce the number of mocha sauce pumps and omit the whipped cream for a healthier version.
Related Read: Learn the differences between mocha and cappuccino.
4. Iced Starbucks Blond Vanilla Almond Milk Latte
This is the iced version of our number 1 pick.
An iced latte with almond milk is a refreshing drink for the summer months. It has a nutty and slightly sweet taste that goes well with the espresso.
It contains espresso shots (whatever number you want), iced almond milk, and vanilla syrup pumps. The drink is wonderfully refreshing on a sweltering day.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 190 calories and 28 g of sugar. Reduce the number of vanilla syrup pumps and omit the whipped cream for a healthier version of the drink.
5. White Hot Chocolate with Almond Milk
If you don’t really like coffee or caffeine and love sweet drinks, then this almond milk white chocolate is perfect for you!
This drink is made with almond milk, white chocolate mocha sauce, milk foam, and whipped cream. Although there is no caffeine in this drink, I would not give it to your little ones unless you want them bouncing off the walls!
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 440 calories and 55 g of sugar. Yikes! Reduce the number of mocha sauce pumps and omit the whipped cream for a healthier version of the drink!
Are you a chocolate fiend? Check our Starbucks chocolate drinks post.
6. Honey Almond Milk Flat White
This twist of a classic flat white is made with steamed almond milk, honey blend pumps, and ristretto shots using Starbucks’ signature espresso roast. It has a smooth and creamy texture with that classic nutty flavor of almonds.
The honey almond milk flat white is one of Starbucks' most popular dairy-free beverages. The velvety texture of the beverage makes it stand out from other almond milk creations.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 170 calories and 24 g of sugar. Reduce the number of honey blend pumps for a healthier version of the drink!
7. Iced Honey Almond Milk Flat White
This is the iced version of the above Honey Almondmilk flat white. It makes for a delicious and refreshing summer drink. It has a creamy and nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness from the honey. It contains ristretto shots, almond milk, honey syrup, and ice.
Sometimes on a muggy day, you need a cold beverage to cool off. The iced honey almond milk beverage is a perfect choice for a hot afternoon after lunch!
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 140 calories and 22 g of sugar. Reduce the number of honey blend pumps for a healthier version of the drink!
8. Almond Milk Matcha Latte
Are you a tea person?
No worries, we have not forgotten about you! We highly recommend this delicious matcha latte made with almond milk! It’s a highly popular choice for those who want a fancy non-dairy option tea drink!
The beverage has a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the earthy umami taste of matcha. It contains matcha powder, steamed almond milk, and milk foam.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 240 calories and 32 g of sugar. Reduce the number of matcha scoops for a healthier version of the drink!
Related Read: Amazing Starbucks Matcha Drinks
9. Iced Almond Milk Matcha Latte
The Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte is a popular choice for tea drinkers looking for a refreshing and vibrant iced beverage.
Made with a base of matcha green tea powder, this drink is blended with your choice of milk, including almond milk. The result is a beautifully frothy and flavorful iced drink with a hint of natural sweetness.
The smooth and creamy texture of almond milk complements the earthy and slightly grassy notes of matcha, creating a harmonious combination.
The Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte is a refreshing drink option for green tea lovers, offering a cool and invigorating drink that is perfect for any time of day.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 140 calories and 20 grams of sugar. Reduce the number of matcha scoops and the liquid cane sugar sweetener for a healthier drink.
10. Cold Brew With Almond Milk
Try a cold brew with almond milk for a refreshing summer drink. The nutty and slightly sweet taste of the almond milk complements the smoothness of the cold brew.
The almond milk drink contains cold brew coffee, which is made in small batches and steeped for 20 hours. The balanced taste undertones are one of the reasons why this drink stands out as one of the top Starbucks almond drinks.
This is also the healthiest Starbucks almond milk drink on this list.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 35 calories and only 3 grams of sugar!
11. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino with Almond Milk
The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino is a decadent and indulgent blended beverage offered by Starbucks. This delightful drink combines the rich flavors of mocha, cookie crumbles, frappuccino chips, and vanilla to create a delicious treat. Customize it with almond milk for a twist of this Starbucks favorite.
The combination of creamy almond milk, velvety mocha, and crunchy cookie pieces provides a satisfying texture and a delightful mix of flavors.
The almond milk in the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino adds a smooth and nutty element to the overall taste profile, enhancing the richness of the chocolate and complementing the cookie crumbles. It provides a dairy-free alternative for those who prefer or require a non-dairy option.
This delicious and refreshing beverage is perfect for chocolate lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 480 calories and 55g of sugar! Make it healthier by reducing the number of frappuccino roast pumps, and mocha sauce pumps. You can add less frappuccino chips and omit the whipped cream.
12. Iced Shaken Espresso with Almond Milk
This rich full-bodied espresso drink is shaken with a touch of almond milk and classic syrup.
The bitterness of this sumptuous icy drink is counteracted with milk and syrup, making it an amazing go-to summer drink. It packs a punch when it comes to caffeine, with 225 mg per Grande 16 oz serving. So it’s perfect for a muggy summer day after lunch to get you through the afternoon.
You can customize this drink by requesting additions such as syrups. We recommend adding mocha sauce for an amazing iced chocolate almond milk shaken espresso!
The Grande version (16 fl oz) contains about 100 calories and 14g of sugar! Make it healthier by reducing the number of classic syrup pumps.
What Makes Almond Milk So Special?
Almond milk is a popular non-dairy milk alternative that has become a common addition to coffee drinks.
There are several reasons why almond milk is considered special in coffee drinks:
- Nutty flavor: The almond milk taste has a distinctive nutty flavor that can add a unique taste to coffee drinks. This flavor can complement the natural bitterness of coffee and create a smooth, creamy taste.
- Low calorie: Almond milk is a low-calorie alternative to dairy milk, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
- Lactose-free: Almond milk is lactose-free, making it a suitable option for people who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy.
- Vegan-friendly: Almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative, making it a popular choice for vegans and those following a plant-based diet.
- Nutrient-rich: Almond milk contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium. Adding almond milk to coffee can help increase nutrient intake while still enjoying a delicious beverage.
Overall, almond milk has a unique flavor, is low in calories, and is a suitable alternative to dairy milk, making it a special addition to coffee drinks.
History of Almond Milk
Almond milk has been consumed as a dairy-free alternative to cow's milk for centuries, particularly in regions where dairy products were not available or were not commonly consumed.
The modern popularity of almond milk as a commercial product can be traced back to the 1990s, when several companies began to produce and market almond milk as a healthful and sustainable alternative to dairy milk.
Starbucks, the American coffeehouse chain, began offering soy milk as a dairy alternative in its stores in 1997.
It wasn't until 2016 that Starbucks started offering almond milk in response to customer demand for more non-dairy milk options. Starbucks' decision to offer almond milk was seen as a strategic move to attract more health-conscious consumers and to tap into the growing demand for plant-based alternatives.
Since then, Starbucks has continued to expand its non-dairy milk options, adding coconut milk in 2015, oat milk in 2020, and, most recently, hazelnut milk in 2022. These offerings have been well-received by customers, many of whom are looking for plant-based options that are healthier and more sustainable than traditional dairy products.
Are Starbucks Almond Milk Drinks Healthy?
Whether or not a Starbucks almond milk drink is healthy depends on a variety of factors, including the specific drink, the ingredients used, and the customer's individual health needs and preferences.
If you have two identical drinks, one prepared with almond milk and the other with whole dairy milk, then the former would be considered healthier. However, if both drinks contain tons of toppings (i.e. tons of calories, sugar, fat, and carbs) - neither would be considered healthy.
Many flavored Starbucks drinks that include almond milk also contain added sugars, which can contribute to excess calorie intake and may not be healthy if consumed in copious quantities.
With that being said, in general, almond milk is lower in calories and fat than dairy milk, making it a good option for those who are trying to reduce their calorie or fat intake. Further, studies have shown that almond milk is a heart-healthy choice (1).
If you are looking for a healthier option at Starbucks, you can consider ordering an almond milk latte or cappuccino with no added sweeteners or ask for fewer pumps of syrup.
Alternatively, you can try a Starbucks drink made with unsweetened almond milk, such as iced coffee or iced tea with almond milk.
It’s important to keep in mind that while almond milk can be a healthy alternative to dairy milk, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Always consider your individual nutritional needs and preferences when choosing Starbucks drinks with almond milk or any other type of milk.
Also, note that some customers may also have specific dietary restrictions or allergies that limit their ability to consume certain Starbucks drinks with almond milk.
Related Reads:
- What Oat Milk Does Starbucks Use?
- 18 of the Best Starbucks Oat Milk Drinks + Secret Menu
- Want Cheap Starbucks Drinks? Here are 17 Great Options!
- How to Make the Iced Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe
- How Much Are Cake Pops at Starbucks?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Starbucks offer almond milk as a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, Starbucks offers almond milk as a non-dairy alternative for most of its beverages.
Is Starbucks almond milk vegan?
Yes, Starbucks almond milk is vegan, as it is made from almonds and does not contain any animal products.
Does Starbucks charge extra for almond milk?
Yes, there is an additional charge for almond milk at Starbucks, as it is considered a premium ingredient. However, UK Starbucks stores no longer charge extra for plant-based milk.
What drinks can I order with almond milk at Starbucks?
Any drink that has milk can be ordered with almond milk. This includes most Starbucks beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, and Frappuccinos.
Is Starbucks almond milk gluten-free?
Yes, it is. However, there is a high chance of cross-contamination since the same steam wands are used to make drinks with dairy milk.
Does Starbucks almond milk contain soy?
No, Starbucks almond milk does not contain soy.
Is Starbucks almond milk organic?
No, Starbucks almond milk is not organic. Many Starbucks stores use the Unsweetened Califia Farms Barista Blend almond milk which is not labeled as organic.
The Bottom Line
Next time you visit the iconic coffee house Starbucks, why not try one of their delicious almond milk beverages?
Yes, the taste of an almond milk coffee beverage is slightly different than those that contain dairy milk, but you’ll probably find the flavor delightful - trust us, almond milk is NOT an udder disappointment.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Do not consume any type of coffee, tea or herbal infusion if you are allergic to it. The information in this article is not intended to treat serious medical conditions. Please seek professional medical advice before using home remedies.