Can Starbucks do a sugar-free pink drink? A custom order guide

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard Starbucks Pink Drink contains 25 grams of sugar in a grande size, which is not sugar-free. However, you can order a custom, low-carb alternative that mimics the famous Pink Drink flavor by making a few simple substitutions at the counter or through the app.

Quick Summary

The original Starbucks Pink Drink uses a pre-sweetened strawberry acai base, making a truly sugar-free version impossible. Baristas can craft a keto-friendly alternative with Passion Tango Iced Tea, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and a dairy-free milk substitute. The flavor will be different from the original, with a more tart profile.

Key Points

No True Sugar-Free Pink Drink: Starbucks does not offer a sugar-free version of the original Pink Drink because the Strawberry Acai base is pre-sweetened.
Order the 'Keto Pink Drink': The sugar-free alternative is a custom order, often called the 'Keto Pink Drink,' which uses a different base.
Substitute the Base: Instead of the Strawberry Acai base, you must order an Unsweetened Passion Tango Iced Tea with no water.
Add Cream and Sweetness: Specify a splash of heavy cream or non-dairy milk and 4 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Expect a Flavor Difference: The custom version will taste different—more tart and hibiscus-forward—than the sweet, fruity original.
Customization is Key: You can adjust the sweetness level and milk choice, and add freeze-dried strawberries for an authentic look.

The Challenge: Why a 'True' Sugar-Free Pink Drink Isn't Possible

The reason you cannot simply order a standard Pink Drink without sugar is because the Strawberry Acai Refresher base is pre-sweetened with white grape juice concentrate and other sugars. This juice is the fundamental component of the drink, and Starbucks does not have a sugar-free version of it. Any modification must involve replacing this core ingredient entirely, leading to a custom, off-menu concoction.

The Secret: How to Order a Keto-Friendly Pink Drink

To successfully order a sugar-free or low-sugar Pink Drink, you need to provide your barista with a very specific, custom request. This is often referred to as the "Keto Pink Drink" on secret menus and online groups. The following is the standard method for a Venti size:

Start with the base: Order a Venti Passion Tango Iced Tea. Be sure to specify "no water" and "unsweetened". The Passion Tango tea provides the vibrant pink color and a slightly tart, hibiscus flavor profile that serves as a good base.
Add the creamy element: Request a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or almond milk. Heavy cream creates a richer, more luxurious texture, while coconut milk is a common dairy-free alternative used in the original Pink Drink.
Bring the sweetness: Ask for 4 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. Adjust the number of pumps to your personal preference for sweetness. Starbucks only offers one sugar-free syrup flavor, so this is your best option.
Top it off: Add freeze-dried strawberries to achieve the authentic look and a hint of fruity flavor.

Customization and Flavor Options

For those who want to further fine-tune their sugar-free creation, here are some additional tips:

Adjust Sweetness: Start with fewer pumps of sugar-free vanilla and add more if needed. You can also ask for a packet of stevia or monk fruit sweetener on the side.
Different Creamer: Instead of heavy cream, some prefer using a higher quantity of coconut milk for a lighter texture. Ask for "extra coconut milk" rather than just a splash.
Extra Flavor: While no sugar-free fruit syrups are available, some online recipes suggest adding a few shakes of dried strawberry powder from the topping.

Taste Comparison: Original Pink Drink vs. Sugar-Free Version

It's important to set expectations for the flavor. The original Pink Drink's primary taste comes from the sweetened white grape and acai juice, while the custom sugar-free version relies on the tartness of the Passion Tango tea and the artificial sweetener.


Feature	Original Pink Drink	Custom Sugar-Free Version
Flavor Profile	Sweet, fruity, and tropical with prominent strawberry and acai notes	Tart, hibiscus-forward with vanilla creaminess
Sweetness Source	White grape juice concentrate and sugar	Sugar-free vanilla syrup, artificial sweeteners
Base Ingredient	Strawberry Acai Refresher Base (pre-sweetened)	Unsweetened Passion Tango Iced Tea
Color Source	Fruit and vegetable juice coloring in the Refresher base	Passion Tango Tea and potential added berries
Texture	Lighter and juicier, with a tropical feel	Creamier and heavier, depending on the milk choice

Nutritional Information

The custom sugar-free version dramatically lowers the sugar and carbohydrate count, making it a popular choice for those on keto or low-carb diets. A Grande Pink Drink has 25g of sugar and 28g of carbs, whereas the custom alternative has virtually no sugar from the liquid ingredients. The only sugar comes from the optional freeze-dried strawberries.

Conclusion: Is the Custom Order Right for You?

While Starbucks cannot provide a truly sugar-free version of their standard Pink Drink due to the pre-sweetened base, you can get very close with a little creativity. The custom, low-carb version offers a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet beverage that satisfies the craving for the classic without the sugar load. It is a fantastic option for those who enjoy the flavor profile and are mindful of their sugar intake. The key is knowing what to ask for, and being aware that the taste will differ slightly from the original due to the ingredient substitutions.

Ultimately, if you are seeking a sugar-free alternative, this secret menu item is your best bet. Just be sure to articulate your custom order clearly to your barista to get the perfect drink every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Strawberry Acai Refresher base used in the original Pink Drink comes pre-sweetened, so it cannot be made sugar-free.

Order an unsweetened Passion Tango Iced Tea with no water, a splash of your preferred milk (heavy cream or coconut), and 4 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.

No, the taste is noticeably different. The custom version is tarter and more tea-forward, lacking the specific fruity flavor of the pre-sweetened Strawberry Acai base.

Yes, when made with the recommended custom order (unsweetened Passion Tango Tea, heavy cream/coconut milk, and sugar-free vanilla syrup), it is very low in carbs and sugar, making it suitable for a keto diet.

Yes, you can substitute almond milk for either heavy cream or coconut milk. Simply ask the barista to use almond milk for your custom drink.

The custom order is significantly lower in calories than the original. The exact count depends on the type and amount of milk used, but it's typically under 100 calories.

The custom version, made with caffeine-free Passion Tango Iced Tea, contains no caffeine. The original does contain some caffeine from the green coffee flavor.