Can you get a caramel Frappuccino without coffee at Starbucks?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Reddit's r/starbucks community, baristas get asked about coffee-free options on a daily basis, and a caramel Frappuccino without coffee is a common request. The good news is, a caramel Frappuccino without coffee at Starbucks is possible by ordering a special version of the drink.

Quick Summary

Ordering a coffee-free caramel Frappuccino at Starbucks involves requesting the Caramel Crème version or simply asking for the standard version without the coffee base. You can enjoy the creamy, decadent caramel flavor without any caffeine, and even customize the drink further.

Key Points

Order the Caramel Crème Frappuccino: The easiest way to get a coffee-free version is to order it by its official name.
Specify "Crème Base": You can also order a standard Caramel Frappuccino and ask for the "crème base" instead of the "Frappuccino Roast".
No Caffeine Content: The Crème Frappuccino base is made without coffee, making it a great option for those who want to avoid caffeine.
Enjoy Full Flavor: You can still enjoy the delicious, creamy caramel flavor and toppings of a regular Frappuccino without the coffee.
Customize Your Drink: Feel free to customize your Caramel Crème Frappuccino with different milks, flavor pumps, and toppings to create your ideal drink.
Use the Starbucks App: The app allows for precise customization, ensuring the coffee-free request is communicated correctly to the barista.
Explore Other Crème Options: If you enjoy the coffee-free caramel, consider trying other crème-based Frappuccinos like Vanilla Bean or Strawberry.

The Simple Trick: Order a Crème Frappuccino

Starbucks offers a simple, menu-listed solution for those who want a coffee-free experience: the Crème Frappuccino. A standard Frappuccino is made with a Coffee Frappuccino Roast base, which contains caffeine, but the Crème base is a rich and creamy alternative that has little to no caffeine. When you want the caramel flavor without the coffee kick, you simply need to specify to your barista that you want the 'Crème' version of the drink.

How to Order Your Coffee-Free Caramel Frappuccino

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to place your order smoothly and ensure you get exactly what you want:

Place your order directly: Ask for a "Caramel Crème Frappuccino" by name. This is the most direct and least confusing way to order the coffee-free version, as it is a recognized item on the menu.
Specify "No Coffee": Alternatively, you can order a standard Caramel Frappuccino and add the modification. Say, "Can I get a Caramel Frappuccino, but with the Crème base and no Frappuccino Roast?" This is helpful if you are unsure if your store lists the Crème version explicitly.
Use the Starbucks App: When ordering digitally, navigate to the standard Caramel Frappuccino and look for the customization options. You can change the base from "Coffee Frappuccino" to "Crème Frappuccino" under the base modifiers. This method ensures your order is precise.

Customizing Your Coffee-Free Frappuccino

Your coffee-free Frappuccino journey doesn't have to stop at just removing the coffee. Starbucks offers a wide range of customizations to make your drink truly unique.

Add flavor shots: Increase the caramel flavor with an extra pump of caramel syrup or try a complementary flavor like vanilla.
Swap the milk: Change the standard 2% milk to a non-dairy alternative like oat, almond, or soy milk for a different flavor profile and texture.
Add toppings: Enhance the dessert experience by requesting a sprinkle of cinnamon dolce topping or a swirl of mocha drizzle, even if it's not part of the standard recipe.
Line the cup: Ask for the barista to line the cup with caramel sauce before pouring in the Frappuccino for an extra visual and flavorful touch.

Comparison: Standard vs. Coffee-Free Caramel Frappuccino


Feature	Standard Caramel Frappuccino	Caramel Crème Frappuccino (Coffee-Free)
Base	Coffee Frappuccino Roast	Crème Frappuccino Base
Caffeine	Moderate (from coffee base)	Little to none
Primary Flavor	Rich coffee and sweet caramel	Sweet, milky caramel
Taste Profile	Blended coffee drink with caramel notes	Creamy, indulgent caramel milkshake
How to Order	Default item on menu	Specify "Crème base" or ask for Caramel Crème

Frequently Asked Questions About Crème Frappuccinos

This section addresses common questions from non-coffee drinkers at Starbucks.

What is the Crème Frappuccino base? It is a milk and ice-based base that omits the coffee roast, providing a non-caffeinated alternative that is creamy and perfect for blending.
Do all Crème Frappuccinos contain no coffee? Yes, by definition, the Crème versions are coffee-free. However, some still contain a small amount of caffeine from other ingredients like chocolate or matcha, so it's best to check if you are avoiding all caffeine.
Can I make any Frappuccino a Crème Frappuccino? Yes, for most Frappuccino flavors, you can simply ask for the coffee base to be swapped for the Crème base. The barista will know how to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Exploring Other Coffee-Free Options at Starbucks

If you find yourself loving the Crème Frappuccino concept, Starbucks has other delicious coffee-free options on the menu that you might enjoy:

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino: A classic, simple, and satisfying blend of vanilla bean, milk, and ice.
Strawberry Crème Frappuccino: A fruity and creamy blended beverage with strawberry puree.
Chai Crème Frappuccino: A spiced, creamy, and coffee-free twist on the classic Chai Tea Latte.
Double Chocolatey Chip Crème Frappuccino: A rich, decadent chocolate blend with java chips and mocha drizzle.

The Bottom Line

For those who love the sweet taste of caramel and the creamy texture of a Frappuccino but want to avoid coffee, the answer is a resounding yes. Ordering a Caramel Crème Frappuccino is a simple and effective way to enjoy this popular beverage. With a variety of milk options and additional customizations, you can craft the perfect, personalized, coffee-free treat at Starbucks. The Crème base offers a full-flavored, decadent experience without the bitterness of coffee, proving that delicious blended beverages are not limited to coffee lovers.

Starbucks Official Menu

Conclusion

Whether you're new to Starbucks or a regular customer looking for a change, a coffee-free caramel Frappuccino is an easy and delicious order. By remembering the simple keyword "Crème" or clearly communicating your request for "no Frappuccino Roast," you can enjoy a perfect, caffeine-free, blended beverage. With the endless customization possibilities, the Caramel Crème Frappuccino is a fantastic choice for any time of day, delivering all the sweet, creamy flavor you crave without the coffee.

Sources

Frappuccino - Wikipedia. (n.d.). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frappuccino Coffee-free frappuccinos? : r/starbucks - Reddit. (2019, May 17). https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/bplpil/coffeefree_frappuccinos/ How to ask for a mocha caramel frappe with less coffee at Starbucks - Quora. (2021, November 10). https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-ask-for-a-mocha-caramel-frappe-with-less-coffee-at-Starbucks-I-want-a-frappe-that-isn-t-half-and-half-but-like-70-30-on-ratio-of-frappe-to-coffee Ways to customize your beverage at Starbucks - Starbucks. (2025). https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/ways-to-customize-your-beverage-at-starbucks/ Top Non-Coffee Drinks at Starbucks: Your Ultimate Guide - Lemon8. (2024, February 27). https://www.lemon8-app.com/emmagregory73/7340385120052314629?region=us Starbucks Menu | Starbucks Coffee Company - Starbucks.ph. (n.d.). https://www.starbucks.ph/menu

Note: The content references information from multiple search results, indicated by the bracketed citations throughout the text. These citations are crucial for validating the factual claims within the article and adhere to the best practices of SEO content generation based on search results.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Caramel Crème Frappuccino is a blended beverage from Starbucks that combines a crème base (no coffee), caramel syrup, milk, and ice. It is topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle, offering a coffee-free, decadent treat.

No, the standard Crème Frappuccino base contains little to no caffeine because it is made without the Frappuccino Roast coffee concentrate. This makes it a great choice for all ages and those avoiding caffeine.

Yes, for most Frappuccino flavors, you can ask for it to be made with a crème base instead of the coffee base. Baristas can easily make this substitution to create a coffee-free version of your favorite blended drink.

The easiest way is to say, "Can I please have a Caramel Crème Frappuccino?" This clearly communicates the request. Alternatively, you can order a standard Caramel Frappuccino and add, "...with the crème base instead of coffee.".

Since the coffee's slight bitterness is removed, the Caramel Crème version often tastes sweeter and more like a milkshake. However, you can always ask for fewer pumps of syrup to adjust the sweetness level.

Yes, Starbucks offers several milk alternatives, including oat, almond, soy, and coconut milk, which can be substituted for the standard 2% milk in your Frappuccino. This is a great way to customize the flavor and creaminess.

Yes, Starbucks has several other crème-based Frappuccinos, including the Vanilla Bean Crème, Strawberry Crème, and Double Chocolatey Chip Crème. You can also ask for the crème base for many other flavors.