Does Starbucks Have a Non-Dairy Creamer? Your Complete Guide

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Since Starbucks dropped the surcharge for non-dairy milk alternatives in 2024, many people have explored dairy-free coffee options more freely. For those wanting to replicate the coffeehouse experience at home, the question often arises: "Does Starbucks have a non-dairy creamer?" The answer is yes, though your options depend on whether you are at home or visiting a cafe.

Quick Summary

Starbucks provides non-dairy options for home use through their grocery store creamers and also offers plant-based milk alternatives for custom drinks ordered in-store.

Key Points

At-Home vs. In-Store: Starbucks' non-dairy creamers are bottled and sold at grocery stores, while in-cafe customers can choose from several non-dairy milk alternatives.
Grocery Store Flavors: At-home creamers come in popular latte-inspired flavors like Caramel Macchiato and Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.
Cafe Milk Options: In-store non-dairy alternatives include oat, almond, soy, and coconut milk.
Check for Hidden Dairy: Some sauces (like caramel drizzle) and toppings (like whipped cream) contain dairy, so careful ordering is necessary for fully dairy-free drinks.
Surcharge Removed: The extra charge for non-dairy milk alternatives has been eliminated in company-operated cafes since late 2024.
Cold Foam: Non-dairy cold foam is an option, but you must specifically request it to avoid the dairy-based version.

Starbucks' At-Home Non-Dairy Creamers

For coffee lovers who enjoy preparing their favorite drinks in the comfort of their own kitchen, Starbucks offers a line of branded non-dairy creamers. These products are not typically sold inside Starbucks cafes but can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and major retailers nationwide. Inspired by popular Starbucks beverages, these liquid creamers provide a convenient way to add flavor and creaminess to your morning brew.

A Variety of Non-Dairy Flavors

Starbucks releases different non-dairy creamer flavors throughout the year, some seasonal and some permanent. Most of these are based on a smooth, delicious blend of almond milk and oat milk, which provides a rich texture without the dairy. Popular examples include:

Caramel Macchiato Inspired Non-Dairy Creamer: A rich, buttery caramel and vanilla flavor blend.
Hazelnut Latte Inspired Non-Dairy Creamer: A nutty and smooth option inspired by a classic latte.
Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Inspired Non-Dairy Creamer: Features notes of sweet brown sugar and cinnamon.
Sugar Cookie Latte Inspired Non-Dairy Creamer: A festive blend with hints of buttery sugar cookie flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Inspired Non-Dairy Creamer: A seasonal favorite offering the taste of fall.

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives for In-Store Orders

When visiting a Starbucks cafe, you won't find the bottled retail creamers, but you have several excellent non-dairy milk options to choose from. These can be added to brewed coffee, espresso, or used as the base for lattes, flat whites, and other drinks. The options include:

Oat Milk: Known for its smooth, slightly sweet, and naturally creamy texture. It steams beautifully, making it a popular choice for lattes and cappuccinos.
Almond Milk: Offers a nutty, lighter flavor profile. It's a great choice for iced coffee, cold brew, or those who prefer a less rich texture.
Soy Milk: A reliable, classic dairy alternative with a delicate taste.
Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical, subtle coconut flavor, which pairs well with refreshers, iced drinks, and certain teas.

Important Customization Cautions

While the milk alternatives at Starbucks are dairy-free, customers must be mindful of other ingredients when placing a custom order. Certain sauces and toppings are not vegan or dairy-free, so it's crucial to specify your request carefully.

Sauces: Always specify with your barista to ensure the sauce you want is dairy-free. Dairy-containing sauces include the regular caramel drizzle (separate from the syrup) and the white chocolate mocha sauce. Dairy-free syrups, like vanilla, cinnamon dolce, and hazelnut, are safer options.
Cold Foams: Starbucks now offers non-dairy cold foams, but it's important to specifically request a "non-dairy" version to ensure it is made with oat, almond, or coconut milk and not the standard sweet cream.
Whipped Cream: Always remember to ask for your drink without whipped cream, as it contains dairy.

Comparison: At-Home vs. In-Store Non-Dairy Options

To summarize the key differences between the two types of offerings, consider the following table:


Feature	At-Home Non-Dairy Creamers (Grocery Stores)	In-Store Milk Alternatives (Cafe)
Product Type	Bottled liquid coffee creamers	Bulk milk dispensed by baristas
Availability	Retail grocery stores, supermarkets, etc.	All company-owned Starbucks cafes
Flavors	Variety of themed, pre-flavored creamers (e.g., Caramel Macchiato, Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso)	Flavored syrups can be added to unflavored milk alternatives
Base	Typically a blend of almond milk and oat milk	Oat, Almond, Soy, and Coconut milk offered separately
Price	Purchased as a full bottle; cost varies by retailer	Extra charge was removed in 2024
Customization	Limited to the specific flavor in the bottle; can mix with coffee	High customization possible with different milks and syrups

Conclusion

In short, does Starbucks have a non-dairy creamer? Yes, in two distinct ways. For those seeking the convenience of a flavored, pre-made creamer to use with their at-home coffee, Starbucks offers a solid range of non-dairy bottled creamers at most grocery stores. For customers visiting a physical cafe, the dairy-free creamer comes in the form of customizable plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat, almond, soy, and coconut milk, which can be added to any drink. By understanding the options available for both at-home and in-store settings and being mindful of other dairy-containing ingredients, you can enjoy a perfect, dairy-free Starbucks-inspired coffee anytime you choose.

For more information on dairy-free options at Starbucks, you can refer to comprehensive guides like the one at Go Dairy Free.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find Starbucks bottled non-dairy creamers in the dairy or refrigerated coffee aisle of most major grocery stores and supermarkets, not at Starbucks cafe locations.

Starbucks offers four main non-dairy milk options in its cafes: oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk.

No, as of November 2024, Starbucks has removed the extra charge for non-dairy milk alternatives in company-owned stores. Franchise locations may vary.

Yes, most Starbucks branded at-home non-dairy creamers are vegan, made from ingredients like oat and almond milk. However, always check the label for the most accurate information.

Most drinks can be made dairy-free by swapping the milk. However, certain sauces, like white chocolate mocha and caramel drizzle, contain dairy and cannot be substituted, so it's important to be aware of the ingredients.

Many of Starbucks' flavor syrups, such as vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut, are dairy-free. The regular mocha sauce and strawberry puree are also non-dairy. Avoid the regular caramel and white chocolate mocha sauces.

Yes, you can specifically request a non-dairy cold foam made with plant-based milk alternatives like oat or almond milk. Be clear in your order to ensure you don't receive the standard dairy-based version.