Yes, Does Starbucks Have Decaf Cappuccino? How to Order Your Favorite

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

A Starbucks decaf cappuccino is a traditional espresso drink that can be ordered in Tall, Grande, or Venti sizes, with a caffeine content of 15–30 mg per serving, depending on the size. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy the classic taste of a cappuccino but want to limit their caffeine intake, and yes, Starbucks does indeed have decaf cappuccino.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers decaf cappuccinos, made with decaffeinated espresso shots, steamed milk, and milk foam. The article details the simple process of ordering this drink and outlines other customizable decaf options on the menu.

Key Points

Decaf Cappuccino is Available: You can order a decaf cappuccino at Starbucks by requesting decaf espresso shots.
Easy Customization: The decaf cappuccino is fully customizable with various milk options, including almond, oat, and whole milk.
Order In-Person or Via App: The simplest way to order is by telling your barista directly, or by customizing an espresso drink via the mobile app.
Based on Decaf Espresso Roast: Your decaf cappuccino is made with Starbucks' specific decaf espresso blend, which has notes of molasses and caramelized sugar.
Many Other Decaf Drinks: All espresso-based drinks, like lattes and americanos, can also be made with decaf shots.
Certain Drinks Not Decaf: Note that pre-brewed items like Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, and Refreshers cannot be made decaf.

Your Guide to Ordering a Decaf Cappuccino at Starbucks

For many coffee lovers, the rich flavor and frothy texture of a cappuccino are a daily pleasure. But what happens when you want to enjoy that experience without the high caffeine content? Fortunately, Starbucks has made it easy to get a delicious decaf cappuccino. The key lies in its availability of decaf espresso, which is the foundation for all espresso-based beverages. By simply requesting that your barista uses decaf shots, you can turn any classic cappuccino into a caffeine-conscious creation.

How to Order Your Decaf Cappuccino In-Store

The process for ordering a decaf cappuccino is straightforward. When you approach the counter, state your order clearly, specifying the decaf option. For example, you can say, “I’d like a Grande decaf cappuccino, please.” The barista will know to use the Decaf Espresso Roast to prepare your drink. You can also customize your beverage with different milk options, such as whole, almond, oat, or coconut milk, to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Many baristas recommend the oat or almond milk for an extra creamy texture.

Ordering a Decaf Cappuccino on the Starbucks App

Ordering through the mobile app is also a convenient way to get your decaf cappuccino, though the option can sometimes be less obvious depending on the specific drink. For most espresso-based drinks, like the classic cappuccino, you can follow these steps:

Select the Cappuccino from the espresso menu.
Tap the Customize button.
Navigate to the Espresso & Shot Options section.
Change the standard espresso shot to Decaf.

For some seasonal or specialty drinks that are made with a specific roast (like Blonde Espresso), the app may not show the decaf option. In these cases, it is best to order in person and simply ask for decaf shots.

What Makes Starbucks’ Decaf Espresso Special?

Starbucks' decaf espresso is made from the signature Decaf Espresso Roast, a multi-region blend with notes of rich molasses and caramelly sweetness. This decaffeinated blend still provides a bold, flavorful base for any drink without the jittery effects of full-strength caffeine. The decaffeination process removes 97% or more of the caffeine, leaving only trace amounts, so you can enjoy your coffee with almost no caffeine.

Other Decaf Espresso-Based Drinks at Starbucks

Since Starbucks uses decaf espresso for all its espresso-based beverages, you can get a wide variety of drinks with decaf shots. This opens up a world of possibilities beyond just the cappuccino.

Decaf Latte: A simple and creamy classic with decaf espresso and steamed milk.
Decaf Americano: Decaf espresso shots topped with hot water for a smooth and low-calorie coffee experience.
Decaf Caramel Macchiato: The popular macchiato, but with decaf espresso shots, vanilla syrup, milk, and a caramel drizzle.
Decaf Mocha: Rich chocolate syrup and decaf espresso combined with steamed milk and whipped cream.
Decaf Flat White: A smoother, more velvety version of a latte made with ristretto shots of decaf espresso.
Decaf Espresso: Order just the decaf espresso shots on their own for a quick caffeine-free pick-me-up.
Decaf Frappuccino: Customize a coffee Frappuccino by requesting decaf espresso shots be added instead of the standard Frappuccino Roast. Note that this can affect the consistency slightly.

What Drinks Cannot Be Made Decaf?

While most espresso-based drinks are fair game, some popular options cannot be made decaf. This is because their bases are pre-mixed and already contain caffeine. These include:

Cold Brew: The cold brewing process involves steeping grounds for hours, and Starbucks only prepares it with caffeinated beans.
Iced Coffee: Similar to cold brew, Starbucks does not offer a pre-brewed decaf iced coffee.
Refreshers: The base for these drinks, like the Pink Drink and Dragon Drink, contains green coffee extract, which is caffeinated.
Chai Tea Lattes: The chai tea concentrate is caffeinated and cannot be substituted for a decaf version.
Matcha: The powdered matcha tea is naturally caffeinated.

Decaf vs. Regular Cappuccino: A Comparison


Feature	Decaf Cappuccino	Regular Cappuccino
Espresso Type	Decaf Espresso Roast	Signature Espresso Roast
Caffeine Content	15–30 mg per serving (size-dependent)	Approximately 75 mg per shot
Flavor Profile	Notes of rich molasses and caramelized sugar	Rich and caramelly
Availability	Available via customization at most locations	Standard offering on the menu
Customization	Full customization for milk, syrups, and sizes	Full customization for milk, syrups, and sizes
Best For...	Afternoon treat, evening drink, caffeine sensitivity	Morning jolt, energy boost

Conclusion

Starbucks customers can rest assured that a decaf cappuccino is not only an option but is easily accessible by simply requesting decaf espresso shots. The wide availability of decaf espresso allows for countless customization options, meaning you don't have to sacrifice flavor when you choose to cut down on caffeine. Whether you're ordering in-store or using the app, getting your favorite cappuccino decaffeinated is a straightforward process. The only drinks to be cautious of are those with pre-mixed caffeinated bases, such as cold brew and refreshers. For a full overview of their at-home products and ethical sourcing, you can visit the official Starbucks website for more information.

This article is for informational purposes. For the most accurate nutritional and availability information, consult your local Starbucks barista.

Frequently Asked Questions

When ordering at the counter or drive-thru, simply state the drink and add 'decaf' to your order. For example, 'Can I get a grande decaf cappuccino?' The barista will substitute the regular espresso with decaf shots.

Yes, for most espresso drinks, you can customize your order in the app. After selecting 'Cappuccino,' tap 'Customize' and then find 'Espresso & Shot Options' to select 'Decaf'.

A decaf cappuccino is made with decaffeinated espresso shots, steamed milk, and a thick layer of foamed milk. You can choose from various milk types.

The caffeine content in a decaf cappuccino is low, ranging from 15–30 mg per serving depending on the size. This is a minimal amount compared to a regular, caffeinated drink.

Starbucks does not typically offer a decaf Blonde Espresso. While the standard decaf option is the Decaf Espresso Roast, it is always best to confirm with a barista at your specific store.

Yes. Drinks with pre-mixed bases, such as Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, Refreshers, Chai Tea Lattes, and Matcha, cannot be made decaf. This is because the caffeine is already integrated into the base product.

You can get a decaf Frappuccino by customizing a coffee Frappuccino to use decaf espresso shots instead of the standard coffee base. Alternatively, you can order a creme Frappuccino, which is naturally caffeine-free.

Yes, but only trace amounts. The decaffeination process removes 97% or more of the caffeine, leaving a negligible amount that is still suitable for those with caffeine sensitivity.