Does Starbucks Make Dairy Free Cold Foam? Here's What to Know

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 68% of the global population is estimated to have some form of lactose malabsorption, making dairy-free options a growing necessity for coffee lovers. Starbucks has expanded its menu to accommodate this trend, offering multiple ways for customers to enjoy a creamy, foamy drink without dairy.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers non-dairy cold foam options, primarily made with oat and soy milk bases, which are available to order on most beverages. While the standard Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam contains dairy, specific plant-based versions like Nondairy Vanilla Cold Foam and Oat Milk Cold Foam can be requested. Some non-dairy alternatives may have a slightly different texture than their dairy counterparts.

Key Points

Yes, Starbucks offers dairy-free cold foam: Starbucks has officially added nondairy cold foam to its menu, providing a plant-based alternative to the traditional dairy version.
Made from oat and soy milk: The official nondairy cold foam is made from a blended base of oat and soy milks to achieve a creamy, frothed texture.
Vanilla and other flavors are available: Customers can specifically order Nondairy Vanilla Cold Foam or other flavored variations, including options that use the vanilla sweet cream flavoring.
Customization is possible: Baristas can create a cold foam using other plant-based milks like almond or coconut milk, although the texture will vary.
Texture differences exist: Due to the different fat and protein content, dairy-free foams may be slightly less thick and dissipate more quickly than their dairy counterparts.
Order correctly to avoid confusion: To ensure your drink is dairy-free, be specific when ordering, requesting "nondairy" cold foam or mentioning the specific plant-based milk you prefer.
A great option for various diets: The availability of dairy-free cold foam is ideal for those with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or following vegan and plant-based diets.

Yes, Starbucks offers dairy-free cold foam options

For many years, the iconic, frothy cold foam from Starbucks was exclusively a dairy product, made from a blend of heavy cream, 2% milk, and flavored syrups. This left customers with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or a vegan diet without a creamy topping option. However, as of recent menu updates, Starbucks has officially launched and permanently added nondairy cold foams to its offerings, providing a delicious plant-based alternative.

The plant-based options for cold foam

The primary non-dairy base for the company's official cold foams is a blend of oat and soy milk. Baristas are trained to use this plant-based combination to achieve a similar frothy texture to the original dairy version. While standard cold foam is a blend of heavy cream and milk, the non-dairy versions are specifically formulated for frothing without dairy.

Officially available non-dairy cold foam options include:

Nondairy Vanilla Cold Foam: A smooth and silky vanilla-flavored foam.
Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam: Made with the oat and soy milk blend and vanilla sweet cream flavoring.
Custom non-dairy cold foam: You can request a cold foam made with any of Starbucks' standard non-dairy milks, such as almond, coconut, or oat, along with your choice of flavored syrup. This allows for a great deal of customization, though the texture can vary compared to the official blend.

How to order a dairy-free cold foam

Ordering a dairy-free cold foam is straightforward. When placing your order, either through the app or with a barista, simply specify your request. Here's a breakdown of the process:

For a featured drink: Look for menu items that explicitly state “Nondairy Cold Foam” in the description. For example, the Cold Brew with Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam is already designed to be dairy-free.
For a custom order: If you want to add dairy-free cold foam to an existing drink, such as an iced coffee or cold brew, simply state your request. For example, say, “Can I get an iced coffee with nondairy vanilla cold foam?”
For maximum control: To get a specific plant-based milk and flavor combination, specify each component to the barista. A request might sound like, “Can I get a cold foam made with oat milk and cinnamon dolce syrup?” This is a great way to replicate former menu items.

Potential differences in texture and flavor

While Starbucks has made significant strides in creating high-quality dairy-free cold foam, some subtle differences exist between the dairy and non-dairy versions due to the different fat and protein contents in plant-based milks.

Comparison: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Cold Foam


Feature	Standard Dairy Cold Foam	Non-Dairy Cold Foam (Oat/Soy Blend)
Texture	Dense, creamy, and holds its shape well.	Slightly lighter, may be less thick, but still offers a silky, frothy consistency.
Foam Stability	Higher stability due to the proteins in heavy cream and milk.	The foam may dissipate slightly faster than the dairy version, so it's best enjoyed quickly.
Flavor	Rich and decadent, especially the Vanilla Sweet Cream version.	The oat and soy base provides a neutral flavor profile that carries the syrup's taste well. Some find oat milk to have a slightly richer flavor compared to other plant milks.
Customization	Flavor is limited to available dairy-based creams and syrups.	Highly customizable with a variety of plant-based milks and syrups available.

Customization with different plant-based milks

If you prefer to experiment, you can request a cold foam made with a single plant-based milk, such as almond or coconut milk. However, keep in mind that the foaming properties of these milks vary:

Oat Milk: Often produces a thicker, creamier foam that most closely resembles the dairy version.
Almond Milk: Tends to produce a lighter, thinner foam that may dissipate faster.
Coconut Milk: Can create a frothy foam, but the coconut flavor will be more prominent.

Conclusion: Starbucks has you covered for dairy-free cold foam

Starbucks has successfully expanded its menu to provide delicious and reliable dairy-free cold foam options, making it easier than ever for customers with dietary restrictions to enjoy their favorite beverages. With officially designated nondairy options like the Nondairy Vanilla Cold Foam, as well as the ability to customize any foam with plant-based milks like oat or almond, there are plenty of choices. While the texture may differ slightly from the original dairy-based foam, the available alternatives deliver a satisfyingly creamy and flavorful experience. Remember to specify your nondairy request when ordering to ensure you get a truly dairy-free topping. More information on Starbucks' non-dairy menu can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the original Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam is made with a dairy blend of heavy cream, 2% milk, and vanilla syrup. To get a dairy-free version, you must specifically request the Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, which is made with an oat and soy milk base.

Starbucks' standard nondairy cold foam is made from a blended mixture of oat and soy milk to create a rich, creamy texture. Other plant-based milks like almond and coconut can be used upon request, though the final texture may differ.

Yes, you can request a cold foam made with oat milk at Starbucks. Many baristas find that oat milk produces a thicker, creamier foam compared to other plant-based milks, though it may not be as stable as dairy-based foam.

Yes, you can request almond milk cold foam. It will likely produce a lighter, less dense foam than the official oat/soy blend, but is a viable option for those who prefer almond milk.

To order a vegan cold foam drink, be specific with your barista. Start by ordering a drink with a non-dairy milk, such as an iced coffee or cold brew, and then ask for "nondairy vanilla cold foam" or a custom foam made with a specific plant-based milk and syrup.

The dairy-free cold foam may not be as thick or long-lasting as the standard dairy version because plant-based milks have different fat and protein levels. However, Starbucks' blended oat/soy version is specifically formulated to create a satisfying and creamy froth.

Yes, you can customize your dairy-free cold foam with different flavored syrups. Simply request your desired plant-based milk and then specify the syrup flavor, such as mocha or caramel, to be blended in.