Does the pink drink at Starbucks have sugar in it?

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

According to Starbucks' official nutrition information, a grande Pink Drink contains 25 grams of sugar. The seemingly refreshing beverage, which blends Strawberry Acai Base with creamy coconut milk, is not as sugar-free as many might assume and contains both naturally occurring sugars from the fruit juices and added sugar from cane sugar.

Quick Summary

The Starbucks Pink Drink is not sugar-free; a grande size contains 25 grams of sugar from the Strawberry Acai Base and coconut milk. Learn the full nutritional breakdown and how to reduce the sugar content with simple customization options.

Key Points

Significant Sugar Content: A grande Pink Drink contains 25 grams of sugar from its Strawberry Acai Base and sweetened coconut milk.
Primary Sugar Source: The main sugar is found in the Strawberry Acai Base, which uses sugar and white grape juice concentrate as sweeteners.
Daily Limit Impact: A single grande Pink Drink can use up most or all of a person's recommended daily added sugar intake.
Customization is Key: To reduce sugar, ask for fewer pumps of the base, opt for an unsweetened milk alternative, or use sugar-free syrups.
Not Sugar-Free: The drink is sweetened with both cane sugar and fruit juice concentrate, meaning there is no sugar-free version of the standard recipe.

Unpacking the Sugar Content of the Starbucks Pink Drink

For many, the Pink Drink is a go-to treat, visually appealing and refreshingly fruity. However, a common question arises: does the pink drink at Starbucks have sugar in it? The short answer is yes, and a significant amount. A closer look at the ingredients and nutrition facts reveals the sources of this sweetness and provides insight for those looking to manage their sugar intake.

The Breakdown of a Grande Pink Drink

A grande (16 oz) Pink Drink contains 140 calories, 2.5g of total fat, and most notably, 25g of sugar. This sugar content is significant when considering daily recommended limits; the American Heart Association suggests most adult women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day and men no more than 36 grams.

Where Does the Sugar Come From?

The sweetness originates from two main components: the Strawberry Acai Base and the coconut milk. The base includes sugar and white grape juice concentrate. Starbucks' coconut milk also contributes cane sugar to the total.

How to Reduce Sugar in Your Pink Drink

To lower the sugar, consider these customization options:

Request fewer pumps of the Strawberry Acai Base.
Substitute the milk with a lower-sugar alternative (checking nutritional info is recommended).
Choose a different drink entirely, like unsweetened iced tea, which has zero grams of sugar before additions.

Pink Drink vs. Strawberry Acai Refresher

The Pink Drink is a variation of the Strawberry Acai Refresher, using coconut milk instead of water.


Feature	Pink Drink (Grande)	Strawberry Acai Refresher (Grande)
Main Ingredients	Strawberry Acai Base, Coconut Milk	Strawberry Acai Base, Water
Sugar Content	25 g	20 g
Calories	140	90
Creaminess	Creamy due to coconut milk	Watery and light
Customization	Can reduce pumps of base, swap milk	Can reduce pumps of base or add zero-calorie sweetener

The Refresher has slightly less sugar because it uses water instead of sweetened coconut milk, but the base remains a notable sugar source.

Making a Lower-Sugar Pink Drink at Home

Creating a homemade version offers full control over sugar. Recipes often use unsweetened alternatives to replicate the flavor. This involves replacing the sugary Starbucks base and coconut milk with healthier options.

Potential ingredients for a lower-sugar homemade Pink Drink:

Unsweetened coconut milk
White grape juice (or sugar-free concentrate)
Freeze-dried strawberries
Açaí powder
Green coffee bean extract (optional)

The Verdict: A Sweet Treat, Not a Health Drink

While popular, the Pink Drink's sugar content means it's best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage. Understanding the nutrition facts is key. Customizing at Starbucks or making it at home allows for lower-sugar alternatives.

Starbucks nutrition information

Frequently Asked Questions

A grande (16 oz) Pink Drink from Starbucks contains 25 grams of sugar.

The primary sources of sugar in the Pink Drink are the Strawberry Acai Base, which contains sugar and white grape juice concentrate, and the coconut milk, which also contains cane sugar.

Yes, you can customize your order to reduce the sugar. Request fewer pumps of the Strawberry Acai Base, or swap the coconut milk for an unsweetened alternative.

While the Pink Drink is not the unhealthiest item on the menu, its high sugar content means it is not a health drink. The USDA recommends limiting added sugars, and a single grande contains half the recommended daily intake for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Yes, the Strawberry Acai Refresher is also high in sugar, as it uses the same base as the Pink Drink. A grande Strawberry Acai Refresher contains 20 grams of sugar.

For a genuinely low-sugar drink, consider an unsweetened iced tea, black coffee, or an Americano. You can add a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia or a splash of unsweetened milk.

Starbucks does not offer a pre-made, sugar-free version of the Pink Drink. The sugar is built into the Strawberry Acai Base, so a completely sugar-free drink with the same flavor profile is not available.