What food items are dairy free at Starbucks?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Since November 2024, many Starbucks locations have eliminated the surcharge for non-dairy milk alternatives, making it easier than ever to find what food items are dairy free at Starbucks. This guide helps you navigate the menu to discover your favorite dairy-free meals, snacks, and treats available across their stores.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of dairy-free food options available at Starbucks, covering breakfast choices, protein boxes, bakery items, and packaged snacks. It also offers essential tips for customizing orders and highlights the risk of cross-contamination due to shared equipment.

Key Points

Oatmeal is dairy-free with water: Order Starbucks' oatmeal with water instead of milk and add dairy-free toppings like nuts or dried fruit.
Bagels with avocado spread are safe: Plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin bagels are typically dairy-free and can be paired with the vegan avocado spread.
Check ingredients on protein boxes: The Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box is dairy-free, but be cautious with others like the Chicken & Hummus box due to the naan bread.
Some bakery items are dairy-free: Items like the Banana Walnut & Pecan Loaf, Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf, and Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie are made without dairy.
Select packaged snacks carefully: Many packaged items like plain chips, nuts, and fruit bars are safe, but always check the label for dairy-based ingredients.
Beware of cross-contamination: Starbucks uses shared equipment, so if you have a severe dairy allergy, proceed with caution and inform your barista.

Navigating the Starbucks Menu for Dairy-Free Options

For those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or who simply choose a plant-based diet, ordering food at a coffee shop can be tricky. While many drinks can be customized with non-dairy milk, the food menu requires a bit more navigation. Starbucks offers a variety of food items that are naturally dairy-free or can be ordered without dairy ingredients. It's important to be aware of Starbucks' official allergen disclaimer, which states they cannot guarantee any item is free from allergens due to the use of shared equipment for preparation.

Dairy-Free Breakfast and Oatmeal

Starbucks' oatmeal is a reliable choice for a dairy-free breakfast when prepared with water. When ordering, be sure to specify that you want your oatmeal made with water instead of any milk. You can then add any of the provided dairy-free toppings, such as dried fruit and nuts. The Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Blueberries is another great option, topped with fresh blueberries, almonds, and walnuts.

Another simple, yet satisfying, breakfast option is a bagel. The plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin bagels are typically dairy-free. A perfect accompaniment is the Hass avocado spread, which is also vegan. You should, however, avoid any cream cheese spreads, which contain dairy.

Lunch and Savory Dairy-Free Foods

When it comes to lunch, some of the protein boxes offer excellent dairy-free choices. The Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box is a notable, entirely plant-based option. It includes plant-based chickpea bites, a creamy avocado dip, carrots, and a fruit and nut mix. For meat-eaters, the Chicken & Hummus Protein Box can also be a good choice, but be aware that the naan bread included contains ghee and buttermilk, which may not be suitable for those with severe dairy allergies. The Lentils & Vegetable Protein Bowl with Brown Rice is another hearty and filling dairy-free choice.

Dairy-Free Bakery and Sweet Treats

Starbucks' bakery case, while tempting, requires careful selection. Some loaves and squares are surprisingly dairy-free. For instance, the Banana, Walnut & Pecan Loaf is a tasty treat that avoids dairy ingredients. During the fall season, the Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf is another dairy-free favorite. For chocolate lovers, the Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie is made with soymilk, differentiating it from other brownies that contain dairy. A seasonal option, the Raspberry Walnut and Oat Nut Square, is made with a coconut cream-based shortening instead of butter.

Packaged Snacks

For a quick grab-and-go option, check the packaged snacks. Many are dairy-free, but always read the label to be sure. Common dairy-free options include:

Plain or flavored potato chips
Certain granola bars and fruit bars
Dried fruit and nut mixes
Beef jerky
Some Siete brand chips

Customizing Drinks to Be Dairy-Free

While this article focuses on food, remember that drink customization is key to a fully dairy-free experience. Always request a non-dairy milk alternative (oat, almond, soy, or coconut) and specify no whipped cream. Be mindful of syrups and sauces, as some contain dairy. For example, the caramel sauce and white chocolate mocha sauce contain milk, while the caramel syrup and mocha sauce are dairy-free.

Dairy-Free Food Options at Starbucks: A Quick Comparison


Menu Item	Is it Dairy-Free?	Notes
Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal	Yes	Order with water and dairy-free toppings.
Plain/Everything Bagel	Yes	Pair with avocado spread, not cream cheese.
Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box	Yes	Fully plant-based and dairy-free.
Lentils & Vegetable Protein Bowl	Yes	Vegan and dairy-free.
Banana Walnut & Pecan Loaf	Yes	Made without dairy.
Chicken & Hummus Protein Box	No	The naan bread contains dairy.
Spinach, Feta & Cage-Free Egg White Wrap	No	Contains feta cheese and dairy.
Egg Bites	No	Made with cottage cheese.

Conclusion: Your Dairy-Free Order Awaits

Finding dairy-free options at Starbucks has become more convenient than ever, with a solid selection of food items that cater to various dietary needs. From hearty oatmeal and savory protein boxes to sweet treats and simple bagels, there are plenty of choices beyond just black coffee or a non-dairy latte. It is always wise to double-check ingredients, especially for severe allergies, and communicate clearly with the barista about your dietary restrictions. Enjoy your next dairy-free visit to Starbucks, where a satisfying meal is within reach.

For further information on allergens and nutrition, visit the official Starbucks website. Starbucks Global Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Starbucks oatmeal is dairy-free when prepared with water. It comes standard with water, but you should confirm with the barista to ensure it is not made with any milk. You can then add dairy-free toppings like nuts and dried fruit.

Starbucks offers several non-dairy milk options, including soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk, all of which can be substituted in most beverages.

Yes, the Plain, Everything, and Sprouted Grain bagels at Starbucks are generally considered dairy-free. They are a safe food option, especially when paired with the vegan avocado spread.

Yes, Starbucks clearly states that due to the use of shared equipment for storing, preparing, and serving food and drinks, they cannot guarantee any item is free from allergens. Those with severe dairy allergies should exercise caution.

Yes, many syrups and sauces are dairy-free, including mocha sauce, vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, and brown sugar syrup. However, sauces like the caramel sauce (drizzle) and white chocolate mocha sauce contain dairy and should be avoided.

No, all Starbucks breakfast sandwiches currently contain dairy, whether it is in the cheese, the bread, or the egg mixture. For a dairy-free breakfast, stick to oatmeal or a bagel with avocado spread.

You can order a dairy-free Frappuccino by requesting a non-dairy milk alternative and no whipped cream. However, you must also ensure any added sauces or drizzles are dairy-free, as many are not. For example, the caramel sauce contains dairy.