Yes, You Can Get a Decaf Espresso Shot at Starbucks: A Comprehensive Guide

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

For those seeking to limit their caffeine intake, a key question is whether their favorite coffee shop offers decaffeinated options. Yes, you can get a decaf espresso shot at Starbucks, and it is a standard customization for nearly any espresso-based beverage.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers a decaf espresso option for its handcrafted beverages, allowing customers to customize most drinks. This guide explains how to place a decaf order in-store and on the app, clarifies the differences between regular and decaf espresso, and lists popular customizable drinks.

Key Points

Decaf Availability: Starbucks offers a standard Decaf Espresso Roast and will use it in any espresso-based drink upon request.
Ordering is Simple: Specify "decaf shots" when ordering in-store or select the option in the Starbucks app's customization menu.
Not Caffeine-Free: Decaf espresso still contains a small, trace amount of caffeine, typically less than 3% of the original content.
Decaf Blonde Option: While not always available for mobile ordering, you can ask a barista if they can make your drink with decaf blonde espresso.
Any Espresso Drink: Most lattes, mochas, Americanos, and macchiatos can be made decaf by swapping the shots.
Health Benefits: Choosing decaf can reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and be gentler on the digestive system for those sensitive to caffeine.

Decaf Espresso at Starbucks: What to Expect

Starbucks is well-known for its ability to customize drinks, and this extends to its espresso offerings. The company standardly stocks Decaf Espresso Roast, a dark-roasted blend with notes of rich molasses and caramelized sugar. This means you can enjoy the full, rich flavor of espresso without the full caffeine content. However, it's important to remember that 'decaf' does not mean 'caffeine-free.' The decaffeination process typically removes at least 97% of the caffeine, but a trace amount remains. For most individuals, this minimal amount will not cause a reaction, but it's a detail worth knowing for those with extreme caffeine sensitivity.

Can I Get Decaf Blonde Espresso?

While Starbucks offers a Blonde Espresso Roast, the availability of a decaf blonde option can vary by location and ordering method. As noted on Reddit, the decaf option for shaken espressos in the app may not appear if the default is set to Blonde Espresso, since there isn't a widely available decaf blonde version. If you prefer a lighter, more citrusy profile, it is best to ask the barista in-store whether they have a decaf blonde option. If not, the standard Decaf Espresso Roast is a reliable and delicious alternative.

How to Order Your Decaf Espresso Shot

Ordering a decaf espresso shot is straightforward, whether you're using the app or ordering in person. The key is to be specific with your request.

In-Store: Simply tell the barista you would like decaf shots. The standard format is: "[Size] [Drink Name] with decaf shots." For example, a "Grande Latte with decaf shots." You can also order a plain shot, such as a "Double decaf espresso."
In the App: When customizing an espresso-based drink, tap the 'Customize' button. Look for the 'Espresso & Shot Options' section and select 'Decaf Espresso Roast.' Some drinks, particularly newer or more complex ones, might not have the decaf option listed in the app, but you can always place this type of order in person.

Customizable Drinks with Decaf Espresso

Almost any espresso drink on the Starbucks menu can be made decaf. This flexibility allows you to enjoy your favorite beverages any time of day without affecting your sleep or triggering caffeine sensitivity.

Lattes and Mochas: The most popular espresso drinks, lattes and mochas, are easily made decaf by substituting the standard shots.
Americanos: For a classic coffee flavor without the jitters, an Americano with decaf shots is an excellent choice.
Caramel Macchiatos: Enjoy the layered sweetness of this classic by requesting decaf espresso at the start of your order.
Cappuccinos: The classic, frothy cappuccino is just as good with a decaf espresso base.
Shaken Espressos: Specify decaf shots for a less-caffeinated version of these popular, frothy iced drinks.

Comparison Table: Regular vs. Decaf Espresso


Feature	Regular Espresso Roast	Decaf Espresso Roast
Flavor Profile	Notes of caramelized sugar and rich molasses	Notes of caramelized sugar and rich molasses
Caffeine Content	High; approx. 75 mg per shot	Trace amount; approx. 2–15 mg per shot
Availability	Available at all locations	Available at all locations
Customization	Standard in all espresso drinks	A standard substitution option
Ordering	No special instruction needed	Must specify "decaf"

Benefits of Choosing Decaf

Opting for decaf goes beyond just taste preference. It offers several health and lifestyle advantages, especially for those sensitive to caffeine.

Better Sleep: Choosing decaf in the afternoon or evening prevents caffeine from disrupting your sleep cycle.
Reduced Anxiety: For people prone to anxiety or jitters, decaf can provide the ritual of coffee without the potential for increased heart rate or nervousness.
Gentler on Digestion: Decaf coffee is often lower in acidity than its caffeinated counterpart, making it a better option for those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs.
Heart Health: Some studies suggest that the non-caffeine compounds in coffee have protective effects, and these are present in both decaf and regular versions.
Enjoyment for Everyone: Allows pregnant women or individuals with health conditions limiting caffeine intake to still enjoy coffee's flavor.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer is a clear yes: you can absolutely get a decaf espresso shot at Starbucks. The process is simple, and the flavor remains rich and satisfying thanks to their carefully roasted decaf beans. Whether ordering in-store or on the app, you can customize almost any espresso beverage to be decaffeinated, allowing you to enjoy your favorite drink without the full caffeine load. This flexibility makes Starbucks a great option for any coffee lover, regardless of their caffeine needs. Find more about Starbucks' Decaf Espresso Roast here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can order a coffee-based Frappuccino with decaf espresso shots instead of the standard coffee Frappuccino syrup. Alternatively, you can choose a creme-based Frappuccino, which is already caffeine-free.

No, decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free. The decaffeination process removes most of the caffeine, but a small, residual amount remains. This is typically a very low level, but not zero.

You can request a half-caff drink by asking for half regular shots and half decaf shots. For example, order a "Grande half-caff latte".

No, there is typically no extra charge for swapping regular espresso shots for decaf shots in your beverage at Starbucks. It is considered a standard customization.

Yes, for most espresso drinks, you can customize your order to be decaf in the Starbucks app. Find the "Espresso & Shot Options" under the customize menu.

Yes, decaf espresso is a core menu offering at Starbucks, and the company standardly keeps it stocked for all locations to ensure customers can get decaf drinks.

Yes, some locations may also offer a hot brewed decaf coffee, such as Decaf Pike Place Roast, although this may not be available all day.