If you enjoy treating yourself to that special Starbucks coffee you love, you don’t have to stop because you’re a parent now. Sure, chain coffee shops don’t necessarily have the most health-conscious options, but sometimes you need to indulge. Of course, when you stop by to grab your favorite latte, the kids will inevitable want something, too. It’s like that If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book. Don’t feel as though you can’t have a mocha because the kiddos are in tow.
While Starbucks isn’t known for its kid-friendly options, there are drinks that aren’t overloaded with caffeine or sugar. So, if you’re looking for the best Starbucks drinks for kids, we’ve got your go-to menu for those moments when you just can’t walk or drive past.
What to know before you order
While some cafes have a specialized kids’ menu, Starbucks doesn’t. That doesn’t mean you can’t get drinks for your children while getting something for yourself. When you’re ordering Starbucks drinks for your kids, keep these tips in mind.
Ask for a kids’-sized cup
A child-sized cup will be an 8-ounce for a hot drink and a 12-ounce cup for a cold one. Starbucks can’t split a drink but will give an extra cup if you ask. So, if you’re ordering one hot or cold drink for the kiddos to share, ask for another cup when you order. Then, you can divide it when you sit down.
Temperature
We all know how hot a Starbucks coffee or tea is. When ordering a hot beverage for a child, ask for the drink to be at kids’ temperature (warm not hot).
Dial back the sugar
If you don’t want the kids bouncing off the walls from sugar, ask the barista to only put in one pump of syrup or skip it all together. Topping with whipped cream is certainly a treat, but it does come with an added amount of sugar.
Best Starbucks drinks for kids
Grabbing Starbucks to go or sitting down and enjoying a drink in the cafe is one of those moments we all just need sometimes. Whether it’s when those pumpkin spiced lattes come back in September or when the holiday cups are begging to be filled with a peppermint mocha latte, sipping a Starbucks is a respite.
As parents we know those moments become few and far between when you’re juggling kids, work, and more. Don’t avoid Starbucks when you have the kiddos because there are options children can have that are safe and tasty. So, next time you need a Starbucks fix, try one of these drinks kids will enjoy just as much as you will savor yours.
Boxed milk in a Starbucks cup
Starbucks already has kids’ drink choices in the refrigerated section. If your kiddo is a fan of the Horizon boxed chocolate or regular milk, grab one and ask for it to be placed in a Starbucks cup. Little ones will love having a drink that matches yours. They will even warm up the milk to a safe, kid-friendly temperature if you request it.
Milk
Starbucks already has an array of milk at their fingertips from whole and low fat to almond and oat. You can order a small cup of milk for your little one. Just be sure to specify the type of milk you want.
Hot chocolate
Starbucks already has hot chocolate on the menu. Hot chocolate is a kid favorite. Order a kid-sized hot chocolate. You can skip the pump of mocha sauce or vanilla syrup as well as the whipped cream if you think that will be too much sugar. Remember chocolate does have caffeine. So, if you prefer no caffeine, opt for the white hot chocolate. It’s topped with cream, so you might want to skip that if you have a picky eater.
Water with strawberry inclusions
Getting children to drink water is always a chore. It’s doesn’t get easier when they get older either. A great way to encourage the hydration is by adding a little sweetness to the water. Strawberries are a kid staple. Did you know that Starbucks offers iced water with strawberry inclusions? This will be a refreshing option kids will enjoy while you’re having your iced latte.
Steamers
If you’re looking for your kids to sip something warm while you’re having your coffee, try ordering a steamer. Steamers are basically steamed milk. A steamer can be ordered in the milk of your choice including oat and almond milk. Steamers can be plain or made with a pump of syrup. Some syrups like apple brown sugar and pumpkin spice are seasonal. Others like vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon dolce are available year-round.
Iced oat milk with brown sugar
This can be a refreshing treat for kids if they like oat milk. For less sugar, ask for a kids’-size cup with just one pump of sugar.
Iced strawberry milk
Another cool Starbucks drink for kids combines their milk of choice, ice cubes, and strawberry puree.
Babyccino
This just sounds fun to order, but a babyccino is simply steamed milk with extra foam. It’s considered an off-the-menu item. So, if your barista isn’t familiar, explain that it’s steamed milk with added foam on top in a kid-friendly cup.
Caramel apple spice
For kids who like apple juice, try this hot drink as long as you don’t mind the sugar punch. It’s steamed apple juice, a pump of cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and a drizzle or caramel. If you want to dial back the sugar, skip the whipped cream and drizzle.
Starbucks isn’t known for its kids’ drinks, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any children will want. Just like any restaurant that doesn’t offer a specific menu for children, there are kid-friendly options. When ordering, remember to ask for a kids’-sized cup and temperature. Next time you feel like stopping in, don’t pass by because the kiddos are with you. Instead, consider these best Starbucks drinks for kids. Ask for an extra cup if you need them to share. If none of them strike a chord, remember you can ask for a boxed juice or milk to be put in a Starbucks cup. Then, find a quiet spot and enjoy!
