Taking your little ones to Starbucks can be a fun treat, but navigating the menu for kid-friendly options isn’t always straightforward. While the secret “Babyccino” is a beloved favorite, there are many other delicious and simple drinks that are perfect for young palates. You don’t always need to make a trip to the café, though. With a few key ingredients, you can become the ultimate barista right in your own kitchen.
This roundup is your guide to the best Starbucks-inspired drinks for kids. We have compiled a list of essential products that let you recreate those magical café moments at home. From steamy hot chocolates to vanilla steamers and custom “puppuccinos,” these picks will help you craft the perfect, specially-made beverage for your child.
Our Top Picks for Starbucks-Inspired Kid Drinks
- Starbucks Ground Coffee, Vanilla Flavored Coffee
- Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa
- Torani Vanilla Syrup Bottle
- Nespresso Vertuo Starbucks Blonde Espresso Pods
- Starbucks Caramel Flavored Ground Coffee
- International Delight Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer
- Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classics Milk Chocolate Packets
- Torani Caramel Syrup Bottle
Starbucks Ground Coffee, Vanilla Flavored Coffee
For parents who enjoy a cup of coffee while the kids have their own special drink, this vanilla flavored ground coffee is a perfect choice. It brings the familiar, comforting taste of a Starbucks café directly to your home. The rich vanilla flavor is smooth and not overpowering, making it a pleasant beverage to enjoy alongside your little one’s vanilla steamer.
This pack contains six 11-ounce bags of 100% arabica coffee, ensuring you have a steady supply of fresh, premium coffee. The consistent quality means every cup you make has the velvety vanilla flavor you expect. It’s an excellent base for your own drinks while you craft a caffeine-free version for the kids.
Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa
Every kid loves a rich and creamy hot chocolate, and Ghirardelli is a name synonymous with quality chocolate. This sweet ground chocolate and cocoa is the secret to making a superior hot cocoa that rivals any coffee shop version. Its luxuriously deep flavor and smooth texture make for a truly special treat.
Because it is made with real chocolate, the result is a more authentic and satisfying drink compared to many powdered mixes. A three-pound container means you can prepare many cups of this delicious hot chocolate for your family and friends. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet after-school drink.
Torani Vanilla Syrup Bottle
A simple vanilla steamer is a classic kid-friendly drink, and Torani Vanilla Syrup is the key ingredient. This syrup allows you to add a touch of sweet, aromatic vanilla flavor to steamed milk, creating a comforting and caffeine-free beverage. It’s the at-home equivalent of the popular Starbucks “Vanilla Crème.”
The bottle is easy to use—just add a small amount to warm milk and stir. This versatility also means you can adjust the sweetness to your child’s preference. Having a bottle of Torani syrup in your pantry opens up a world of simple drink possibilities for children of all ages.
Nespresso Vertuo Starbucks Blonde Espresso Pods
For households that love their Nespresso machines, these Starbucks Blonde Espresso Pods are a great way to have a café-quality base on hand. While the espresso itself is for the adults, it can be used to make a tiny, coffee-free “Babyccino” by simply frothing milk with the machine’s steam wand.
The Blonde Espresso is known for its smooth and soft flavor, which is a good choice for those who prefer a lighter roast. The Vertuo pods are designed for a perfect crema every time. This product lets parents enjoy their favorite Starbucks espresso drink at home while easily preparing a fun, frothy drink for their child.
Starbucks Caramel Flavored Ground Coffee
Another fantastic option for the adults, this caramel flavored ground coffee offers a sweet and buttery aroma that fills your kitchen. The rich caramel notes provide a delightful coffee experience that pairs well with the caramel-themed drinks you might make for your kids.
Like the vanilla version, this is 100% arabica coffee, brewed to the same high standards you find in Starbucks stores. The inviting scent of caramel makes coffee time feel like a special occasion. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a moment of peace while the children sip on their own caramel steamers.
International Delight Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer
This creamer brings the distinct flavor of a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato right to your refrigerator. For kids, you can use a small amount of this creamer to flavor a cup of warm milk, creating an instant and easy caramel-flavored drink. It’s a quick solution for a sweet request.
The creamer is pre-mixed with the flavors of rich espresso, caramel, and vanilla, making it incredibly convenient. While designed for coffee, it works perfectly for creating a child-friendly version without the caffeine. It helps you make a special drink in seconds, with minimal effort.
Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classics Milk Chocolate Packets
For the most authentic Starbucks hot chocolate experience at home, these Hot Cocoa Classics packets are the way to go. Each packet is pre-measured for a single serving, making preparation simple and mess-free. Just add hot water or milk for a reliably good cup of hot cocoa.
The milk chocolate flavor is a favorite among children for its classic, sweet taste. These packets are ideal for on-the-go situations or for keeping in the pantry for a quick treat. They deliver the consistent quality and flavor that Starbucks is known for, directly to your mug.
Torani Caramel Syrup Bottle
Similar to the vanilla syrup, Torani Caramel Syrup is a must-have for creating caramel-inspired drinks. You can drizzle it over whipped cream on top of a hot chocolate or mix it into steamed milk for a simple and satisfying caramel steamer.
The rich, buttery flavor of the caramel syrup adds a professional touch to homemade beverages. It gives you the flexibility to control the amount of sweetness and flavor in each drink. This bottle is an essential tool for building your own menu of kid-approved café drinks at home.
What to Look For in the 8 Best Kid Drinks at Starbucks! Did Somebody Say Babyccino?
As a parent, I know that taking my kids to Starbucks is a special treat. But navigating the menu for little ones can be tricky. You want something fun that they will actually drink, without sending them on a sugar rush that lasts until bedtime. My main goal is always to find a balance between a special treat and a manageable level of sweetness and caffeine.
First, I always consider the caffeine content. This is my number one rule. Young children are very sensitive to caffeine, so I stick to caffeine-free bases or ask for a single shot in a larger, milk-heavy drink for my older kids. Steamed milk is a fantastic starting point because it feels like a “real” coffee shop drink but is completely caffeine-free. From there, you can add flavor.
Next, I look at the sugar. Starbucks syrups are delicious, but they pack a sweet punch. I often ask for half the usual number of pumps of syrup, or just one pump for a “Tall” size. This cuts down the sugar significantly while still giving the drink that signature flavor. Don’t be shy about customizing your order; the baristas are used to it!
Temperature is another big factor. For my younger child, I always request that a hot drink be made “kids’ temperature.” This means the milk is steamed to a warmer, but not scalding, temperature, making it safer for little hands and mouths. For warm days, the blended and iced options are lifesavers, but I watch the base ingredients. Some creme-based Frappuccinos still have coffee in them, so I always double-check by ordering a “Creme” version explicitly, like the Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino.
Finally, I think about the experience. A dollop of whipped cream, a fun color from a strawberry puree, or even the simple joy of having their own “grown-up” cup makes the outing memorable. Drinks like the Steamed Apple Juice or the infamous Babyccino (which is just a small cup of frothy milk) are perfect for this. They are all about the fun without any of the fuss. By focusing on caffeine, sugar, temperature, and the overall experience, I can find a drink that makes my kid feel included and I can feel good about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Babyccino at Starbucks?
A Babyccino is not an official menu item, but it’s a well-known secret order. It’s simply a small, barista-made cup of steamed milk with a light foam on top. It’s completely caffeine-free and contains no sugar or flavoring unless you specifically ask for it. I often get it for my toddler because it makes them feel like they have their own special “coffee” just like mom or dad. Some baristas might even add a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top if you ask nicely!
Are the vanilla bean and strawberry crème Frappuccinos caffeine-free?
Yes, both the Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino and the Strawberry Crème Frappuccino are caffeine-free! They are part of the “Crème” line of Frappuccinos, which means they are made with a base that does not contain coffee. They are my go-to for a frosty, fun treat for my kids. I do keep in mind that they still contain a fair amount of sugar from the sweet base and any whipped cream, so I sometimes ask for light base syrup or no whipped cream to manage that.
Can I customize the sugar content in my child’s drink?
Absolutely, and I do this all the time. Starbucks is very flexible with customizations. You can ask for any drink to be made with fewer pumps of syrup. For example, a Tall hot chocolate typically comes with two pumps of mocha sauce, but I frequently order it with just one pump. You can also opt for sugar-free syrups like vanilla, but their availability can vary by location. Don’t hesitate to just ask for “one pump of caramel” in a steamed milk to create a lightly sweetened, custom drink for your little one.
What is the best warm drink for a child at Starbucks?
For a warm drink, my top picks are the Steamed Apple Juice (sometimes steamed with a cinnamon stick for extra flavor) and a simple Steamed Milk with a single pump of flavoring like vanilla or hazelnut. The steamed apple juice is a huge hit because it tastes like warm apple pie filling. For both options, I always remember to ask for it at “kids’ temperature” so it’s not too hot for them to drink right away. These are cozy, comforting, and feel like a real Starbucks beverage.
Is the chocolate milk at Starbucks a good option?
The Starbucks chocolate milk is essentially a Milk with Mocha Sauce that is shaken and served cold. It’s a solid choice, but it’s quite sweet. If I order it, I ask for it with only one pump of mocha sauce instead of the standard two (for a Tall size) to cut down on the sugar. It’s a more straightforward option than a Frappuccino and still feels like a special treat, especially if they see it being shaken up in the barista’s pitcher.