For many, the rich, comforting ritual of a Starbucks coffee is a non-negotiable part of the day. But what if you’re watching your caffeine intake in the afternoon or are simply sensitive to its effects? You don’t have to miss out. Starbucks offers a robust selection of decaffeinated coffees that deliver the same high-quality taste and aroma you expect, available for you to brew at home.
From their signature medium roasts to bold espresso blends, there’s a decaf option for every preference and brewing method. Whether you use a traditional coffee maker, a Keurig, or prefer whole beans for the freshest grind, this roundup will guide you to the best decaf Starbucks drinks to order for your home barista setup.
The Best Decaf Starbucks Coffees For Your Home
- Starbucks Ground Coffee, Decaf House Blend
- Starbucks K-Cup Pods, Decaf Veranda Blend
- Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast K-Cup Pods
- Starbucks Decaf Espresso Roast Ground Coffee
- Starbucks Decaf House Blend K-Cup Pods
- Starbucks Decaf Caffè Verona Ground Coffee
- Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Whole Bean Coffee
- Starbucks Decaf House Blend K-Cup Pods
Starbucks Ground Coffee, Decaf House Blend
As a decaf version of a classic Starbucks offering, the Decaf House Blend is an excellent starting point for any coffee enthusiast. This medium roast is known for its balanced and consistent flavor profile, featuring subtle notes of toffee and dusted cocoa. It provides a smooth, satisfying cup that feels familiar and reliable.
This 12-ounce bag contains pre-ground, 100% arabica coffee, making it ready for your drip coffee maker. Starbucks ensures you receive the same high-quality beans they use in their cafes, guaranteeing a fresh and authentic taste with every brew. It’s a perfect daily driver for those who want a great-tasting decaf coffee without any fuss.
Starbucks K-Cup Pods, Decaf Veranda Blend
If you prefer a lighter roast and the convenience of a single-serve pod, the Decaf Veranda Blend is an ideal choice. This blonde roast is Starbucks’ lightest coffee offering, characterized by its soft and mellow character. The flavor notes of toasted malt and milk chocolate create a gentle and sweet cup.
Packaged in boxes of K-Cup pods, this blend is designed for use with Keurig brewers. Each pod delivers the premium, 100% arabica coffee Starbucks is known for, ensuring a quick and consistent decaf coffee experience. It’s a fantastic option for those who appreciate a less intense roast and value speed and convenience in their morning routine.
Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast K-Cup Pods
For a truly classic Starbucks experience at the touch of a button, the Decaf Pike Place Roast in K-Cup form is a top contender. This is the decaf version of their famous signature blend, a smooth, well-rounded medium roast with subtle notes of cocoa and rich praline. It’s designed to be consistently satisfying throughout the day.
The single-serve K-Cup format makes it incredibly easy to brew a perfect single cup of this customer-favorite coffee without any measuring or cleanup. It’s the ultimate solution for Keurig owners who want a reliable, high-quality decaf coffee that tastes just like the one served in Starbucks stores worldwide.
Starbucks Decaf Espresso Roast Ground Coffee
When you’re in the mood for a stronger, more concentrated coffee, the Decaf Espresso Roast is the answer. This is a dark roast coffee, ground specifically for espresso machines. It boasts a rich, caramelly sweetness and is the same blend used to craft espresso shots in Starbucks cafes.
Using this ground coffee allows you to create authentic decaf espresso, americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos at home. The deep, intense flavor stands up well to milk and syrups, making it the essential base for any decaf handcrafted beverage. It’s a must-have for home baristas who love espresso drinks but not the caffeine.
Starbucks Decaf House Blend K-Cup Pods
This product brings the beloved, balanced flavor of the Decaf House Blend to the convenience of K-Cup pods. Enjoy the same notes of toffee and dusted cocoa in a format designed for speed and simplicity. It’s a perfect way to get a consistent, great-tasting cup of medium roast decaf coffee every time.
Ideal for busy households or offices with a Keurig machine, these pods eliminate the need for measuring and ensure minimal mess. You can enjoy the comforting taste of a Starbucks medium roast without any of the preparation time, making your decaf coffee break effortlessly smooth.
Starbucks Decaf Caffè Verona Ground Coffee
For those who appreciate a darker, more complex roast, Decaf Caffè Verona is a compelling option. This dark roast blend is known for its deep, rich character with notes of dark cocoa and caramelized sugar. It offers a robust flavor that is both bold and surprisingly smooth.
Supplied as a ground coffee, it’s ready to use in your automatic drip or pour-over coffee maker. This blend is particularly versatile, tasting excellent as a straight black coffee but also pairing wonderfully with dessert. It’s the ideal decaf choice for an after-dinner coffee that doesn’t compromise on depth of flavor.
Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Whole Bean Coffee
For coffee purists who grind their beans fresh before each brew, the Decaf Pike Place Roast in whole bean form is the ultimate selection. This format preserves the coffee’s natural oils and aromas until the moment you grind it, resulting in the freshest possible cup of this signature blend.
You have complete control over the grind size, allowing you to tailor it to your specific brewing method, whether it’s a French press, pour-over, or drip coffee maker. This choice is for those who see coffee preparation as a ritual and want the highest quality decaf experience from bean to cup.
Starbucks Decaf House Blend K-Cup Pods
Another excellent representation of the classic House Blend, these K-Cup pods offer the same reliable medium roast flavor in a convenient single-serve format. The balanced taste with notes of toffee and cocoa makes for a very approachable and enjoyable decaf coffee.
This option provides maximum convenience for Keurig users who want a steady supply of their favorite everyday decaf coffee. It’s a simple way to ensure you always have a quality cup on hand without any preparation hassle, perfect for a quick and satisfying coffee break at any time.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Perfect Decaf Starbucks Drink
Finding a great decaf drink at Starbucks is all about knowing what to ask for and how the menu works. As someone who often needs to skip the caffeine but still wants that coffee shop experience, I have learned a few tricks. The key is to remember that most espresso-based drinks can be made with a decaf espresso shot. This simple swap opens up a world of possibilities beyond just a simple black decaf coffee. You just have to be a little strategic with your order.
First, consider what you normally like. Are you a fan of lattes, or do you prefer something colder and more refreshing? Your preference for hot or iced will immediately narrow down your options. For hot drinks, the Decaf Caffè Latte is a timeless choice. It is simply steamed milk and decaf espresso, creating a smooth and comforting drink. If you want a bit more flavor, the Decaf Caramel Macchiato is a fantastic option. It is made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, decaf espresso, and a caramel drizzle on top. The layers of flavor make it feel like a real treat.
For cold drinks, my personal favorite is an Iced Decaf Brown Sugar Oatmeal Shaken Espresso. It is complex, not too sweet, and has a wonderful texture. Simply ask for it to be made with decaf espresso shots. Another solid choice is a Decaf Iced Vanilla Latte. It is straightforward, creamy, and reliably good. Don’t forget about the cold brew, though it is important to note that Starbucks’ standard Cold Brew is not decaffeinated. You will need to specifically ask for a Decaf Iced Coffee if you want a similar cold, black coffee experience.
Finally, do not be afraid to customize. This is where you can truly find your perfect match among the best decaf Starbucks drinks to order. You can add a pump of syrup to your decaf latte, change the type of milk, or ask for light ice in your iced drinks to get more beverage. The baristas are used to custom orders, so be clear and polite. A great tip is to use the Starbucks app to build your decaf drink beforehand; it lets you see all the customization options and ensures your order is exactly right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starbucks decaf coffee really caffeine-free?
No, it is not completely caffeine-free. Decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine. According to Starbucks, a solo (short) decaf brew has about 3-7.5 mg of caffeine, and a decaf espresso shot contains approximately 3-7.5 mg. This is significantly less than a regular coffee, which can have over 100 mg, but it is not zero. If you are extremely sensitive to caffeine or need to avoid it entirely for medical reasons, it is best to consult with your doctor or opt for a completely caffeine-free herbal tea.
Can I get any seasonal drink in a decaf version?
In most cases, yes! The vast majority of Starbucks’ seasonal espresso drinks, like the Pumpkin Spice Latte or the Peppermint Mocha, can be made with decaf espresso shots. You just need to specify “decaf” when you order. The flavor syrups, sauces, and toppings are almost always caffeine-free, so the only source of caffeine is the espresso itself. Swapping that out gives you a festive, seasonal treat without the jitters.
What is the difference between decaf coffee and decaf espresso at Starbucks?
The main difference is the brewing method and the roast of the beans. Starbucks typically brews its decaf coffee from a medium-roast bean using a drip coffee maker. This results in a lighter, more traditional coffee flavor. The decaf espresso, however, is made from a darker, richer roast that is specifically designed for espresso machines. It is ground much finer and brewed under high pressure, producing a more concentrated and robust shot that forms the base for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
Are the refreshers at Starbucks decaffeinated?
No, they are not. This is a common point of confusion. Starbucks Refreshers contain caffeine from a natural source: green coffee extract. While the caffeine content is lower than a coffee, a tall (small) size still has about 35-45 mg of caffeine. If you are looking for a completely caffeine-free fruity option, I would recommend a Passion Tango Iced Tea or a custom-made juice blend.
How do I order a decaf drink in the Starbucks app?
It is very simple. When you are customizing any espresso drink in the app, look for the “Shots” section. Tap on it, and you will see an option to change the espresso type to “Decaf.” You can also specify the number of shots. For hot brewed coffee, you would select the “Decaf Brewed Coffee” option directly from the menu. The app makes it easy to ensure your order is correct before you even get to the store.