1. "Decaf" Coffee
As someone with a caffeine sensitivity, one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever learned is that “decaf” coffee actually *does* contain caffeine. The amount is said to be up to 16 mg in a Starbucks decaf espresso shot according to a Journal of Analytical Toxicology study, and around 25 mg in a Grande decaf brew as listed on Starbucks’ website12. Since many people are looking to cut back on caffeine or even remove it from their diets entirely, it's important to be aware of drinks that may leave you unwittingly caffeinated.
2. Any non-herbal tea
That’s right. Every single tea available at Starbucks is caffeinated, with the exception of the herbal teas. This includes the green, black, and matcha. The good news? Each of the four herbal teas, including Peach Tranquility, Mint Majesty, Iced Passion Tango, and Iced Passion Tango Tea-Lemonade, are excellent swaps for any of the other tea varieties.
3. Refreshers
Every Grande Starbucks Refresher beverage contains around 45 mg of caffeine, due to the addition of green coffee extract. According to the Starbucks barista I asked, it doesn’t appear that this can be subbed out as it’s part of the standard Refresher base. However, a great caffeine-free replacement for these are the Evolution Fresh juices found in the counter display.
4. Hot chocolate
According to the USDA, all chocolate is known to contain caffeine3. This includes M&M’s, whose standard package (like the kind you would find at a movie theater) contains 7 mg of caffeine. Then there’s 60-69% cacao dark chocolate, which has a whopping 24 mg in just a single ounce. So it’s no surprise that a standard Grande hot chocolate has an average of 25 mg to its name. Fortunately, you can get a similar drink sans-jitters by asking your barista for a vanilla steamer. It's sure to warm you up on a wintry day!