Ordering guide
What to order at Starbucks
Starbucks has hundreds of possible drinks and only a handful people actually reorder. Here's what to order when you want it to taste good, not just look good.
Order this at Starbucks
1Iced brown sugar oat shaken espresso
Less sweet than most signature drinks and the oat milk actually suits the espresso.
2Flat white
Ristretto shots and thin milk — the best-balanced hot espresso drink on the menu.
3Cold brew with a splash of cream
Smoother and less acidic than iced coffee, and it needs almost no sugar.
4Caramel macchiato (upside down)
Ordering it upside down mixes the syrup through instead of leaving it at the bottom.
5Chai tea latte with an espresso shot (dirty chai)
Spice plus caffeine; ask for one fewer pump if you don't want it sweet.
Ordering tips
- Ask for fewer pumps of syrup — the default is often 4 and 2 usually tastes better.
- Blonde espresso is sweeter and less bitter, which means you can cut the syrup further.
- Say 'light ice' on cold drinks to get more of the actual drink.
- Free customisations: extra shot of cold foam swap, no whip, different milk (may cost extra), extra hot.
Frequently asked questions
What should I order at Starbucks?
If you like sweet iced coffee, order the iced brown sugar oat shaken espresso. If you want real coffee flavour, order a flat white hot or a cold brew with a splash of cream. For something sweet without coffee, a dirty chai or a matcha latte with fewer pumps is a reliable pick.
What is the best drink to order at Starbucks for someone who doesn't like coffee?
Try a chai tea latte, a matcha latte, a strawberry açaí refresher, or a hot chocolate. All of them are coffee-free, and the refreshers are the lightest option. Ask for fewer pumps if you don't want it very sweet.
What's the best Starbucks order that isn't too sweet?
Flat white, cappuccino, americano, cold brew, or an iced shaken espresso with one pump instead of the default. Asking for half the syrup on any signature drink is free and makes a big difference.
What food should I order at Starbucks?
The egg bites and the bacon gouda sandwich are the most consistently reordered hot items. For pastries, the butter croissant and the lemon loaf hold up best. Ask them to warm anything from the case — it's a completely different experience.
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