We Ranked Every Drink on the Starbucks Menu

Sometimes there's nothing more comforting than a trip to good ole Starbies. In a world where much is uncertain, one thing that stays consistent is the perfect bite of an iced coffee from one of the world's most ubiquitous coffee chains. For those who are more adventure-seeking, Starbucks is also always changing up their menu, introducing new drinks to try at least several times a year. And who are we to deny you a bit of comfort and excitement?

There are currently 40-some drinks on Starbucks' ever-changing menu, and infinite ways to customize them. But, admit it: You've probably only had a fraction. Though I'm not a math genius, even I know a fraction of 40 isn't a lot, so to help you break the chains of habit, I've compiled this constantly-updated ranking of every single drink on the Starbucks menu right now. Perhaps you'll read it and find something new you want to try. Or perhaps you'll think I was wrong about everything. Let's find out together! But first, a few ground rules:

Nutritional info: 220 calories, 24 grams sugar

This drink contains 330mg of sodium. Perhaps they should rename it SALTED Caramel Cream Cold Brew to make people more aware of the tidal wave of salt coming their way in each sip.

Nutritional info: 400 calories, 58 grams sugar

When's the last time you ordered a caramel brulée for dessert cold? There's a reason it's a hot dessert—the caramel flavors shine better with hot ingredients. I prefer my coffee cold, and even still, these flavors don't work for me as presented here. I'm also generally not a fan of how Starbucks presents its caramel flavors, though you'll see the hot caramel brulée latte later on in this ranking. Because it works hot! It doesn't work here.

Nutritional info: 440 calories, 60 grams of sugar

It tastes like a double chocolate chip cookie blended into frozen coffee, which sounds like a good thing but doesn’t translate the same way.

Nutritional info: 380 calories, 52 grams of sugar

It’s not bad, it’s just nothing to write home about. Vanilla is vanilla.

Nutritional info: 250 calories, 33 grams sugar

My disappointment with everything caramel-flavored has been documented. But this is the only hot caramel drink on the current menu, and it's serviceable. I don't mind the caramel drizzle, and the vanilla syrup inside plays nice with the espresso and steamed milk.

Nutritional info: 100 calories, 19 grams of sugar

It’s a little underwhelming in the flavor department, with an overly tart aftertaste. The pineapple chunks are, however, a redeeming factor.

Nutritional info: 150 calories, 25 grams sugar

If your first thought upon looking at this drink isn't, “Ooh, red and green holiday sprinkles!” then you're a Grinch. And if this were a rank of Starbucks drinks by looks, it'd get a high score. But its taste leaves a lot to be desired, as its cloying sweetness brings to mind a holiday drink you'd find at Dunkin', 7-Eleven, or Dutch Bros. In this case, that's not a compliment. Here's the good news: It does taste like a liquified sugar cookie, but why is it iced? Aren't sugar cookies best enjoyed right out of the oven? Thankfully, you can order this drink hot, so if you crave those types of holiday flavors, that's the route to take.

Nutritional info: 250 calories, 28 grams of sugar

I love just about any iteration of Starbucks’ foamy cream cold brews, but the chocolate just doesn’t do it for me. I’d much rather sip the pumpkin. 

Nutritional info: 5 calories, 0 grams sugar

This is fine. It tastes perfectly smooth. But there are so many fun variations on this drink—especially where it’s topped with cold foam—that to order this might actually be a waste of a trip to Starbucks.

Nutritional info: 480 calories, 55 grams sugar

How can a Frappuccino with both mocha (!) and cookies (!) be ranked 33rd? When it's an unforgiving sugar bomb that makes me want to text my dentist, "I'm sorry for drinking this." Strangely, the Mocha Frapp has about the same amount of sugar, but tastes way, way, way less cavity-inducing.

Nutritional info: 470 calories, 60 grams sugar

I've been vocal in my disapproval of all things caramel at Starbucks. And yet, this isn't a bad way to feature caramel flavors in a drink—the vanilla whipped cream, coffee, and dark caramel sauce all work well in concert. My one gripe is the “crunch” aspect of the drink. At no point did I get the joy of crunching on a “crunchy caramelized topping.” There's certainly a layer of something on the whipped cream, but if you're imagining some sort of Honey Bunches of Oats type jam on the top of this Frapp, you won't find it here.

Nutritional info: 370 calories, 51 grams of sugar 

Were you even a middle schooler if you didn’t spend your Saturdays downing Strawberry Crème Frappuccinos at your local Starbucks? That’s what I thought. It doesn’t exactly have the same cool kid factor these days, but still tastes like a strawberry milkshake and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

Nutritional info: 140 calories, 11 grams of sugar 

The Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (say that 10 times fast) isn’t going to win a beverage academy award—if there is such a thing—but it’s good. Not great, but good. 

Nutritional info: 0 calories, 0 grams sugar

This is a bold, black breakfast tea that needs milk in the worst way. So get it with said milk, like you're a regular Benedict Cumberbatch or something.

Nutritional info: 90 calories, 20 grams sugar

It’s light and easy to drink with the perfect note of floral flavor. The refresher is still indulgent but without being overly sweet. Like the Pink Drink, it’s not going to make my everyday order, but there’s certainly a time and place for it in your drink rotation. 

Nutritional info: 140 calories, 12 grams sugar

Going to Starbucks and ordering a cappuccino is like going to a Starbucks and... ordering a cappuccino. What are you doing?! There are Frappuccinos and Dragonfruit drinks to order!

Nutritional info: 90 calories, 19 grams sugar

This is not a drink so much as a beacon in a cup with ice and a straw. It says to everyone who walks by you, "I just bought a wine-colored drink from Starbucks that has fruit in it!" It begs to be Instagrammed. Oh, and there are seeds from the dragonfruit (and actual dragonfruit!) floating around in there. You can't miss them. The flavor is tropical as the look and name of the drink promises. Despite the fact that dragonfruit has its fruitprints all over this, mango is what lingers on your palate before fading away. But that photo you posted to Instagram? That, my friends, stays forever.

Nutritional info: 140 calories, 25 grams sugar

The Pink Drink used to be a secret menu item, but the hack gained so much momentum that Starbucks added it to the actual menu board. And we see why. While it’s not necessarily my idea of an everyday order, it is refreshing and a sweet deviation to my usual coffee routine. The fresh strawberries are a bonus!

Nutritional info: 410 calories, 49 grams sugar

This actually has a lot stronger coffee flavors than I would've expected from the 'bucks, which typically lets any caramel drink go way overboard on the caramel flavors. The caramel and coffee play nice together here, and the finish does bring to mind a brulée. I was shocked by this one.

Nutritional info: 430 calories, 53 grams sugar

I want to love this. I do! But I can't force myself to. It's got plenty of sugar, plenty of cream, and plenty of coffee flavor, but the white mocha doesn't tie it together so much as try to overpower the coffee and cream flavors.

Nutritional info: 190 calories, 28 grams sugar

Starbucks doesn's usually feature this drink on its menu boards, but when ingredients are hard to find, the chain does its best to highlight simple drinks like this, with blonde espresso and vanilla syrup. While it's not an unpleasant drink, considering the flavored cold foam and other fun stuff available on the menu, this one's a bit… vanilla.

Nutritional info: 15 calories, 0 grams sugar

Starbucks coffee greatly benefits from a splash of milk and a little sugar. And you know what? When I drink this, I miss those ingredients.

Nutritional info: 5 calories, 0 grams sugar

This roast changes over the course of the year, but when I go into the 'Bucks I'd rather drink something like a Mocha Frappuccino.

Nutritional info: 140 calories, 23 grams of sugar 

Between the Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher and Paradise Drink, I’d opt for the Paradise Drink every single time. It has the same tropical flavors as its counterpart, but the coconut milk base adds a creaminess reminiscent of the pina colada. And I love pina coladas. 

Nutritional info: 5 calories, 0 grams sugar

This roast also changes seasonally. It's tasty, but it makes me want a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

Nutritional info: 5 calories, 0 grams sugar

This roast is always reserved for Pike Place. This is my favorite of the drip coffees (though in the afternoon, there's a location near me that switches to pour-over). Starbucks says it has “subtly rich flavors of cocoa and toasted nuts.” It makes me want a Caffè Mocha.

Nutritional info: 330 calories, 39 grams sugar

They nailed the chestnut flavor here, and the finish is a little bit of the almond flavor hinted at by the praline part of the drink's name. This is the holidays in a cup. A little saccharine in the finish, which deducts it a few points. I would enjoy roasting this drink on an open flame, but not in a bad way!

Nutritional info: 120 calories, 18 grams sugar

The Honey AlmondMilk Flat White isn't all that different from the Honey Oatmilk Latte you may have seen on menus before but is a lot sweeter and spotlights that honey profile more distinctly—whether that's a good or bad thing might depend on who's sampling it. The almond milk, meanwhile, gives it a subtle nuttiness that doesn't exist in the oat milk rendition. The iced iteration is pretty fantastic too.

Nutritional info: 110 calories, 14 grams sugar

It's incredible what a little splash of Starbucks' sweet cream can do to elevate its regular cold brew. That sweetness cuts through the bitterness, but isn't overpowering. As an added bonus, it's pretty trippy to watch the cream spread out in the ultra-dark coffee.

Nutritional info: 70 calories, 4 grams sugar

If the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a favorite of yours (and it should be!), order this instead. The Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro is its creamier, more delicious relative, and with fewer calories and sugar.

Nutritional info: 5 calories, 0 grams sugar

Starbucks cans this drink and sells it in supermarkets and convenience stores. It’s tasty! So what’re you doing ordering this in one of its coffeeshops?! Go nuts and get it topped with vanilla sweet cream.

Nutritional info: 170 calories, 13 grams sugar

While this tastes like a glass of warm milk with coffee flavoring to me, it actually has plenty of espresso—two ristretto shots and steamed whole milk. Whatever's in it, it's delicious. You also get a smooth and not-at-all bitter coffee finish. So much warm milk you'll want to go to bed after drinking this. Also, my colleague was shown how Starbucks makes these, which is pretty cool.

Nutritional info: 110 calories, 16 grams sugar

The Doubleshot on Ice is a near-perfect coffee offering from the colossal mermaid, so the idea of adding almond milk and chocolate malt powder into the mix seemed like a good idea on the surface. The execution leaves a lot to be desired, as I’m not sure anyone at Starbucks wanted to develop a drink that tastes like watery chocolate milk someone accidentally spilled coffee into.

Nutritional info: 130 calories, 23 grams sugar

This drink looks like a secret menu drink based on a Hello Kitty color pattern. And it tastes like it looks—saccharine sweet, but with a not unpleasant mango and coconut milk finish. It's more mango-forward than you'd expect for something that looks like this to be. Perfect for mango lovers and fans of a Lilly Pulitzer aesthetic.

Nutritional info: 420 calories, 56 grams sugar

Raise your hand if you like holiday sugar sparkles in your coffee! Uh, yeah, I didn't know that was a thing either! Regardless, this holiday drink is crafted with white chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup, espresso, and steamed milk—and comes topped with the aforementioned sugar sparkles. The deep red sugar dots float atop the whipped cream, making for a festive-looking coffee drink... but not necessarily one you'd go back to.

Nutritional info: 240 calories, 32 grams sugar

This is one soothing beverage. There's the earthy green tea essence mixed with the sweetness of the warm milk and a layer of foam, and I'm hooked. If you need a break from coffee and love green tea, this is a can't-miss.

Nutritional info: 340 calories, 40 grams of sugar

The Cinnamon Dolce Latte was my drink in high school. I felt sophisticated carting around my overpriced Starbucks cup through the halls, but the drink choice was more than just an embarrassing teenage status symbol. It was (and is!) good. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s not boring either.

Nutritional info: 320 calories, 29 grams of sugar 

Oat milk isn’t just the trendy choice here. With apple and brown sugar flavors mimicking your grandma’s gooey apple pie filling, the oat milk gives it a nutty crust base. The caramelized-spiced apple drizzle merely drives that experience home.

Nutritional info: 50 calories, 11g sugar

The sugary sweetness of the lemonade Starbucks uses has a tendency to trample the flavors of everything else in the drink like a liquid, sugary bull running through the streets of Pamplona. In this drink, however, it shares the spotlight with notes of green tea. I love Teavana's Iced Green Tea, and I could see this jazzed up version joining my rotation of favorite drinks.

Nutritional info: 240 calories, 42 grams sugar

I used to order this chai before I'd go in to work an early shift at Barnes and Noble. This was a decade ago, back when people were still reading books made out of paper. That chai gave me the energy to correctly alphabetize all the Margaret Atwood novels. The drink hasn't changed since then, and after drinking one, I'm pretty sure I could still remember to shelve Alias Grace before The Blind Assassin.

Nutritional info: 370 calories, 37 grams sugar

I went to college with a bunch of people I don't see anymore. That's normal, part of growing up and whatnot. I also used to drink a lot of hot chocolate as a kid, but I don't anymore. Part of growing up and whatnot. But when you see those old friends, or you take a sip of hot chocolate, you're there again. You're 13, watching your brother's soccer game, and it's windy as hell, and you want to be inside watching football, but you're out there sipping your hot chocolate and listening to the game on the radio. 

Nutritional info: 190 calories, 18 grams sugar

Steamed milk, espresso. You get a layer of foam on top. I love when the foam hits your top lip, supporting it like a little milk pillow as you draw warm espresso into your mouth. I'm a little shocked I liked this more than some of their flavored lattes, especially considering my well-documented childlike love for sugary flavors, but this simple drink delivers.

Nutritional info: 200 calories, 19 grams sugar

I like this holiday drink, I really do. But I'm confused as to why the company uses regular old cold brew instead of nitro cold brew, which would make it approximately 100 gazillion times creamier. (See: Nitro Cold Brew with Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam.) That said, the combination of the Irish cream syrup and the vanilla sweet cream cold foam taste very similar to an alcoholic beverage that rhymes with Schmailey's. The cocoa powder layered on top is absolutely decadent. Anyways, why isn't this a nitro drink again?!

Nutritional info: 120 calories, 13 grams sugar

Plain old oat milk is delicious in coffee. But the oat milk that Oatly produces is next-level, and it’s an ideal pairing for Starbucks java. If you’ve never tried Oatly before, expect waves of creaminess that don’t overpower the strong coffee and brown sugar notes with a hint of cinnamon. We dare you to find a non-dairy milk aftertaste in this drink, one that’s ruined many an iced almond or soy milk latte. With only 13 grams of sugar and 255 milligrams of caffeine (that’s about 2.5 cups of drip coffee!), this drink squarely fits in the category of Perfect Afternoon Drink to Make Sure You Don’t Fall Asleep During Your Boss’s Mandatory 4 pm Zoom.
 

Nutritional info: 440 calories, 54 grams sugar

The first sip is chocolate and cream, and the finish is a delightful chocolate and mint. And it doesn't leave an overly sweet taste in your mouth that makes you want to drink a gallon of water to wash it away. But is there a more holiday appropriate drink than the Peppermint Mocha? Even the name makes me want to fly a life-size candy cane across the sky on Christmas Eve, waving at Santa as he makes his deliveries, and flashing a thumbs up to his reindeer for working so hard. It’s a seasonal classic, it’s delicious, and we bet you’ll crave one when it starts snowing outside on a cold December morning.

Nutritional info: 390 calories, 50 grams of sugar 

Make fun all you want, but there’s a reason the Pumpkin Spice Latte is an icon among boring beverages. While it can occasionally come out a little overly sweet (you can always ask for less syrup, like me), it’s a treat. The espresso is the perfect compliment to the latte’s pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove combo. 

Nutritional info: 250 calories, 31 grams of sugar 

The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is ideal for that in-between weather. You want to put out your fall decor and start sipping PSLs in an oversized sweater, but the September heat hasn’t quite vacated the forecast. The rich, bold cold brew pairs well with the sweet pumpkin and creamy foam top. I love a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, but this is even better. 

Nutritional info: 370 calories, 35 grams sugar

Ooo, adult hot chocolate! I want to fill my bathtub up with it, cover myself in marshmallows, and spend the day... sitting in the tub eating marshmallows. Is this drink a movie on Cinemax at 2 am? Because it has positively sinful mocha notes. And it’s the best dang drink at Starbucks right now.

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