Best Starbucks Drinks UK 2026 – 20 Drinks Ranked by Flavour & Value
With over 1,200 stores across the UK and a menu that seems to grow every season, picking the best Starbucks drink can feel overwhelming. Do you go classic? Try something iced? Or order that thing you keep seeing on TikTok?
We’ve tested drinks across UK stores, looked at what actually sells the most, and checked what’s trending on social media. This guide ranks the 20 best drinks — split into hot coffee, iced coffee, Frappuccinos, tea, and non-coffee — so you can find your perfect order fast.
For the full official price list, see our Starbucks drinks menu UK page.
Best Hot Coffee Drinks at Starbucks UK
Hot coffee is still what most people order in the UK. These 7 drinks are the ones that consistently come out on top — from everyday classics to a couple that’ll change how you think about Starbucks coffee.
1 Flat White
Two ristretto shots (shorter, stronger espresso) with silky steamed milk and a thin microfoam layer. Stronger coffee flavour than a latte but still smooth. The UK is the only European market where the Flat White makes the top 5 most-ordered drinks — it suits our taste for proper strong coffee without all the sweetness.
If you only try one drink on this list, make it this one. It’s the drink Australian and New Zealand coffee culture gave the world, and it’s perfect for anyone who thinks lattes are too milky but Americanos are too harsh.
2 Caramel Macchiato
Vanilla syrup, steamed milk, espresso poured on top (so it “marks” the foam — that’s what macchiato means), and caramel drizzle to finish. The layers look beautiful and the sweet-bitter balance is spot on. Consistently one of the top 3 sellers in UK stores.
This is the drink that converts people who think they don’t like coffee. Sweet enough to be a treat, but still has a proper espresso backbone. Works brilliantly iced too — ask for an Iced Caramel Macchiato in summer.
3 Caffè Latte
Espresso with steamed milk and a light foam layer. Simple, smooth, reliable. The most ordered drink at Starbucks across almost every country — and the UK is no exception. Add vanilla or caramel syrup for a bit of sweetness, or swap to oat milk for a nuttier taste.
There’s a reason it’s the classic. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just a proper coffee that tastes great every time. If you’re new to Starbucks, this is where to start.
4 Caffè Mocha
Espresso + mocha sauce + steamed milk + whipped cream. It’s basically a hot chocolate that also has coffee in it. Rich, chocolatey, indulgent. Works as a dessert drink or a cold-weather pick-me-up.
If you want something sweet and warming on a rainy day, the Mocha is hard to beat. Pair it with something from the bakery menu and you’ve got a proper afternoon treat.
5 Cappuccino
Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam. The foam layer makes it lighter than a latte but still creamy. Lower in calories too. A proper Italian classic done right — sprinkle chocolate powder on top for the full experience.
6 Caffè Americano
Espresso shots topped with hot water. That’s it. Bold coffee flavour, practically zero calories, and the cheapest full-size coffee on the menu. Best value per sip at Starbucks UK.
This is the no-nonsense choice. If you actually like the taste of coffee and don’t need it dressed up with syrup and cream, the Americano is your drink. Brilliant with a splash of milk on the side.
7 White Chocolate Mocha
White chocolate sauce, espresso, steamed milk, whipped cream. Incredibly sweet and creamy — more like a dessert than a coffee. The white chocolate flavour is different from regular mocha and has a massive fan base in the UK.
Best Iced & Cold Drinks at Starbucks UK
Cold coffee used to be a summer thing. Not anymore. Iced drinks now make up a huge chunk of Starbucks UK sales year-round. These 5 are the best of the bunch.
8 Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Espresso shaken with brown sugar syrup and cinnamon, topped with oat milk. Light, refreshing, and has a warm cinnamon flavour that works in any season. Lower in calories than most iced drinks because oat milk replaces heavy cream. One of the most viral Starbucks drinks on TikTok.
This drink changed the game. It proved that iced coffee doesn’t have to be loaded with cream and sugar to taste incredible. The shaking gives it a frothy texture that’s completely different from a regular iced latte.
9 Iced Caramel Macchiato
Vanilla syrup, cold milk, ice, espresso poured on top, finished with caramel drizzle. The layers are gorgeous — milk at the bottom, espresso in the middle, caramel on top. It’s the most popular iced drink at Starbucks for a reason.
10 Cold Brew
Coffee steeped in cold water for 20 hours. The slow process makes it incredibly smooth — less acidic and less bitter than regular iced coffee. Practically zero calories black. Add vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top for a treat (+~100 kcal).
If you’ve never tried cold brew, you’re in for a surprise. It doesn’t taste like regular coffee poured over ice. It’s smoother, naturally sweeter, and hits different. The Vanilla Sweet Cream version is next level.
11 Iced Vanilla Latte
Espresso, vanilla syrup, cold milk, ice. Simple, sweet, refreshing. The vanilla softens the espresso perfectly. Ask for oat milk to make it dairy-free with a slightly nuttier flavour.
12 Iced White Mocha with Sweet Cream Foam
Iced White Chocolate Mocha + extra vanilla + Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam + caramel drizzle on top. This is probably the most-ordered TikTok Starbucks drink ever. Sweet, creamy, gorgeous layers. It’s an indulgent treat, not an everyday coffee — but everyone should try it at least once.
Best Frappuccinos at Starbucks UK
Frappuccinos are blended iced drinks — more like milkshakes than coffee. They’re sweet, cold, and perfect as a treat. These 4 are the best sellers in UK stores. See the full Frappuccino menu UK for all options and prices.
13 Caramel Frappuccino
Coffee, milk, ice, caramel syrup — blended smooth with whipped cream and caramel drizzle on top. The most popular Frappuccino in the UK and for good reason. It’s sweet, creamy, and tastes like caramel heaven. Great on a hot day or when you fancy something dessert-like.
14 Java Chip Frappuccino
Mocha sauce, Frappuccino chips (chocolate chunks), coffee, milk, and ice — blended together with whipped cream and mocha drizzle. Has actual crunchy chocolate pieces in it. The texture is what makes this one special — it’s like drinking a chocolate brownie.
15 Mocha Frappuccino
Coffee, mocha sauce, milk, and ice blended with whipped cream. Classic chocolate-coffee combo. Less intense than the Java Chip — smoother and creamier. Perfect if you want a chocolatey Frap without the chunks.
16 Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino
Strawberry purée, milk, and ice blended with whipped cream. No coffee at all — this is basically a strawberry milkshake. Kids love it. Adults secretly love it too. The bright pink colour makes it Instagrammable as well.
Best Tea & Non-Coffee Drinks at Starbucks UK
Not everyone drinks coffee. These 4 picks are the best options if you want something without espresso — teas, refreshas, and hot chocolate.
17 Chai Tea Latte
Spiced black tea concentrate with steamed milk and foam. Warm, spicy, comforting. Tastes like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger in a creamy cup. Add an espresso shot to make it a “Dirty Chai” — one of the most popular secret menu orders.
18 Matcha Green Tea Latte
Matcha powder whisked with steamed milk. Earthy, slightly sweet, and has a vivid green colour that stands out. Matcha has caffeine but it’s smoother than coffee — no jitters. Iced Matcha Latte is massive on TikTok.
19 Strawberry Açaí Refresha
Sweet strawberry and açaí juice shaken with ice and real strawberry pieces. Light, fruity, refreshing. Barely any caffeine (from green coffee extract, not espresso). Add coconut milk and it becomes the famous “Pink Drink” from social media.
20 Hot Chocolate
Mocha sauce with steamed milk and whipped cream. Classic, rich, warming. No coffee, no caffeine — perfect for kids and non-coffee drinkers. Ask for white chocolate mocha sauce instead for a White Hot Chocolate — sweeter and creamier.
All 20 Best Drinks — Quick Comparison
Here’s every drink in one table so you can compare prices, calories, and caffeine levels at a glance. All prices are Grande size.
| # | Drink | Type | Price | Cals | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flat White | Hot | ~£4.20 | ~170 | High |
| 2 | Caramel Macchiato | Hot | ~£4.75 | ~250 | Medium |
| 3 | Caffè Latte | Hot | ~£4.20 | ~190 | Medium |
| 4 | Caffè Mocha | Hot | ~£4.65 | ~330 | Medium |
| 5 | Cappuccino | Hot | ~£4.20 | ~120 | Medium |
| 6 | Caffè Americano | Hot | ~£3.60 | ~5 | High |
| 7 | White Chocolate Mocha | Hot | ~£4.95 | ~400 | Medium |
| 8 | Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso | Iced | ~£4.90 | ~120 | High |
| 9 | Iced Caramel Macchiato | Iced | ~£5.00 | ~250 | Medium |
| 10 | Cold Brew | Iced | ~£4.20 | ~5 | High |
| 11 | Iced Vanilla Latte | Iced | ~£4.65 | ~190 | Medium |
| 12 | Iced White Mocha + Foam | Iced | ~£5.75 | ~360 | Medium |
| 13 | Caramel Frappuccino | Frap | ~£5.00 | ~370 | Low |
| 14 | Java Chip Frappuccino | Frap | ~£5.20 | ~430 | Low |
| 15 | Mocha Frappuccino | Frap | ~£5.00 | ~370 | Low |
| 16 | Strawberries & Cream Frap | Frap | ~£5.00 | ~350 | None |
| 17 | Chai Tea Latte | Tea | ~£4.30 | ~240 | Low |
| 18 | Matcha Green Tea Latte | Tea | ~£4.45 | ~240 | Medium |
| 19 | Strawberry Açaí Refresha | Refresha | ~£4.75 | ~90 | Very Low |
| 20 | Hot Chocolate | Hot | ~£3.95 | ~320 | None |
These are approximate Grande prices from UK store visits. Prices can be 20–40p higher in London, airports, and train stations. Use the Starbucks app to see exact prices for your local store. Full price list here.
Best Starbucks Drinks on a Budget
Starbucks isn’t cheap. But some drinks give you much better value than others. Here are the best picks if you’re watching your spending:
Cheapest options
Espresso (from £1.95) is the cheapest drink on the menu. Caffè Americano (from £3.25) is the best value full-size coffee. Brewed Filter Coffee (from £2.10) is another great budget option — and you get free refills if you stay in the store.
Best value for flavour
The Flat White (from £3.85) gives you stronger coffee than a latte for roughly the same price. The Chai Tea Latte (from £3.90) is packed with flavour and is one of the cheaper speciality drinks.
How to save money
Bring a reusable cup and save 25p on every drink. Join Starbucks Rewards — earn 3 stars per £1 spent and get a free drink at 150 stars. Order a smaller size — a Tall is cheaper and often enough. Skip whipped cream and extra syrups to avoid add-on charges (60p each).
Best Drinks for Starbucks Beginners
Never been to Starbucks and feeling overwhelmed? Here’s what to order based on what you like:
I like strong coffee: Flat White or Americano
I like sweet coffee: Caramel Macchiato or Vanilla Latte
I like chocolate: Caffè Mocha or Hot Chocolate
I don’t drink coffee: Chai Tea Latte, Matcha Latte, or Strawberry Açaí Refresha
I want something cold: Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso or Cold Brew
I want a treat: Caramel Frappuccino or Strawberries & Cream Frap
I want it cheap: Americano or Filter Coffee
Starbucks UK sizes are Tall (340ml), Grande (473ml), and Venti (591ml). If you’re not sure, start with a Grande — it’s the “medium” and what most people order. See our full cup sizes UK guide for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Starbucks drink in the UK?
The Caffè Latte and Caramel Macchiato are the two most ordered drinks. The Flat White is uniquely popular in the UK — it’s in the top 5 here but not in most other European countries.
What should I order at Starbucks for the first time?
Start with a Caffè Latte (simple and smooth) or a Caramel Macchiato (sweet and easy to like). If you don’t drink coffee, try a Chai Tea Latte or Hot Chocolate.
What’s the cheapest Starbucks drink in the UK?
A single Espresso from £1.95 is the cheapest. For a full cup, the Caffè Americano from £3.25 or Filter Coffee from £2.10 are the best value.
What’s the best Starbucks drink that isn’t coffee?
The Chai Tea Latte, Matcha Green Tea Latte, and Strawberry Açaí Refresha are the three most popular non-coffee options. Hot Chocolate is the best pick for kids.
Are Starbucks drinks the same in the UK as in America?
Most core drinks are the same, but prices and some seasonal items differ. The UK menu has some exclusive items and the sizes use the same names (Tall, Grande, Venti) but actual volumes can vary slightly.
What’s the healthiest Starbucks drink?
A Caffè Americano has just 5 calories. Cold Brew (black) is also around 5 calories. If you want something with milk, a Flat White (~170 kcal) or Cappuccino (~120 kcal) are the lightest options.
What’s the strongest Starbucks drink?
In terms of caffeine, the Blonde Roast Filter Coffee and Cold Brew have the most caffeine per cup. For espresso drinks, a Flat White or Americano with an extra shot gives you the biggest kick.
Is Starbucks more expensive than Costa?
Generally yes — Starbucks is about 30–50p more per drink than Costa. However, many people feel the quality, customisation options, and rewards programme make it worth the extra cost.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” Starbucks drink — it depends on whether you like strong coffee, sweet treats, cold refreshers, or something in between. But if you twisted our arm:
The Flat White is the best all-round coffee. The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is the best iced drink. The Caramel Frappuccino is the best treat. And the Chai Tea Latte is the best non-coffee option.
Start there, explore the list, and find your perfect order. Once you do, save it as a favourite on the Starbucks app — you’ll never have to think about what to order again.
Explore More Starbucks UK Guides
Full menu, prices, calories, secret drinks — everything you need.
Starbucks Menu UK Team
We visit Starbucks stores across the UK every week to verify prices, test drinks, and keep this guide accurate. Rankings are based on UK sales data, social media trends, and in-store testing.
Disclaimer: starbucks-menu.co.uk is not affiliated with Starbucks Corporation. Prices are estimates from UK store visits and may vary by location. Updated March 2026.
