No Caffeine, All the Flavor The Complete Guide to Decaf at Starbucks Japan

Love Starbucks but looking to cut back on caffeine? You’re in luck! Starbucks has tons of amazing decaf and caffeine-free drinks. You can get most of your favorite coffee drinks made decaf, and they have plenty of naturally caffeine-free teas. It’s perfect for a late-night treat or any time you want to relax without the buzz.

So, What Exactly is “Decaf”?

“Decaf” is just short for “decaffeinated.” It simply means the caffeine has been carefully removed from something that would normally have it, like coffee beans. This is different from “caffeine-free” drinks, which never had caffeine to begin with. It’s good to know that decaf coffee still has a tiny trace of caffeine left—but not much! More and more cafes are offering great decaf options, and Starbucks is leading the way.

How Starbucks Makes Its Delicious Decaf

Starbucks uses a clever, all-natural process called the “CO2 extraction method.” It uses carbon dioxide (the same stuff in fizzy drinks!) and water to gently wash the caffeine away from the coffee beans. Because it doesn’t use any chemical solvents, it’s a completely safe method. The best part? It removes over 99% of the caffeine without sacrificing any of the rich, delicious coffee flavor you love.

Which Drinks Can Be Made Decaf?

Great news! Since 2017, you can get almost any espresso drink as a decaf, from a classic Starbucks Latte to an Americano. This is in addition to the “Decaf Drip Coffee” they’ve always had. So, with just a couple of exceptions, you can customize almost any coffee drink to be decaf.

If you’re a tea lover, Starbucks has naturally caffeine-free herbal options. For a hot tea, you can choose Chamomile or Hibiscus. For a refreshing iced tea, try the Passion Tango™ Tea. You can even get drinks like Tea Lattes made with these caffeine-free teas!

Heads Up: A Few Drinks Can’t Be Made Decaf

While almost everything can be customized, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.

• Coffee-based Frappuccinos
  Drinks like the Coffee Frappuccino® and Dark Mocha Chip Frappuccino® can’t be made decaf. They use a pre-made coffee base that already contains caffeine.
• Cold Brew
  There isn’t a decaf version of Cold Brew coffee just yet. If you want a cold, black decaf coffee, we recommend ordering an iced Decaf Drip Coffee instead!
• Other Teas
  While Starbucks has wonderful caffeine-free herbal teas, they don’t offer decaffeinated versions of their other teas like Earl Grey, Chai, Matcha, or Hojicha. If you want a tea without the buzz, be sure to stick to the naturally caffeine-free choices.

How to Order and What It Costs

It’s super easy! Just add “decaf, please” when you order any espresso drink. There’s a small extra charge of just 55 yen (tax included) for the customization. This works for everything from a simple Latte to a fancy Caramel Macchiato.

One quick tip: for chocolatey drinks like a Caffè Mocha or Hot Chocolate, the espresso can be decaf, but remember that chocolate itself naturally contains a little caffeine. It’s just something to be aware of if you’re avoiding caffeine completely.

Our Favorite Decaf Drinks to Try

• Drip Coffee
  Not sure where to start? You can’t go wrong with the classic Decaf Drip Coffee. The Decaf House Blend is smooth and full-bodied with rich, deep flavors. You can get it hot or iced, making it perfect for any season.
• Starbucks Latte
  If you like milky drinks, a decaf Starbucks Latte is a fantastic choice. The decaf espresso has a slightly gentler flavor that pairs beautifully with steamed milk for a smooth and sweet taste. It’s also delicious with soy, almond, or oat milk!
• Caffè Misto
  A Caffè Misto is half drip coffee and half steamed milk. It’s lighter and smoother than an espresso-based latte. The decaf version is incredibly mild and comforting, and you can customize it with a pump of your favorite flavored syrup.

Don’t Forget the Naturally Caffeine-Free Drinks!

You don’t even need to customize to get a great caffeine-free drink. Starbucks has a whole menu of delicious options that are naturally caffeine-free.

• Caramel Steamer
  This is pure comfort in a cup! It’s steamed milk with caramel syrup, topped with whipped cream. It’s a sweet, relaxing treat, and you can get it iced, too.
• Chamomile Tea Latte
  A beautiful tea latte made with caffeine-free chamomile, citrus, and lavender notes. The gentle aroma and sweet milk make it the perfect drink to unwind with. Try adding a little honey for an extra-cozy touch.
• Mango Passion Tea Frappuccino®
  This bright and fruity Frappuccino blends mango juice with caffeine-free Passion Tango™ Tea. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and tart for a refreshing tropical escape.
• Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino®
  A creamy, dreamy Frappuccino made with vanilla syrup and milk. It has no coffee at all, but it’s not overly sweet. It’s a simple, easy-to-drink treat for all ages.

Enjoy Starbucks Decaf at Home

Want to enjoy that great taste at home? You can! Starbucks sells its decaf coffee in several convenient forms, including whole beans, their popular Origami® single-serve drips, and VIA® Instant coffee. They make fantastic gifts, too!

• Decaf House Blend (Whole Bean)
  This blend has lovely notes of cocoa and toasted nuts. With a full body and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect coffee to enjoy before bed.
• Origami® Personal Drip® Decaf House Blend
  The popular single-serve, pour-over “Origami” coffee also comes in decaf. Now you can easily brew a fresh, perfect cup at home or at the office.
• VIA® Instant Decaf House Blend
  For coffee on the go, the VIA® instant sticks are perfect. They’re great for travel, camping, or just sharing with a friend.

Explore a Whole New Side of Starbucks

As you can see, Starbucks has an incredible selection of decaf and caffeine-free drinks. Next time you visit, why not try a decaf version of your favorite drink? It’s a great way to discover new flavors and enjoy Starbucks in a whole new way, any time of day.