Decaf Pike Place® Roast: The Timeless Medium Roast Classic

• Short 8 fl oz
• Tall 12 fl oz
• Grande 16 fl oz
• Venti 20 fl oz

$2.65 – 5 Calories

$2.95 – 5 Calories

$3.45 – 5 Calories

$3.65 – 5 Calories

The Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast is the decaffeinated version of Starbucks’ signature medium roast brewed coffee. It delivers the same smooth, balanced, chocolatey flavor of the original Pike Place Roast with 97% of the caffeine removed. It is the go-to choice for coffee lovers who want the full Starbucks brewed coffee experience without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Quick Facts (2026)

What Is Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast?

The Decaf Pike Place Roast is the decaffeinated version of Starbucks’ most iconic and widely served brewed coffee. Pike Place Roast has been the standard drip coffee at every Starbucks store since 2008, and the decaf version delivers the same smooth, balanced, medium-roast flavor with approximately 97% of the caffeine removed. It is brewed fresh throughout the day at most locations, ensuring you get a hot, properly extracted cup of coffee.

The decaffeination process uses either the Swiss Water Process or a similar method that removes caffeine while preserving the bean’s natural oils and flavors. The result is a cup that tastes remarkably close to the regular Pike Place Roast, with its signature notes of rich chocolate, toasted nuts, and a subtle citrus brightness in the finish. Most customers cannot tell the difference between the regular and decaf versions in a blind taste test.

Decaf Pike Place is the go-to choice for coffee lovers who want the Starbucks brewed coffee experience without the stimulating effects of caffeine. Whether you are drinking coffee in the evening, managing caffeine intake for health reasons, or simply prefer decaf, this roast delivers the full-bodied flavor and aroma that makes brewed coffee satisfying.

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Price 2026 (All Sizes)

What Affects Pricing?

Decaf Pike Place is priced identically to the regular Pike Place Roast, making it one of the most affordable drinks at Starbucks. Brewed coffees are always the cheapest option on the menu. Prices vary slightly by location. Adding milk, cream, or sweetener at the condiment bar is free. Asking for alternative milks steamed or added by the barista may incur a small charge.

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Calories by Size

Black Decaf Pike Place has only 5 calories per serving regardless of size, making it one of the lowest-calorie beverages at Starbucks. These calories come from trace oils and compounds naturally present in roasted coffee. Adding cream, sugar, or milk at the condiment bar will increase calories. A tablespoon of half-and-half adds about 20 calories, and a packet of sugar adds about 15.

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Nutrition Facts (Grande, Black)

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Caffeine Content

Decaf does not mean zero caffeine. The decaffeination process removes approximately 97% of the caffeine, leaving a small residual amount. A Grande contains roughly 15-25 mg, compared to 310 mg in a regular Grande Pike Place Roast. This trace caffeine is too small to produce noticeable stimulant effects for most people but may still be relevant for those with extreme caffeine sensitivity.

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Ingredients

Core Ingredients

• Decaffeinated Coffee Beans: 100% Arabica beans from Latin America, decaffeinated before roasting
• Water: Filtered water used for brewing

The ingredient list could not be simpler: decaf coffee beans and water. No additives, no preservatives, no flavoring. The beans are sourced from Latin American growing regions and roasted to a medium level that brings out chocolate and nut flavors while maintaining a smooth, balanced body.

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Allergen Information

Black Decaf Pike Place Roast is free of all major allergens. It contains no dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, or shellfish. It is vegan and suitable for virtually all dietary restrictions when consumed black. Adding dairy milk, cream, or flavored syrups introduces potential allergens.

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Flavor Profile and Taste Review

Decaf Pike Place tastes remarkably close to its caffeinated counterpart. The medium roast delivers a smooth, well-rounded body with prominent notes of milk chocolate and roasted hazelnuts. There is a subtle citrus acidity in the mid-palate that adds brightness and prevents the coffee from tasting flat. The finish is clean and slightly sweet, with a lingering warmth that makes each sip satisfying.

The decaffeination process can sometimes strip subtle flavors from coffee beans, but Starbucks’ method preserves the Pike Place character well. Side by side with the regular version, you might notice slightly less complexity in the finish, but the core flavor profile is intact. For a decaf brewed coffee, the quality is among the best you will find at any major coffee chain.

Who Will Love It

• Coffee lovers who want full flavor without caffeine
• Evening coffee drinkers who do not want sleep disruption
• People managing caffeine intake for health reasons (pregnancy, heart conditions, anxiety)
• Customers who simply prefer decaf and want a quality medium roast
• Anyone looking for the cheapest, lowest-calorie drink at Starbucks

Who Might Not Like It

• People who need caffeine for energy
• Those who prefer bold, dark-roasted coffee
• Customers who want flavored or sweetened drinks

Is Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Worth It in 2026?

At $3.45 for a Grande, Decaf Pike Place is one of the best values at Starbucks. You get a full 16 ounces of freshly brewed, medium-roast coffee for less than most bottled waters cost at airport stores. The quality is consistent, the flavor is satisfying, and the price is fair. For decaf drinkers, there is no better deal on the Starbucks menu.

Compared to a decaf espresso drink ($5-7), the brewed Decaf Pike Place is dramatically cheaper while providing a larger volume of coffee. If you enjoy black coffee or coffee with just a splash of cream, this is the most economical and satisfying choice.

Decaf Pike Place vs Regular Pike Place vs Decaf Espresso

Decaf Pike Place and Regular Pike Place are priced identically but differ dramatically in caffeine. The decaf version retains the flavor at a fraction of the stimulant effect. Decaf espresso provides a more concentrated, shorter decaf coffee experience but at less volume and higher price per ounce.

How to Order Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast (2026)

In-Store Order

Say “Grande Decaf Pike Place” or “Grande decaf brewed coffee.” The barista will pour from the decaf brewer. If the decaf is not currently brewed (lower demand periods), they may offer to make a pour-over, which takes 4-5 minutes but results in an even fresher cup.

Mobile App Tips

Search for Decaf Pike Place in the Starbucks app under Brewed Coffee or Hot Coffee. Select your size and any cream/sweetener preferences. Note that decaf availability may vary by time of day at some locations.

Best Decaf Pike Place Customizations (Popular Orders 2026)

Splash of Cream

Add a splash of half-and-half from the condiment bar for free. This adds about 20 calories and creates a richer, smoother cup that reduces any bitterness.

Vanilla Syrup (1-2 pumps)

Add 1-2 pumps of vanilla syrup for a lightly sweetened version. This adds about 20-40 calories and 5-10g sugar but creates a pleasant vanilla-coffee combination.

Cinnamon Sprinkle

Shake cinnamon from the condiment bar onto your decaf for zero-calorie flavor enhancement. Cinnamon complements the chocolate notes in Pike Place beautifully.

Honey

Add a pump of honey blend for a more natural sweetness that pairs well with the nutty, chocolatey Pike Place profile. Honey adds about 30 calories per pump.

Is Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Healthy?

Health Pros

• Only 5 calories when consumed black
• Zero sugar, zero fat, zero carbs black
• Contains antioxidants from coffee polyphenols
• Minimal caffeine (15-25 mg) safe for most caffeine-sensitive individuals
• No artificial ingredients

Health Cons

• Still contains trace caffeine (not truly zero)
• Adding cream and sugar significantly increases calories
• Coffee can aggravate acid reflux in some individuals
• Decaffeination process, while safe, involves chemical or water processing

Healthiest Ways to Drink It

• Drink it black for the absolute lowest calorie option (5 cal)
• Use a splash of nonfat milk instead of cream for fewer calories
• Choose natural sweeteners like honey over sugar packets
• Drink 1-2 cups per day for the antioxidant benefits without overconsumption

Best Food Pairings with Decaf Pike Place Roast

Decaf Pike Place is a versatile pairing partner that works with virtually any food on the Starbucks menu. A Butter Croissant is the classic morning coffee companion. An Egg, Pesto and Mozzarella Sandwich provides a hearty breakfast alongside the smooth, medium-roast coffee. For afternoon enjoyment, a slice of Pumpkin Bread or Banana Nut Bread brings out the nutty, chocolatey notes in the Pike Place profile.

How to Make Decaf Pike Place at Home

DIY Recipe

1. Purchase Starbucks Decaf Pike Place ground coffee or K-Cups from the grocery store
2. For drip brewing: use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of filtered water
3. Brew at 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal extraction
4. Serve hot and enjoy black or with your preferred additions
5. For iced: brew double-strength (4 tablespoons per 6 oz), cool slightly, then pour over a full glass of ice

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place is widely available at grocery stores for about $10-12 per 12 oz bag, yielding approximately 40 cups. That is about $0.25-0.30 per cup at home versus $3.45 at the store. The at-home version tastes very close to the in-store brew when you use the correct coffee-to-water ratio and proper water temperature.

Customer Favorites and Popular Feedback

Decaf Pike Place is appreciated by a loyal but quiet customer base. Decaf drinkers praise the fact that Starbucks offers a quality decaf brewed coffee that tastes like real coffee rather than a watered-down afterthought. The availability throughout the day is a significant selling point, as many coffee shops only brew decaf in the morning.

The most common complaint is that some locations do not keep decaf brewed continuously, requiring a pour-over that adds wait time. Some customers wish Starbucks offered more decaf variety (like a decaf blonde or decaf dark roast) in the brewed coffee lineup. But for a simple, reliable decaf cup, Pike Place delivers.

How to Save Money on Decaf Pike Place Roast

• Already one of the cheapest drinks: At $2.95-3.65, brewed coffee is the best value at Starbucks
• Free refills: Starbucks Rewards members get free refills of brewed coffee (including decaf) during the same visit
• Buy the beans: A bag at the grocery store costs $10-12 and makes ~40 cups ($0.25-0.30 each)
• Condiment bar: Cream, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla powder are free at the condiment station

Frequently Asked Questions About Decaf Pike Place Roast

Does decaf Pike Place have any caffeine?

Yes, a small amount. Decaf is not caffeine-free. A Grande contains approximately 15-25 mg of caffeine, compared to 310 mg in regular Pike Place. This trace amount is negligible for most people but may matter for those with extreme caffeine sensitivity.

Is decaf Pike Place always available?

Most locations brew decaf Pike Place throughout the day, but some may stop brewing it during slower periods. If it is not currently brewed, the barista can make a pour-over (takes 4-5 minutes) for a fresh cup.

Does it taste the same as regular Pike Place?

Very close. The core flavor profile of chocolate, nuts, and subtle citrus is preserved. In blind taste tests, most people cannot distinguish between regular and decaf Pike Place. There may be a very slight reduction in complexity in the finish.

Is decaf coffee healthy?

Decaf coffee retains most of the antioxidants and health benefits of regular coffee. Studies show it may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and certain cancers, similar to regular coffee. The main difference is the absence of caffeine-related effects (energy, alertness, potential anxiety).

Can I get an iced decaf Pike Place?

You can ask for it iced. The barista will brew it hot (or use the already-brewed batch) and pour it over ice. For a more optimized iced version, ask for a pour-over at double strength to compensate for ice dilution.

How is Pike Place decaffeinated?

Starbucks uses processes that remove caffeine while preserving flavor. The specific method may vary, but common approaches include the Swiss Water Process (chemical-free, using water and osmosis) and solvent-based methods using ethyl acetate, a naturally occurring compound.

Final Verdict: Is Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast Worth It?

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast is the gold standard for chain-restaurant decaf coffee. It delivers a smooth, chocolatey, well-balanced medium-roast flavor at just 5 calories and $3.45 for a Grande. For decaf drinkers, it is the most affordable, most consistently available, and best-tasting decaf option on the Starbucks menu. With free refills for Rewards members and the same price as regular coffee, there is literally no penalty for choosing decaf. If you love coffee but want to limit caffeine, this is your drink.