The strawberry puree option appears in the customization menu after you select a drink

When you order through the Starbucks app, strawberry puree is not a preset choice on the main drink menu. Instead, you add it by customizing the drink after you've picked which one you want. The app shows customization options in a separate screen where you can modify syrups, sauces, and other add-ons — that's where strawberry puree lives.

The process takes about 30 seconds once you understand where to look. Most people miss it the first time because they expect to see "strawberry puree" listed as a drink option itself, like "Strawberry Frappuccino." It's not. It's a modifier you explore to whatever drink you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Strawberry puree is added through the customization menu, not selected as a main drink option.
  • You must choose your base drink first — any drink can have strawberry puree added to it.
  • The customization screen shows sauces and syrups in a scrollable list where strawberry puree appears.
  • Strawberry puree costs extra and the app shows the price before you pay.
  • If you don't see strawberry puree in your store's customization menu, that location may not stock it.

Step-by-step: adding strawberry puree to any drink

Open the Starbucks app and tap the menu icon at the bottom. Browse to any drink you want — a cold brew, a latte, a frappuccino, it doesn't matter. Tap on the drink name to open its details page.

On the drink details page, you'll see a button or section labeled "Customizations" or "Add-ons." Tap that. A new screen opens showing options for milk, temperature, size, and sauces. Scroll down through the sauces section until you see "Strawberry Puree." Tap it to add it. The app will show you a small checkmark or highlight next to strawberry puree once it's selected, and the price will increase by the cost of the add-on — usually between 50 cents and $1.25 depending on your location.

After you've added strawberry puree, review your drink one more time to make sure everything looks right. Then tap "Add to Bag" or the equivalent button. The drink now appears in your cart with strawberry puree included. Proceed to checkout and pay as normal.

Why strawberry puree doesn't show up in every store

Starbucks rotates seasonal items and limited offerings. Strawberry puree is not available year-round at every location. If you open the customization menu for a drink and don't see strawberry puree listed, your store either doesn't stock it right now or doesn't carry it at all.

You can call the store directly to ask whether they have strawberry puree in stock. The app doesn't tell you which add-ons are available at your specific location — it shows you what's theoretically possible, but the actual inventory varies. If your store doesn't have it, you can ask the barista at pickup whether they can substitute another fruit puree or syrup.

What happens if you order strawberry puree and the store is out

If you order a drink with strawberry puree and the store has run out, the barista will usually contact you through the app to let you know. They'll ask whether you want to substitute a different flavor, pay for a different add-on instead, or just remove the puree and make the drink as-is.

You won't be charged for the puree if they can't make it with that ingredient. The charge only goes through if the drink is made the way you ordered it. If you don't hear from the store and you pick up a drink without the puree you paid for, you can contact Starbucks support through the app to request a refund for the add-on.

Customizing strawberry puree drinks further

Once you've added strawberry puree, you can customize the drink even more. You can change the milk type, add extra shots of espresso, adjust the temperature, or add other syrups and sauces at the same time. Each customization shows its own price, and the app adds them all together before you check out.

A common combination is strawberry puree with a vanilla latte or a cold brew with extra ice. Some people add strawberry puree to a matcha latte or a pink drink. The app lets you layer as many customizations as you want, though adding too many flavors at once can make the drink taste muddled.

Troubleshooting: strawberry puree won't appear in customizations

If you've followed the steps and strawberry puree still doesn't show up in your customization menu, try closing the app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the menu doesn't load all available options on the first try.

If it still doesn't appear after you restart the app, your store doesn't currently have strawberry puree in stock or available for order. You can try a different Starbucks location, or ask the barista at your usual store when they expect to receive it next. Seasonal items usually come back on a predictable schedule, though Starbucks doesn't always announce the exact dates in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add strawberry puree to a hot drink?

Yes. Strawberry puree works in hot drinks, though it's more commonly ordered in cold drinks like cold brew, iced lattes, and frappuccinos. The puree will blend into a hot drink, but the flavor is usually more noticeable in cold beverages.

Does strawberry puree have added sugar?

Starbucks strawberry puree contains sugar. If you're watching your sugar intake, ask the barista about the exact amount or request a different customization. The app doesn't list nutritional information for individual add-ons, so you may need to ask in person or call the store.

What's the difference between strawberry puree and strawberry syrup?

Strawberry puree is thicker and made from actual strawberry fruit, while strawberry syrup is thinner and more heavily sweetened. Puree has a more intense strawberry flavor. Not all Starbucks locations carry both — check your customization menu to see which one your store offers.

Can I order strawberry puree if I'm not ordering a drink?

No. Strawberry puree is only available as an add-on to drinks through the app. You can't order it by itself or add it to food items.

Will the barista know what I mean if I just say "strawberry puree"?

Yes. Baristas are familiar with all the standard add-ons, including strawberry puree. If you order in person instead of through the app, you can straightforward ask for your drink with strawberry puree and they'll know exactly what you want.