Brenda Khan
Starbucks offers a range of low-calorie and low-sugar drinks for health-conscious consumers. While the menu includes beverages that are high in calories and sugar, there are many options for those with dietary concerns or those who want a healthier choice. Starbucks' healthier options include almond milk, sugar-free syrup, and natural sweeteners like cinnamon. The Nitro Cold Brew, Caffè Latte, and Caffè Misto are also healthier choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet-friendly drinks available | Yes |
| Low-calorie options | Yes |
| Low-sugar options | Yes |
| Sugar-free options | Yes |
| Milk choices | Yes |
| Plant-based milk options | Soy, almond, coconut, oat |
| Customizable drinks | Yes |
| "Skinny" versions of drinks | Yes |
| Sugar alternatives | Stevia, Equal, Splenda, Whole Earth Stevia Blend |
| Low-calorie tea options | Green tea, Iced black tea, Chai tea, Pineapple Kona Pop Brewed Tea, Teavana Shaken Ice Passion Tango Tea |
| Low-calorie coffee options | Brewed coffee, Americano, Blonde roast, Red Eye, Cappuccino, Caffè Latte, Caffè Misto, Nitro cold brew, Espresso |
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What You'll Learn
Starbucks' low-calorie drinks
Starbucks offers a variety of low-calorie drinks, including coffee, tea, and other beverages. Here are some options to consider:
Coffee-Based Drinks
- Black Coffee: A classic option with no added calories.
- Skinny Vanilla Latte: A popular choice, available hot or cold, made with nonfat milk and a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia.
- Cappuccino: Opt for whole milk or plant-based milk like soy, coconut, or almond milk to reduce calories.
- Red Eye: An espresso shot added to your coffee for an extra boost without increasing the drink size.
- Flat White: Made with espresso and whole milk, it's naturally low in carbs and provides 9 grams of protein.
- Macchiato: Choose the Doppio Espresso Macchiato with 2% milk and two shots of espresso for a minimal 15 calories.
- Cold Brew: Naturally higher in caffeine, cold brew has only 5 calories on its own, and 35 calories with cold foam.
- Iced Coffee: Starbucks offers a variety of low-calorie iced coffee options, including the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew and Irish Cream Cold Brew.
Tea-Based Drinks
- Teavana Shaken Ice Passion Tango Tea: Ask for the unsweetened version of this fruity tea to avoid added sugar.
- Pineapple Kona Pop Brewed Tea: A zesty, low-calorie tea option with brewed-in flavor.
- Chai Tea: Order a plain chai tea and customize it with sugar-free vanilla syrup.
- Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade: A refreshing, dairy-free and caffeine-free option with only 50 calories for a grande size.
- Unsweetened Green Tea: Add freeze-dried fruit for a burst of flavor without the calories.
Other Low-Calorie Options
- Ombré Pink Drink: Made with a coconut milk base, this pretty beverage has only 100 calories for a grande.
- Violet Drink: A guilt-free dessert-like drink full of blackberries and creamy coconut milk.
- Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refreshers: A caffeine-boosted twist on the classic Refreshers, flavored with strawberries, passion fruit, and açaí.
- Iced Energy: Sugar-free and available in Venti, these drinks contain only 10 calories and provide a caffeine kick.
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Starbucks' low-sugar drinks
Starbucks is known for its sugary drinks, but it is possible to order healthier options with less sugar.
One way to reduce sugar intake is to ask for the “skinny” version of drinks, which are made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. For example, a skinny coffee-based Frappuccino has 100 calories compared to the standard version, which has 240. You can also ask for sugar-free vanilla syrup or cinnamon dulce syrup, which have no calories.
Another option is to reduce the number of pumps of syrup or sauce in your drink. A standard grande flavored coffee includes four pumps, but you can ask for fewer pumps to cut down on sugar and calories. Choosing three pumps will save you 20 calories, and going "half-sweet" with only two pumps will save you 40 calories.
If you're looking for a drink with no added sugar, an Americano is a good option. It's made with just espresso and water, and has only 5 calories and no sugar. You can add a splash of plant-based milk, but keep in mind that this will add some sugar, depending on the type of milk you choose. Almond milk is the lowest-sugar option, followed by coconut or oat milk.
Hot tea is another drink option with no added sugar. Most of the hot tea options at Starbucks fall under the no-sugar umbrella, including the hot chai tea. Just be sure to avoid the chai latte, which has more sugar and calories.
Some other low-sugar drink options at Starbucks include:
- Iced tea (not refreshers)
- Black coffee
- Brewed coffee
- Cappuccino (made with whole milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or almond milk)
- Pineapple Kona Pop Brewed Tea
- Caffè Latte (almond milk version)
- Ombré Pink Drink
- Violet Drink
- Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refreshers
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Starbucks' sugar-free drinks
Starbucks offers a variety of sugar-free drinks, including sugar-free syrups and naturally low-sugar options. Here are some ways to make your Starbucks drink sugar-free or low-sugar:
Sugar-Free Syrups
Starbucks offers sugar-free syrup options, such as sugar-free vanilla and cinnamon dulce. These syrups have no calories, so you can add them to your beverage without increasing the sugar content.
Low-Sugar Milk Choices
Opting for unsweetened plant-based milk is a great way to reduce sugar in your drink. Almond milk is a popular choice as it has the fewest calories of any plant-based or dairy milk at Starbucks, with 7.5 per ounce. Other plant-based options include soy, coconut, and oat milk. If you prefer dairy milk, nonfat milk is a good choice, with only 12 calories per ounce.
Customise Your Order
Customising your order can help reduce sugar. For example, you can request fewer pumps of syrup or ask for sugar-free syrup in your drink. If you enjoy flavoured coffee, reducing the number of pumps from four to three or two can save you 20 to 40 calories. You can also skip the whipped cream and ask for nonfat milk to further reduce the sugar and calorie content.
Naturally Low-Sugar Options
Plain coffee or tea is always a good choice for a naturally low-sugar option. Iced black tea, for example, has a bold flavour and is served without added sugars. Green tea is another healthy option, offering natural antioxidants and minimal calories. If you're looking for something with a bit more flavour, the Teavana Shaken Ice Passion Tango Tea can be ordered unsweetened, as the fruity flavour is already packed with zest.
"Skinny" Versions
Starbucks offers "skinny" versions of many drinks, which are made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. For example, a skinny coffee-based Frappuccino has 100 calories compared to the regular version, which has 240 calories.
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Starbucks' drinks with plant-based milk
Starbucks offers a variety of drinks with plant-based milk, catering to different tastes and preferences. The company aims to expand its plant-based choices, contributing to its sustainability goals and providing customers with more options. As of 2023, Starbucks has introduced new and seasonal drinks with non-dairy milk as the standard recipe, and its permanent menu offers eight beverages with non-dairy milk.
Starbucks Drinks with Plant-Based Milk Options
Starbucks currently offers five plant-based milk alternatives: soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, and non-dairy vanilla sweet cream. These options are gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
Soy Milk
Soy milk at Starbucks is sweetened with evaporated cane juice and vanilla flavor, making it the sweetest plant-based milk option with 13 grams of sugar per cup. It is also the highest in calories among the plant-based options, with 16.25 calories per ounce.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a rich and fatty alternative made from coconuts. Starbucks uses its own brand, Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk, which has a coconut cream base and added natural flavors. Coconut milk is well-suited for cold or iced beverages, as it doesn't foam well but adds a creamy texture. It contains 7 grams of added sugar per cup and 14.75 calories per ounce.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is made from almonds and filtered water and is a popular choice for those seeking a plant-based option with the lowest calories. It is used in Starbucks' signature drinks like the Honey Almondmilk Latte and the Almond Milk Honey Flat White. With 5 grams of added sugar per cup, almond milk has 7.5 calories per ounce.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is slightly sweeter and creamier than other plant-based options, resembling dairy milk more closely. It foams well and is featured in drinks like the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso and the Oat Milk Honey Latte. While oat milk is not technically sweetened, it contains 7 grams of added sugar per cup and 15 calories per ounce.
Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream
Starbucks also offers a nondairy version of its vanilla sweet cream, which is used as a sweetener in drinks like cold brew and iced coffee.
Customization Options
In addition to these standard offerings, customers can customize any beverage with a non-dairy milk option for an additional charge. Starbucks Rewards members can also redeem 25 stars to substitute non-dairy milk in any beverage where it is not part of the standard recipe.
Diet-Friendly Drink Options at Starbucks
When it comes to diet-friendly drink options at Starbucks, here are some suggestions:
- Opt for brewed coffee, tea, espresso, or cappuccino.
- Choose low-calorie options like the Ombré Pink Drink (coconut milk base), Violet Drink (with blackberries and coconut milk), or Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refreshers.
- Request the "skinny" versions of drinks, which are made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. For example, a skinny Frappuccino has 100 calories instead of 240.
- Use healthy add-ons like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor without adding sugar.
- Try the Skinny Vanilla Latte, but skip the added pumps of sweetener and use Stevia instead.
- Go for a Caffè Latte or an Almond Milk Latte, which is foamy yet easier on the waistline.
- Ask for fewer pumps of syrup in your flavored coffee to reduce calories.
- Choose sugar-free options like sugar-free vanilla and cinnamon dulce to maximize flavor without adding calories.
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Starbucks' drinks with non-dairy milk
Starbucks offers a variety of non-dairy milk options for its drinks, including soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. These alternatives are suitable for customers who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a different flavour. In late 2024, Starbucks dropped the surcharge for non-dairy milk alternatives in company-owned stores in the US and Canada, making it more affordable and accessible for customers to customise their drinks. This change was implemented at about 60% of their locations, with franchise owners having the choice to keep or remove the upcharge.
The non-dairy milk options at Starbucks can be used in a variety of drinks. For example, a simple caffè latte can be made with almond milk, which has fewer calories than dairy milk. The Ombré Pink Drink and Violet Drink are also popular choices, made with a coconut milk base and packed with fruity flavours. For those who enjoy tea, the Pineapple Kona Pop Brewed Tea is a zesty and low-calorie option. Starbucks also offers sugar-free vanilla and cinnamon dulce syrups, allowing customers to customise their drinks without adding extra calories.
In addition to their classic drinks, Starbucks has introduced innovative non-dairy options. The Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado, for instance, was crafted specifically for non-dairy customers, offering an espresso-forward beverage with a unique twist. They have also launched a new nondairy sweet cream, made with a combination of oat milk and soy milk, which can be used in their vegan cold brew drinks. These drinks include options such as the vanilla sweet cream cold foam and the chocolate cream.
For customers who are mindful of their calorie intake, Starbucks provides a range of hacks to make their drinks healthier. In addition to choosing non-dairy milk, customers can request the "`skinny`" versions of drinks, which are made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. Reducing the number of syrup pumps in flavoured drinks is another way to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavour. Choosing three pumps instead of the standard four saves 20 calories, while going "half-sweet" with only two pumps saves 40 calories.
Overall, Starbucks offers a diverse range of drinks that can be customised with non-dairy milk alternatives. With options to suit various dietary preferences and taste buds, customers can enjoy their favourite beverages while exploring different flavours and staying mindful of their health goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Starbucks offers a range of low-calorie, low-sugar, and sugar-free drinks.
Starbucks offers a variety of low-calorie drinks, including:
- Brewed Coffee
- Americano
- Cappuccino
- Caffè Latte
- Caffè Misto
- Nitro Cold Brew
- Iced Latte
- Ombré Pink Drink
- Violet Drink
- Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refreshers
- Pineapple Kona Pop Brewed Tea
Starbucks offers a variety of low-sugar drinks, including:
- Iced Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Chai Tea Latte with Almond Milk
- Caffè Misto with Oat Milk
- Caffè Latte with Almond Milk
Here are some tips to make your Starbucks drink healthier:
- Choose a “skinny" version of your drink, which is made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream.
- Use natural sweeteners like cinnamon or nutmeg instead of syrup.
- Opt for lighter milk options like non-fat dairy or non-dairy alternatives such as almond or oat milk.
- Reduce the number of pumps of syrup or flavoured sweetener.
