Sticking to a keto diet doesn't mean you have to give up your favourite Starbucks drink. Here are some tips and tricks to help you order low-carb at Starbucks.
What to avoid
- Sugar: it's everywhere! Most drinks on the Starbucks menu come with sugar, including the classic syrup at Starbucks.
- Whipped cream: it's full of fat, but also full of sugar and carbs.
- Steamed milk: most Starbucks drinks use 1/2 to 1 cup of milk, so the carbs can add up.
What to ask for
- Heavy cream or almond milk: these are the lowest-carb milk options.
- Sugar-free syrups: Starbucks offers sugar-free vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon dolce, and caramel syrup.
- No classic syrup: the classic syrup contains sugar and is added to iced coffee and iced tea by default.
- Unsweetened tea: some teas and drinks are premixed with sugar, so be sure to ask for unsweetened tea or espresso shots.
Characteristics | Values | |
---|---|---|
Coffee Type | Brewed Coffee, Iced Coffee, Cold Brew, Caffe Americano, Nitro Cold Brew, Frappuccino, Espresso, Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino, Mocha, Chai Tea Latte, Cinnamon Dolce Latte, Blended Coffee, Double Shot on Ice, Iced Shaken Espresso, Iced Toasted Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Iced Flat White, Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte, Iced Latte, Café Misto, Café Latte, Café Au Lait, Espresso Con Panna, Espresso Macchiato, Blonde Vanilla Latte | Pike Place Roast, Blonde Roast, Dark Roast, Unsweetened, Light Ice, Decaf, Double Blended, Double Shot, Light Caramel Drizzle, Half Oatmilk & Half Almond Milk, Black Coffee, Tall, Grande, Short, Doppio |
Tea Type | Iced Tea, Hot Tea, Earl Grey Tea, London Fog, Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte, Iced London Fog Tea Latte, Unsweetened Iced Tea | Unsweetened, Light Ice, 2 Tea Bags, 4 Pumps Sugar-Free Syrup, Tall, Grande |
Add-Ins | Heavy Cream, Sugar-Free Syrup, Almond Milk, Whipped Cream, Half & Half, Coconut Milk, Milk, Artificial Sweetener, Light Splash, Vanilla Syrup, Cream, Sweetener, Stevia, Caramel Sauce, Skinny Mocha Sauce, Water, Cinnamon, Whole Earth Sweetener, Passion Tango Tea, Heavy Whipping Cream, Sugar, Ice, Vanilla Sweet Cream, Sweetener Packets, Classic Syrup, Frappuccino Base, Skinny Vanilla Syrup, Light Whipped Cream, Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Syrup, Light Splash Heavy Cream, Light Splash Almond Milk, Light Splash Cream, Light Drizzle, Peppermint Syrup, Chestnut Praline Syrup, Chestnut Praline Topping, Apple Brown Sugar Syrup, Light Heavy Cream |
What You'll Learn
Keto coffee basics
What to Avoid
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan. This means that when ordering a keto coffee at Starbucks, you'll want to avoid sugary syrups, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle. Most drinks on the Starbucks menu contain sugar, so it's important to be mindful of your choices.
Coffee-Based Beverages
When ordering a keto coffee at Starbucks, you can choose from a variety of coffee-based beverages, including iced coffee, cold brew, and Americano. To keep your drink low-carb, ask for no classic syrup and consider adding sugar-free sweeteners or a splash of heavy cream.
Dairy Options
If you want to add dairy to your coffee, opt for heavy cream, almond milk, or coconut milk. These options have a lower carb count compared to nonfat, two percent, or whole milk.
Sugar-Free Syrups
Starbucks offers sugar-free syrups, such as vanilla, hazelnut, and cinnamon dolce. However, keep in mind that each pump of sugar-free syrup contains around 1 gram of carbs, so be mindful of how much you add.
Customization
The best part about ordering at Starbucks is the endless customization options. You can make simple substitutions to create a keto-friendly drink. For example, swap milk for heavy cream or almond milk, and ask for sugar-free syrups instead of regular ones.
Tea-Based Drinks
In addition to coffee, Starbucks offers a variety of tea-based drinks that can be made keto-friendly. Opt for unsweetened iced tea or hot tea, and consider adding sugar-free sweeteners or a splash of heavy cream.
Food Options
While Starbucks has limited keto-friendly food options, you can try the Sous Vide egg bites or protein boxes that include nuts, hard-boiled eggs, and cheese.
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Keto coffee options
Iced Coffee
For a refreshing, low-carb drink, try an iced coffee with heavy whipping cream. You can also add sugar-free syrup to taste. To make it even more keto-friendly, ask for unsweetened almond milk instead of whipping cream.
Iced Shaken Espresso
For a bolder, creamier option, go for an iced shaken espresso. Substitute the milk with almond milk or heavy cream, and replace the classic syrup with sugar-free vanilla syrup. You can also add a packet of Whole Earth sweetener for extra sweetness.
Nitro Cold Brew
If you're looking for a smooth, naturally sweet coffee, the Nitro Cold Brew is a great choice. While it usually has zero carbs, you can add a splash of heavy cream and a couple of pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup for a richer, slightly sweeter drink.
Flat White
For a classic espresso-based drink, order a flat white with almond milk or heavy cream instead of whole milk. This simple substitution turns your flat white into a keto-friendly option with only 4 net carbs.
Frappuccino
You can still enjoy a Frappuccino while on a keto diet. Order an unsweetened iced coffee with extra ice and a hefty dose of heavy whipping cream. Add two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and blend it Frappuccino-style without any Frappuccino base or syrups.
Chai Tea Latte
For a spicy, warming drink, the Chai Tea Latte is a great choice. However, the traditional way it's made uses a concentrate that contains sugar. To make it keto-friendly, ask for two tea bags of chai tea in hot water, add a splash of heavy cream, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
This is a popular drink, especially during the winter months. The regular version is loaded with carbs and sugar, but you can make it keto-friendly. Order a Grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte with almond milk or heavy cream instead of 2% milk. Substitute the cinnamon dolce syrup with 3-4 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and ask for a generous sprinkle of cinnamon to get mixed into the drink.
Caramel Macchiato
The Caramel Macchiato is another beloved Starbucks drink that can be made keto-friendly. Order a Grande Caramel Macchiato with 3 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and a light drizzle of caramel sauce on top. This will give you a delicious drink with only 4 net carbs.
Café Misto
For a milky coffee drink, try a Café Misto. Order a Grande with almond milk instead of 2% milk, and you'll have a delicious, low-carb drink with just 2 carbs.
Café Latte
The Café Latte is a classic hot coffee/espresso drink that can be made keto-friendly. Order a Grande Café Latte brewed with 3/4 water and 1/4 heavy cream. Sweeten it with a few Whole Earth sweetener packets, and you'll have a creamy, sweet, and coffee-flavoured drink with only 2.5 carbs.
Espresso Con Panna
If you need a quick caffeine boost, the Espresso Con Panna is a great choice. It's a straight espresso shot that usually has under 4 net carbs. To make it even lower in carbs, order it with almond milk and light whipped cream, and it will have just 1 net carb.
These are just a few examples of the many keto coffee options available at Starbucks. With a few simple substitutions and customisations, you can enjoy your favourite drinks while sticking to your keto diet.
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Keto coffee customisations
Basics
- Ask for no classic syrup as it contains cane sugar.
- Ask for no whipped cream as it is full of sugar and carbs.
- Ask for no caramel drizzle.
- Ask for no steamed milk.
- Ask for no chai tea concentrate as it is loaded with sugar.
- Ask for no frappuccino base.
- Ask for no drizzles, whipped cream, or other temptations.
- Ask for no cinnamon dolce sprinkles.
- Ask for no bread or sauce/dressings with your sandwich.
Milk
- Ask for heavy cream, coconut milk, almond milk, or half heavy cream and half water instead of milk.
- Ask for unsweetened almond milk.
- Ask for half oat milk and half almond milk.
Syrups
- Ask for sugar-free vanilla, sugar-free hazelnut, sugar-free cinnamon dolce, sugar-free caramel, or sugar-free peppermint syrup.
- Ask for skinny mocha sauce.
- Ask for 1-4 pumps of syrup.
- Ask for 2 shots of syrup instead of a splash.
Sweeteners
- Ask for liquid stevia.
- Ask for 1-2 sweetener packets.
- Bring your own sweetener, e.g. Whole Earth sweetener.
Blending
Ask for your drink to be double blended.
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Keto tea options
Starbucks offers a variety of tea options that can be made keto-friendly with a few simple adjustments. Here are some tips and recommendations for ordering keto tea at Starbucks:
- Unsweetened Iced Tea: Order your iced tea unsweetened to make it keto-friendly. You can also add a few pumps of sugar-free syrup, such as sugar-free vanilla, to sweeten the brew without adding carbs.
- London Fog: A London Fog is typically made with Earl Grey tea, milk, and vanilla syrup. To make it keto-friendly, ask for sugar-free vanilla syrup and use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Chai Tea Latte: Instead of ordering a Chai Tea Latte, which is high in carbs due to the sugar syrups and milk, opt for a Chai Tea with a couple of splashes of heavy cream and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
- Green Tea Latte: For a keto-friendly Green Tea Latte, order a green tea bag (not the matcha) with a few pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and a splash of heavy cream.
- Passion Tango Iced Tea (Pink Drink): Ask for a grande Passion Tango Iced Tea with no classic syrup. Add two shots of heavy whipping cream and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
- Earl Grey Tea Latte: Order an Earl Grey tea with a pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup and heavy cream instead of milk.
- Peach Citrus White Tea (Keto White Drink): Order an unsweetened Peach Citrus White Tea with a splash of heavy cream and two to four pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
General Tips for Ordering Keto Tea:
- Sugar-Free Syrups: Starbucks offers sugar-free vanilla syrup as a keto-friendly sweetening option. Each pump contains around 1 gram of carbohydrates, so be mindful of how many pumps you add.
- Milk Alternatives: To reduce carbs, replace milk with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or heavy cream. Heavy cream will increase the calorie content, so use it sparingly.
- Artificial Sweeteners: If you prefer to sweeten your tea yourself, carry a low-carb sweetener like stevia with you and add it to your tea at Starbucks.
- Customizations: Don't be afraid to customize your tea order to make it keto-friendly. Ask for no classic syrup, skip the milk or choose low-carb alternatives, and add sugar-free syrup sparingly.
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Keto food options
While Starbucks is known for its extensive menu, the number of keto food options is limited. However, there are a few items you can order that are either keto-friendly or can be modified to fit your keto diet. Here are some keto food options to consider when ordering at Starbucks:
Sous Vide Egg Bites
The Sous Vide Egg Bites are a popular choice for keto dieters at Starbucks. While they are not completely carb-free, they are a good source of protein and can be a filling option. The Bacon and Gruyere variety has the lowest carb count, with only 9 grams of carbs per serving. The Egg White and Red Pepper bites have 13 grams of carbs, while the Ham, Cheddar, and Peppers variety is also acceptable for some keto diets. However, it's important to avoid the Chicken Chorizo Tortilla bites as they contain tortilla chips, which are not keto-friendly.
Breakfast Sandwiches (No Bun)
Starbucks offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches that can be ordered without the bun to reduce the carb count. For example, the Turkey Bacon and Egg White Breakfast Sandwich has only 2 grams of carbs when ordered without the English muffin. This can be a good option if you're looking for a filling breakfast that fits your keto diet.
Snack Trays
Starbucks offers a few snack trays that can work as keto-friendly options. The Creminelli Snack Tray features Italian dry salami and Monterey Jack cheese, providing a good source of protein and fat while being low in carbs. Another option is the Prosnax Carrots, White Cheddar Cheese, and Almonds Snack Tray, which offers a variety of fresh and crunchy options with minimal carbs. These trays can be a convenient choice when you're looking for a quick bite that fits your keto diet.
String Cheese
String cheese is always a good option for keto dieters, as it's high in fat and protein while being low in carbs. Starbucks offers string cheese as a grab-and-go option, making it a convenient snack to pair with your keto coffee order.
Country Archer Jerky
If you're looking for a savoury keto snack, Starbucks offers Country Archer jerky in two varieties: classic beef jerky and smoked turkey jerky. Both options are rich in flavour and provide only 5 grams of carbs per serving, making them a keto-friendly choice.
Moon Cheese
Moon Cheese is a crunchy, gluten-free snack made purely of cheese. It's high in protein and calcium, and each bag contains only about 4 to 5 grams of carbs. This can be a good option if you're looking for a crunchy, low-carb snack to satisfy your cravings.
While the keto food options at Starbucks are limited, these choices can help you stay on track with your keto diet while enjoying your coffee. Remember that you can always ask the baristas for modifications to fit your specific dietary needs.
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