Sweet Cream Cold Foam: A Keto Conundrum?

Starbucks' Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a no-go for keto dieters as it contains a lot of vanilla sweetener and 2% milk. The sweet cream itself is made with a mixture of heavy cream, 2% milk, and vanilla syrup, with only 1/5 of it being made of heavy cream. However, there are ways to modify the drink to make it keto-friendly. One option is to ask for the cold foam to be made with heavy cream instead of sweet cream and use sugar-free vanilla syrup. Another option is to make a keto-friendly version of the drink at home.

Starbucks' Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is not keto-friendly

The high sugar and carb content in the vanilla sweetener make it unsuitable for a keto diet. While heavy cream is keto-approved, whipped cream is not, and 2% milk also falls into the non-keto category.

If you're craving a Starbucks brew, there are some keto-approved options. You can order an Americano (iced or hot) with a splash of heavy cream, or a Latte with heavy cream and a sugar-free syrup. A Venti Americano with heavy cream and sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup is a good choice, as cinnamon dolce syrup is the only syrup that is truly keto-friendly.

When ordering at Starbucks, always clarify that you want no sweetener, as even the light versions of drinks like Frappuccinos are loaded with sugar.

Heavy cream is keto-approved, but whipped cream is not

Heavy cream is a keto-approved food, but whipped cream is not. Heavy cream is a high-fat, low-carb food that fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. It can be used in keto-friendly breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and baked goods. With a fat content of 36-40%, it is perfect for keto dieters as it can help them stay in a state of ketosis and burn fat as a primary fuel source.

However, whipped cream is not keto-friendly. Whipped cream is made by whipping heavy cream, and this process incorporates air into the cream, increasing its volume. This means that per serving, whipped cream has fewer calories and a lower fat content than the same amount of heavy cream. Whipped cream is often sweetened with sugar, further increasing its carbohydrate content and making it less suitable for a keto diet.

When following a keto diet, it is important to monitor your carbohydrate intake and choose foods that are high in fat and low in carbs. Heavy cream fits these criteria and can be used in a variety of keto-friendly dishes. However, it is important to consume it in moderation as it is a high-calorie food. Additionally, when purchasing heavy cream, check the nutrition label to ensure it does not contain any added sugars.

Overall, heavy cream is a versatile and keto-approved food, but whipped cream is not recommended for those following a keto diet due to its reduced fat content and potential for added sugars.

Starbucks' sugar-free vanilla syrup contains maltodextrin, which is not keto-friendly

Starbucks' sugar-free vanilla syrup is not keto-friendly as it contains maltodextrin, a sweetener with a higher glycemic index than sugar. This means that maltodextrin can cause an even greater increase in blood sugar levels than sugar itself, which is not ideal for those following a ketogenic diet. The goal of keto is to keep insulin levels low, and maltodextrin interferes with this by stimulating an insulin response that is greater than that of regular sugar.

While Starbucks' sugar-free vanilla syrup may be appealing to those looking for a sweet option while following a keto diet, the presence of maltodextrin means that it is not, in fact, a suitable choice. For those who are strict keto adherents, this information may be disappointing, as it limits their options at Starbucks. However, it is important to be aware of the ingredients in sugar-free products, as they may not always be as keto-friendly as they seem.

Some people may choose to consume the sugar-free vanilla syrup despite its maltodextrin content, either because they are unaware of its effects or because they prioritise the taste and convenience it offers. However, for those who are closely monitoring their blood sugar and insulin levels, avoiding this syrup may be the best choice.

It is worth noting that Starbucks does offer other sugar-free syrup options, such as the sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup, which does not contain maltodextrin. Additionally, there are keto-friendly sugar-free syrup options available from other brands, such as Torani, which can be purchased online or at some grocery stores. These alternatives can be used at home to create keto-friendly coffee drinks without the worry of maltodextrin interfering with ketosis.

Starbucks' sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup is keto-friendly

Starbucks' sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup is a great option for those following a keto diet and looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. While Starbucks no longer carries this syrup, there are alternative ways to customise your drink to make it keto-friendly.

Firstly, it's important to note that a keto diet typically includes drinks with 10g of total carbohydrates or less. Starbucks' classic syrup, which is added to iced coffee and iced tea by default, contains 20 grams of sugar. Therefore, it is crucial to ask for no classic syrup when ordering.

• Order with the mobile app to easily view your choices and customise your drink.
• Opt for a smaller drink size to keep the overall carb count lower.
• Avoid drinks with raw sugar, honey, or full-sugar syrups and sauces.
• Use low-carb add-ins such as almond milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream.
• Enhance your drink with spices, and if you want cold foam, ask for non-fat milk to be blended until smooth.

Now, let's talk about how to make a keto-friendly version of the popular Cinnamon Dolce Latte. Here's the recipe:

Keto Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons powdered monk fruit sweetener, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 12 ounces filtered water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:

• In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 1/4 cup heavy cream and 4 teaspoons monk fruit sweetener until whipped cream is formed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 teaspoons monk fruit sweetener, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk well and microwave until the mixture begins to bubble. Remove, stir, and microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
• In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, add espresso powder, and stir. Slowly pour the microwaved cream mixture into the saucepan while stirring.
• Pour the mixture into coffee mugs, top each with chilled whipped cream, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

This keto-friendly Cinnamon Dolce Latte has less than 5 grams of net carbs per serving, so you can indulge without worrying about carbs and sugar. Enjoy your delicious, keto-friendly drink!

How to make a keto-friendly salted cream cold foam cold brew

Ingredients:

• Ice
• Cold brew coffee
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Sugar-free vanilla syrup

Method:

• Add ice and cold brew coffee to a glass.
• In a blender, combine heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and sugar-free vanilla syrup (add more or less syrup depending on your taste preference).
• Blend on low for 30 seconds until the mixture is thickened and frothy.
• Pour the salted cream cold foam over the iced coffee.
• Enjoy!

Tips:

• If you don't have a blender, you can use a hand mixer or an immersion blender.
• If you want to save time, you can buy pre-made cold brew coffee.
• If you want to make your own cold brew from scratch, it is super easy and will save you money!
• Be sure to clarify "no sweetener" when ordering this drink at Starbucks, as their vanilla sweet cream cold brew contains a lot of vanilla sweetener and 2% milk.

Frequently asked questions