Sweet Cream Vanilla Cold Brew: A Keto Conundrum?

Vanilla sweet cream cold brew is a popular drink at Starbucks, but is it keto-friendly? The answer is yes and no. The original version of this drink is not keto-compliant due to the presence of vanilla syrup, 2% milk, and heavy whipping cream. However, with a few simple modifications, it can be made keto-friendly. By substituting unsweetened almond milk or just using heavy whipping cream, and requesting sugar-free vanilla syrup, you can enjoy a delicious keto-friendly version of this popular drink. Starbucks offers a sugar-free vanilla sweet cream cold brew, and there are also recipes available online for making your own at home. So, if you're on a keto diet and craving a sweet and creamy coffee fix, this drink can be a great option!

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

However, there are ways to modify the drink to make it keto-friendly. Instead of 2% milk, you can ask for unsweetened almond milk or just heavy whipping cream. Additionally, you can request sugar-free vanilla syrup to reduce the amount of sugar in the drink. By making these substitutions, you can enjoy a version of the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew that aligns with your keto diet.

It's important to note that even with these modifications, the resulting drink may not be completely keto-compliant. The final product will depend on the specific ingredients and proportions used by the barista. It's always a good idea to clarify your dietary restrictions and double-check the ingredients to ensure they meet your needs.

For those on a keto diet, it's generally recommended to avoid sugary drinks and opt for unsweetened or sugar-free alternatives. Heavy cream is often considered a better option than whipped cream, and it's crucial to specify your preference for no added sweeteners. While modifications can be made to certain drinks, some may be inherently difficult to make keto-friendly, such as Frappuccinos and smoothies.

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to ask the barista about the ingredients in your drink and make special requests to accommodate your dietary needs.

How to make keto-friendly Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks is not keto-friendly. However, you can ask for a few substitutions to make it keto-friendly.

Firstly, ask for unsweetened almond milk or just heavy whipping cream instead of 2% milk. Then, request sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of vanilla syrup.

If you want to make this drink at home, you can follow one of the four versions of the recipe outlined below.

Version 1 with Sugar-Free Syrups

Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar-free syrup to a glass. Then, add your cold brew coffee and ice. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened nut milk, and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. Once the sweet cream is mixed, pour it over your cold brew.

Version 2 with Half and Half

Get a glass and pour in the vanilla extract and monk fruit with the cold brew. Add ice. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of half and half, 1/8 teaspoon of liquid monk fruit, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once the sweet cream is mixed, pour it over your cold brew.

Version 3 with Powdered Sweetener

Follow the recipe for cold brew coffee. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of unsweetened nut milk, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once the sweet cream is mixed, pour it over your cold brew.

Version 4 Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup with Half and Half

Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar-free syrup to a glass. Then, add your cold brew coffee and ice. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sugar-free vanilla syrup and 4 tablespoons of half and half. Once the sweet cream is mixed, pour it over your cold brew.

Making Cold Brew Coffee

To make cold brew coffee, use medium-course ground coffee or a French press grind. Pour 1 cup of ground coffee into a container that will hold 4 cups of water. Add 4 cups of cool water, cover, and place in the fridge for at least 12 hours. After filtering out the coffee grounds, your cold brew coffee will be ready to use!

How to make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at home

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a delicious and creamy iced coffee drink. It is easy to make at home and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this refreshing beverage:

Ingredients:

• Coarsely ground coffee
• Water (filtered or tap water)
• Sugar (or a cup-for-cup sugar substitute)
• Vanilla bean (or vanilla extract)
• Milk (2% milk, or any dairy/non-dairy milk of your choice)
• Heavy Whipping Cream (or a vegan whipping cream substitute)
• Vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)

Step 1: Make the Cold Brew Coffee

Start by making the cold brew coffee. Mix cold water and coffee grounds in a large pitcher or jar. The ideal ratio is 1 cup of ground coffee to 4 cups of water. Let it sit overnight in the fridge for at least 12 hours, or up to 48 hours if you prefer a stronger brew.

Step 2: Strain the Cold Brew

When you're ready to serve, slowly pour the coffee through a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. This step ensures that your drink is smooth and free of any sediment.

Step 3: Make the Homemade Vanilla Syrup (Optional)

If you want to make your own vanilla syrup, add one part water to one part sugar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil while stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves. Then, add the vanilla bean (cut in half lengthwise) and reduce the heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Once cooled, remove the vanilla bean and stir in vanilla extract, if using. Store your homemade vanilla syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Step 4: Make the Sweet Cream

To make the sweet cream, simply mix together the milk, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla syrup. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. If you want a frothy texture, use an immersion blender or milk frother to mix the ingredients until they reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Now it's time to assemble your Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew! Fill a tall glass with ice and add 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup. Pour in 2 cups of cold brew coffee, then top it off with 1/4 cup of sweet cream. Give it a final stir, add a straw, and enjoy your delicious homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew!

Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer a stronger coffee flavour, adjust the coffee-to-water ratio or steep the coffee for a longer period.
• For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free milk and vegan whipping cream.
• To make a keto-friendly version, use unsweetened nut milk, sugar substitutes, and sugar-free vanilla syrup.
• Get creative with your toppings! Try adding a dollop of whipped cream, crumbled vanilla wafers, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Store any leftover sweet cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Make a large batch of cold brew coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to enjoy convenient coffee throughout the week.

How to make cold brew coffee

Cold brew coffee is simple to make at home and only requires coffee, water, and some way to filter the grounds from the water. It's also less bitter and less acidic than coffee made with hot water, and you can heat it up if you don't want iced coffee.

Ingredients

You'll need coarsely ground coffee and water. A common ratio is 1:2 coffee to water, or 1 1/2 cups of grounds for every 3 cups of water. This yields a strong coffee concentrate, so you can dilute it with milk or water before drinking.

Equipment

You'll need a container to hold your coffee and water. A Mason jar is a popular choice, but any container with a wide mouth will work. You'll also need something to filter the grounds from the water. Options include a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, paper filters, or a French press.

Method

• Place the coffee grounds in your container and pour in the water. Stir to combine.
• Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger it will be.
• After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. If using a Mason jar, place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and line it with cheesecloth or a paper filter. Then pour the coffee through the strainer.
• Store the strained coffee concentrate in the fridge.
• When you're ready to drink, fill a glass with ice and add equal parts coffee concentrate and water, or to taste. You can also add milk if desired.

Tips

• Freshly ground coffee beans will give you the best flavour.
• If you don't have a coffee grinder, you can grind your beans at the store or buy pre-ground coffee, but the flavour won't be as good.
• If you don't like your cold brew strong, dilute it with more water or milk.
• You can heat up cold brew if you don't want iced coffee. It won't ruin the smooth and subtle flavour.

Other keto-friendly options at Starbucks

Starbucks has a range of keto-friendly options, from coffee and tea to snacks. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Coffee

• Dark Roast Coffee (0g net carbs): A classic option with bold, robust flavours and no significant levels of macronutrients or vitamins and minerals.
• Espresso (1g net carb): A single or double shot of espresso has notes of caramel and is an effective way to get your caffeine fix without the extra calories.
• Americano (1-2g net carbs): Similar in taste to drip coffee, an Americano is an espresso topped up with hot water. Ask for a keto-friendly addition such as heavy cream, stevia, or cinnamon.
• Cold Brew (0g net carbs): Starbucks' cold brew is made by steeping coffee beans in cold water for 20 hours, resulting in a milder, slightly sweeter, and less bitter drink than traditional coffee.
• Nitro Cold Brew (0g net carbs): This drink is made by infusing cold brew with nitrogen, giving it a smooth, subtly sweet flavour and a velvety texture.
• Café Misto (2g net carbs): Also known as a café au lait, this drink is made with one part brewed coffee and one part steamed milk. Order with almond milk instead of 2% milk to keep it keto-friendly.
• Café Latte (2-2.5g net carbs): For a classic latte with a twist, order with almond milk or heavy cream instead of 2% milk, and sweeten with stevia or sugar-free vanilla syrup.
• Flat White (4-5g net carbs): This drink combines espresso shots with steamed milk. To make it keto-friendly, replace the milk with heavy cream or almond milk.
• Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte (4g net carbs): For a flavoured drink, try this latte with almond milk or heavy cream instead of 2% milk, and ask for sugar-free vanilla syrup.

Tea

• Unsweetened Iced Tea (0g net carbs): A refreshing option for a warm day. Ask for a few pumps of sugar-free syrup to sweeten the drink.
• Chai Tea (0g net carbs): A bold and distinctive blend of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and cardamom. Add a splash of heavy cream, almond milk, and stevia for a touch of decadence.
• Iced Black Tea (0g net carbs): Shaken with ice to infuse plenty of flavour, this simple drink can be customised with a splash of lemonade or a sprinkle of stevia.
• Iced Green Tea (0g net carbs): Infused with mint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass, this unsweetened drink is a refreshing choice.
• Iced Passion Tango Tea (0g net carbs): A tropical-inspired tea with notes of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple. Customise with stevia or a splash of lemonade.
• London Fog (4g net carbs): A tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, vanilla syrup, and steamed whole milk. To make it keto-friendly, replace the milk with heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use sugar-free vanilla syrup.

Snacks

• Sous Vide Egg Bites (8g fat, 12g protein, 11g carbs): A hot breakfast option that won't derail your keto diet.
• Creminelli Snack Tray (17g fat, 0g sugar): A combination of Italian dry salami and Monterey Jack cheese.
• Prosnax Carrots, White Cheddar, and Almonds Snack Tray (10g fat, 3g sugar): A hearty snack with a mix of carbohydrates and protein.
• String Cheese (6g fat, 0g sugar): A quick and convenient snack option with 6 grams of fat and no sugar.

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