The 11 Most Health-Conscious Drinks You Can Order From Starbucks
Alas, you won't find a Frappuccino on this list
For millions of coffee lovers around the world, Starbucks isn't just a coffee shop—it's daily or weekly ritual. Whether Starbys is your your first stop every morning morning or your fave place for an afternoon pick-me-up, not all the beverage options are created equal. One Frappuccino is definitely not the same as a tall black coffee, neither in terms of taste nor nutrition. And same goes for tea drinks—a London fog is very different from a matcha latte, which is entirely different from an iced peach green tea.
The Starbucks beverage menu can get a bit overwhelming. After all, there are countless caffeinated (and non-caffeinated) beverage to choose from, and seemingly endless customization options. So when you're on the hunt for a pick-me-up that doesn't set you back calorie or sugar-wise as much as full-size dessert (we're looking at you, peppermint mocha), what selections are your best bet?
We've compiled a list of Starbucks drinks that are lower in calories, fat, and sugar, so you can still get the caffeine you crave without any of the extra stuff you don't want. And don't worry—there's no skimping on flavor here. You'll still have plenty of cinnamon, pumpkin, or vanilla to help you get through the day.
For starters, Bridget Wood, RD, LD, CDCES, and owner of Bridget Wood Wellness, recommends simply opting for a smaller size of your favorite seasonal latte or cold brew to help cut down on sugar and calories. Ordering through the Starbucks app allows you to customize your drink to your liking, so you can reduce the pumps of flavored syrup or ditch the whipped cream. "Starting with a black coffee base like an Americano allows you to control your ingredients from the beginning and keep the beverage within your health goals so you can have your coffee and drink it, too!" she says. Other healthy options can include swapping out whole milk for a non-dairy milk or opting for a sugar-free syrup.
For those in a rush or prefer ready-made options beyond plain coffee or tea, here are some healthier Starbucks beverages that still offer plenty of flavor.
Note: Nutritional information is based on grande beverages, unless otherwise noted.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Okay, this one is so good. The drink's got all the flavor with espresso, brown sugar, and cinnamon (sorry Sabrina, Starbs did it first). And with 150 calories, 15 grams of sugar, and 4.5 grams of fat, it's a solid option. You can lower the sugar content a bit by asking for two pumps of brown sugar syrup instead of the usual four.
Chai Tea Latte (sort of)
If you want the vibes of a Chai Tea Latte, but are looking to lower the calories (Starbucks' version typically has 240), order an organic chai tea with almond milk. It's only 60 calories.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Most of the cold brew flavors are relatively low in calories, sugar, and fat, but we love this one because it just tastes so damn good (unflavored cold brew clocks in at just 5 calories!). Coming in at 110 calories, 14 grams of sugar, and five gram of fat, this drink is a winner. You can cut down on the sugar by asking your barista for less vanilla flavoring or nixing the cream.
Caffè Misto
The Caffè Misto has 110 calories, 10 grams sugar, and 4 grams of fat. The classic drink uses a one-to-one ratio of coffee to milk, but swapping out that milk for a non-dairy option like oat-milk could help reduce the sugar count if that's a concern. You can even add a pump of syrup for more flavor, but ask for sugar-free if you want to keep the sugar content to a minimum.
Iced Passion Tango® Tea Lemonade
While you can't exactly cut back on the 11 grams of sugar in this refresher, it will only set you back 50 calories. Made with a blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, apple, and lemonade, this hand-shaken bevvy is a great option for those who aren't in the mood for coffee or tea.
Caffè Americano
As Wood said, it's hard to do better than a classic Caffè Americano. With only 15 calories, this coffee is made with espresso shots topped with hot water, which creates a slight creamy topping and packs in 225mg of caffeine. Pro tip: It also comes iced!
Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
Get all the caffeine (265 mg!!!) with only 70 calories, 4 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of fat.
Espresso Macchiato
This European-style espresso comes topped with steamed milk and foam, giving you that frothy sip you crave. Plus, it only clocks in at 15 calories, with zero fat or sugar in a Doppio size serving.
Espresso Con Panna
For a quick pick-me-up with a little something extra, go for the Espresso Con Panna. It's a classic espresso with a dollop of whipped cream and has 35 calories, no sugar, and 2.5 grams of fat in a Doppio serving size.
Iced Royal English Breakfast Latte
Clocking in at only 110 calories, this tea latte blends black tea with milk and ice for a refreshing sip. You can cut back on the 23 grams of sugar by asking for fewer pumps of syrup; the standard for this drink is four!
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Another great option for those who aren't into caffeine, this iced beverage combines the tropical flavors of mango and dragonfruit and is only 90 calories and 19 grams of sugar due to the real pieces of fruit.
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