Starbucks is renowned for its extensive menu, offering beverages and snacks that cater to diverse tastes. However, many of its options can be laden with calories, sugar, and fat. If you’re looking to make healthier choices while still enjoying your Starbucks favorites, this guide is for you. Below are 11 healthy Starbucks orders that strike a balance between taste and nutrition.
1. Iced Americano
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 0g
The Iced Americano is a simple yet refreshing choice. Made with espresso and water over ice, it’s naturally low in calories and free of sugar and fat. To add a touch of flavor, consider a splash of almond or oat milk and a pump of sugar-free syrup.
2. Caffè Misto
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 80 (with skim milk)
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 0g
The Caffè Misto combines freshly brewed coffee with steamed milk for a creamy and satisfying drink. Opt for skim, almond, or oat milk to keep the calorie count low while still enjoying the frothy texture.
3. Flat White with Almond Milk
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 4g
A Flat White made with almond milk provides a rich espresso flavor balanced with creamy almond milk. The natural nuttiness of almond milk complements the coffee while keeping the calorie and sugar content low.
4. Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almond Milk Foam
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 3g
Cold brew coffee is steeped slowly to create a smooth and bold flavor. Topping it with cinnamon almond milk foam adds a hint of spice and creaminess without significantly increasing calories.
5. Iced Green Tea (Unsweetened)
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 0g
For tea lovers, the unsweetened Iced Green Tea is a perfect choice. Packed with antioxidants, it’s refreshing, hydrating, and completely free of calories and sugar. Add a slice of lemon for extra zest.
6. Cappuccino with Oat Milk
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 2.5g
A classic cappuccino made with oat milk is frothy and flavorful. Oat milk adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess, making it a great alternative to traditional dairy options.
7. Shaken Espresso with Light Syrup
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 80 (with light syrup)
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 2g
The Shaken Espresso is a refreshing espresso-based drink with a robust flavor. To make it healthier, ask for light or sugar-free syrup and choose almond or skim milk to keep the calories in check.
8. Iced Passion Tango Tea (Unsweetened)
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 0g
This herbal tea blend is caffeine-free and bursting with fruity flavors like hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple. Opting for the unsweetened version keeps it calorie-free while delivering a refreshing burst of flavor.
9. Skinny Vanilla Latte
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 100 (for a tall size)
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 0g
A Skinny Vanilla Latte is a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavored latte. It’s made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup, making it a sweet and creamy treat without the excess sugar or fat.
10. Matcha Green Tea Latte with Almond Milk (Light Sweetener)
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 3g
Matcha is a powerhouse of antioxidants and offers a slightly earthy flavor. Request almond milk and light sweetener to enjoy this drink with fewer calories and less sugar while still indulging in its creamy texture.
11. Starbucks Refreshers (Light Sweetener)
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: 50 (for a tall size)
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 0g
Starbucks Refreshers, such as the Strawberry Açaí Refresher, are fruity and invigorating. Ask for light sweetener or half the standard amount of syrup to cut down on sugar while still enjoying the drink’s vibrant flavors.
Additional Tips for Healthy Starbucks Orders
- Customize Your Milk Options
Swap whole milk for almond, oat, or skim milk to reduce calories and fat. - Opt for Smaller Sizes
A tall drink (12 oz) is often enough to satisfy your craving without overindulging. - Skip the Whipped Cream
Whipped cream can add unnecessary calories and fat. Leave it off to keep your drink lighter. - Go Sugar-Free
Request sugar-free syrups to enjoy the same flavors without the added sugar. - Ask for Light Syrup
If you don’t want to go completely sugar-free, ask for fewer pumps of syrup to control sweetness and calories. - Choose Brewed or Iced Tea
Plain brewed or iced teas are calorie-free and make for a healthy and refreshing choice.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a healthy Starbucks order doesn’t mean compromising on flavor. By customizing your drink, choosing lighter options, and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy a satisfying Starbucks experience that aligns with your health goals. These 11 drinks are great starting points for making smarter choices without sacrificing the joy of your coffee run.