There’s no doubt that Starbucks has some of the most delicious drinks around, but so many of their beverage options are loaded with calories. There are ways to navigate the drink menu without blowing your diet, while still enjoying the signature flavor that Starbucks has to offer. Your goal should be to keep the total drink calories under 100, keep your drink size small and only allow yourself one refill. We recommend knowing your triggers, so if adding sugar alternatives or milk gives you cravings, then avoid them.
If you’ve ever looked up the nutrition on popular Starbucks drinks, you know that some of them can really pack a punch calorie-wise. We did some research, a whole lot of taste testing and compiled six delicious drinks to fill your Starbucks cravings without sacrificing your precious macros!
Nonfat Americano Misto
If you’re a latte lover, a Nonfat Americano Misto is your new best friend. It’s the best of both worlds — fewer calories, without having to give up the creamy texture that a dash of milk just doesn’t cover.
Order: Nonfat Americano Misto
Customize with any sugar-free syrup or sweetener of your choice!
Macros in a Grande (16 oz.) 0F/10C/7P
Creamy Iced Coffee
Creamy Iced Coffee is our warm weather go-to for coffee lovers. A little milk goes a long way, so you won’t miss all the calories saved with this quick fix.
Order: Iced Coffee with nonfat milk
Customize with sugar-free syrups of choice. For something different, try cinnamon dolce!
Macros in a Venti (20 oz.) 0F/6C/4P
Fat-Free Frappe
Craving something a little frothier? This drink is not for the faint of heart, with four espresso shots, but it’s the perfect alternative to a carb-packed Frappuccino. Tip: Clarify that you do not want any Frappuccino base!
Order: Quad Espresso in a venti cup with nonfat milk and ask for it double blended.
Customize with sweetener of choice.
Macros in a Venti (20 oz.) 0F/5C/4P
Pumpkin Spice Latte Dupe
Our Pumpkin Spice Latte Dupe is a seasonal lifesaver for those who aren’t willing to shell out 50 carbs on a coffee. The perfect mix of sweetness, spice, and everything nice!
Order: Grande Nonfat Americano Misto with one pump sugar-free vanilla
Add in cinnamon, nutmeg and one Splenda.
(Grande 16 oz.) 0F/11C/7P
Iced Tea Lemonade
This refreshing Iced Tea Lemonade is zero calories and totally delicious. A tasty way to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Order: Any iced tea beverage, no classic syrup with one Splenda
Add in two squirts of lemonade Mio for another alternative.
Macros for every size 0F/0C/0P
Iced Skinny Mini Mocha
It’s hard to believe this decadent tasting drink is only 60 calories. Imagine a caffeinated chocolate milkshake… it’s that good.
Order: Iced Coffee with nonfat milk and ask for six pumps of sugar-free mocha.
Macros in a Venti (20 oz.) 0F/11C/4P
Need a bit more Inspiration?
Skinny vanilla lattes don’t taste like a low-calorie beverage, but when prepared with non-fat milk and sugar-free syrup they’re only 100 calories. If you need something sweet, a caramel frappuccino light blended drink fits the bill. You won’t believe this delicious drink fits into the diet category, but the combination of ice, non-fat milk and syrup put it under 100 calories. Sugar-free syrups and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg are also a good choice for adding to any hot or cold coffee. A nonfat cappuccino is another great substitute that will satisfy your cravings!
We know that sometimes you need a pick me up drink besides coffee, and it’s good to know that there are healthy alternatives at your local coffee shop! There are lots of options for cold, refreshing beverages at Starbucks, like a shaken Tazo iced tea. This refreshing drink is full of flavor with or without a dash of non-caloric sweetener. For exotic flavors, try the hibiscus or strawberry acai refreshers or the orange mango smoothies. You don't have to give up the flavors you love, you just need to know what to order.
More Low-Cal Starbucks and Coffee Shop Hacks
If you need caffeine to get you going, there are lots of options for going low-cal -- at the coffee shop or at home.
Start with your coffee base, whether it’s a four-shot espresso or a cup of strong, black coffee. The rules to remember are to control the fat and sugar, since that’s where all the unwanted calories come from. If you don’t like your coffee black, then opt for a dash of almond or coconut milk, which will give it a natural creaminess. Nonfat cappuccino is another great substitute that will satisfy your cravings.
Skinny vanilla lattes don’t taste like a low-calorie beverage, but when prepared with non-fat milk and sugar-free syrup they’re only 100 calories. If you need something sweet, then a caramel frappuccino light blended drink fits the bill. You won’t believe this delicious drink fits into the diet category, but the combination of ice, non-fat milk and syrup put it under 100 calories. Sugar-free syrups and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg are also a good choice for adding to any hot or cold coffee.
We know that sometimes you need a pick me up drink besides coffee, and it’s good to know that there are healthy alternatives at your local coffee shop! There are lots of options for cold, refreshing beverages at Starbucks, like a shaken Tazo iced tea. This refreshing drink is full of flavor with or without a dash of non-caloric sweetener. For exotic flavors, try the hibiscus or strawberry acai refreshers or the orange mango smoothies. You don't have to give up the flavors you love, you just need to know what to order.
Love coffee as much as we do? Here are some more general tips on how to track your latte.
Need more support and direction? When you sign up for Working Against Gravity, we’ll pair you with your own personal nutrition coach. You’ll have formal weekly check-ins with your coach, plus the ability to message them 24/7 anytime you need to chat.
