Starbucks offers a variety of delicious drinks, but many of them are loaded with sugar and calories. If you’re looking for a lighter option that won’t derail your health goals, you can still enjoy your favorite coffeehouse treats by making a few simple modifications. Here are the best low-calorie Starbucks drinks you can order guilt-free.
1. Caffè Americano
A Caffè Americano is simply espresso mixed with hot water, making it one of the lowest-calorie drinks on the menu. It has a rich, bold flavor without added sugar or milk.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz): 15 calories
How to Order:
- Order a Caffè Americano (hot or iced).
- Add a splash of milk or a sugar-free syrup if desired.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Virtually no calories
- High in caffeine for an energy boost
- Customizable with low-calorie add-ins
2. Iced Black Coffee
Iced coffee is a refreshing, zero-calorie drink when ordered without added syrups or milk. It’s perfect for those who love a strong coffee flavor.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz): 5 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for an Iced Coffee, Unsweetened
- Add a splash of milk or sugar-free vanilla syrup for extra flavor
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Low in calories and carbs
- Naturally refreshing
- Easy to customize
3. Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew is smoother and less acidic than traditional iced coffee, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a milder taste. When ordered black, it has almost no calories.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz): 5 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for a Cold Brew, Unsweetened
- Add a splash of almond milk or a pump of sugar-free syrup if desired
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Naturally smooth and slightly sweet
- High in caffeine for sustained energy
- Almost zero calories
4. Iced Shaken Espresso (Sugar-Free Option)
This drink provides a balanced espresso flavor with a slightly frothy texture. It’s a great option for those who like a bold coffee taste.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz) with almond milk and no classic syrup: 50 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for an Iced Shaken Espresso
- Replace classic syrup with sugar-free vanilla syrup
- Choose almond or nonfat milk for fewer calories
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Low in calories with a creamy texture
- Provides a good caffeine boost
- Easily customizable
5. Flat White with Almond Milk
A Flat White is a velvety espresso-based drink traditionally made with steamed whole milk. Opting for almond milk significantly cuts calories.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz) with almond milk: 80 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for a Flat White with almond milk
- Skip the added sweeteners for a lower-calorie drink
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Creamy and smooth
- Lower in calories than the regular version
- Naturally slightly sweet without sugar
6. Skinny Vanilla Latte
A classic Starbucks favorite, the Skinny Vanilla Latte uses nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup to keep calories low.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz): 100 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for a Skinny Vanilla Latte
- Made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- A creamy, slightly sweet treat
- Low in sugar and fat
- Great for those who prefer a milky coffee
7. Iced Matcha Tea Latte (Light Version)
Matcha is packed with antioxidants and provides a steady energy boost without the crash of coffee. Ordering it with almond milk and less sweetener makes it a lower-calorie choice.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz) with almond milk and half the classic syrup: 120 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for an Iced Matcha Tea Latte
- Replace 2% milk with almond milk
- Ask for half the usual pumps of classic syrup
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Contains antioxidants and metabolism-boosting properties
- Lower in sugar than the regular version
- Provides a smooth caffeine boost
8. Chai Tea Latte (Light Version)
The classic Chai Tea Latte is delicious but high in sugar. Asking for fewer pumps of chai and choosing almond or nonfat milk helps reduce the calorie count.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz) with almond milk and 2 pumps of chai instead of 4: 100 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for a Chai Tea Latte with almond milk
- Request only 2 pumps of chai instead of 4
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Warm and comforting
- Lower in sugar with modifications
- Contains antioxidants from black tea
9. London Fog Tea Latte (Light Version)
This Earl Grey-based drink is smooth, slightly sweet, and naturally lower in calories when made with modifications.
Calories:
- Grande (16 oz) with almond milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup: 90 calories
How to Order:
- Ask for a London Fog Tea Latte
- Replace 2% milk with almond or nonfat milk
- Swap vanilla syrup for sugar-free vanilla syrup
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Light and refreshing
- Lower in sugar
- Naturally flavorful from Earl Grey tea
Enjoying Starbucks doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health goals. By making simple modifications like choosing unsweetened options, using almond or nonfat milk, and swapping regular syrups for sugar-free versions, you can enjoy delicious drinks with fewer calories. Next time you visit Starbucks, try one of these guilt-free drinks for a lighter yet satisfying treat.
FAQs
How can I make my Starbucks drink lower in calories?
Choose unsweetened options, replace whole milk with almond or nonfat milk, and opt for sugar-free syrups instead of classic syrup.
Can I order a Frappuccino with fewer calories?
Yes, ask for a “Light” Frappuccino, which uses nonfat milk and no whipped cream, or order a blended iced coffee with sugar-free syrup.
What is the best low-calorie Starbucks drink for weight loss?
Cold Brew or Iced Black Coffee are great options as they have almost no calories and no added sugar.
What is the lowest-calorie Starbucks drink?
A Caffè Americano (15 calories) is the lowest-calorie drink at Starbucks when ordered black.
