Healthiest Starbucks Drinks: A Guide to Guilt-Free Sips

As you and I both know, Starbucks has a massive selection of tasty drinks. Their customizable menu makes it so you can create an endless number of hot, iced, and blended coffees and teas.

The problem? Those drinks just aren’t healthy.

In fact, some of the unhealthiest (and most popular) drinks at Starbucks can top 50-100 grams of sugar.

Consider this your all-inclusive guide to ordering healthier drinks at Starbucks.

1. Brewed Coffee, Iced Coffee, and Cold Brew

Calories: 5 per 16 oz (Grande)

One of the simplest and healthiest choices at Starbucks is their brewed coffee.

Ordered black, it’s got virtually zero sugar and calories.

If you need an extra flavor kick, add a splash of unsweetened almond or coconut milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

2. Caffè Americano

Calories: 15 per 16 oz (Grande)

An Americano, made with espresso and hot water, is another awesome low-calorie option. It’s smooth, rich, and only slightly higher in calories than plain brewed coffee.

Add a bit of steamed milk for a creamier texture without significantly increasing the calorie count. Bonus points for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, which are both low in carbs, sugars, and calories.

3. Honey Almond Milk Flat White

Calories: 170 per 16 oz (Grande)

A Flat White traditionally comes with whole milk, but swapping it for almond milk can massively cut down on calories and fat.

If you need a little sweetness, we recommend requesting one pump of syrup or sugar free syrup. The default number for this Starbucks order is 4 pumps of Honey Blend Syrup, which adds more sugar.

4. Iced Shaken Espresso

Calories: 100 per 16 oz (Grande) with 2% milk

If you prefer iced coffee, the Iced Shaken Espresso is a great choice. It’s made with espresso shots, ice, and a splash of milk. Choose nonfat milk or unsweetened coconut or almond milk to keep it light. You can add oat milk for more flavor and creaminess, but oat milk is substantially higher in carbs.

5. Green Tea

Starbucks has a variety of teas, but its green teas stand out for their health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, green tea also has zero calories and provides a gentle caffeine lift.

Enjoy it hot or iced, and add a slice of lemon for extra flavor and zest.

Healthy Hot Teas

Chamomile Mint Blossom Green Tea: 5 calories per 16 oz (Grande)
Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea: 0 calories per 16 oz (Grande)
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Green Tea: 0 calories per 16 oz (Grande)

Healthy Iced Teas

Iced Peach Green Tea: 60 calories per 16 oz (Grande)

6. Matcha Green Tea Latte

Calories: 140 per 12 oz (Tall)

Matcha is known for its high antioxidant content and calming effects. A Matcha Green Tea Latte offers a creamy, slightly sweet beverage that’s both delicious and relatively low in calories compared to other flavored lattes. To cut more calories, fat, and sugar, swap the default 2% milk with nonfat, soy, coconut, or almond milk.

7. Iced Passion Tango Tea

Calories: 0 per 16 oz (Grande)

This herbal tea is delicious. It’s also caffeine-free and calorie-free. The Iced Passion Tango Tea is a blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple, making it a refreshing and flavorful choice. Be sure to skip the sweeteners to keep it healthy.

8. Nitro Cold Brew

Calories: 5 per 16 oz (Grande)

Nitro Cold Brew is a smooth, creamy coffee that’s infused with nitrogen for a rich texture. With just 5 calories, it’s a satisfying and low-calorie way to get your caffeine fix. Again, you can add a splash of low fat, coconut, or almond milk if you like a creamier drink.

9. Espresso Macchiato

Calories: 10 per 0.8 oz shot

If you enjoy strong, bold flavors, the Espresso Macchiato is a tiny but mighty option. Made with a shot of espresso and a dollop of steamed milk, it’s a quick, low-calorie option that packs a punch to get you through the day.

10. Blonde Caffè Latte

Calories: 190 per 16 oz (Grande)

For a slightly sweeter option, try a Caffè Latte with blonde espresso. Blonde espresso is lighter and slightly sweeter than regular espresso and adds a unique flavor while keeping the drink relatively low in calories. As with any milk option, choose something that’s lower in calories, carbs, and sugars.

Tips for Ordering Healthy Starbucks Drinks

If you need a sweet drink to get through the day, don’t fret. There are other things you can do when it’s time to make your order at Starbucks healthier:

Request smaller sizes
Choose plant-based milk alternatives or nonfat milk and sugar-free syrups
For iced drinks, ask for extra ice
Request fewer pumps of syrup
Add your own sweetener (we like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
Say no to whipped cream
Check the Starbucks website or app for nutritional information

Conclusion

Making healthier choices doesn’t mean sacrificing the flavor and sweetness of getting a drink at Starbucks.

The great thing about all the options Starbucks offers is that you can keep your flavor and creaminess while getting rid of all the unnecessary carbs, sugars, and calories.

Next time you’re at Starbucks, try one of these coffees or teas for a healthier start to your day.