Barista Offers 10 Ways to Make a Low-Calorie Healthy Starbucks Drink

If you love sipping on Starbucks drinks but want to keep your calorie count low, you’re in luck! Not only are there plenty of healthy options on the menu, but savvy baristas have also shared some clever hacks to help you enjoy your favorite beverages without the guilt.

Here’s how to make your Starbucks experience healthier while savoring delicious flavors.

1. Understand Your Milk Choices

Starbucks offers a variety of milk options, including dairy and plant-based choices. If you aim to cut calories, consider switching to almond milk, which has only 7.5 calories per ounce, making it the healthiest option. Here’s a quick comparison of the calorie counts for different types of milk at Starbucks:

Almond Milk: 7.5 calories/oz
Nonfat Milk: 12 calories/oz
2% Milk: 17 calories/oz
Soy Milk: 16.25 calories/oz (note that this contains added sugar)
Coconut Milk: 14.75 calories/oz
Oat Milk: 15 calories/oz
Whole Milk: 18 calories/oz

By selecting lower-calorie milks, you can enjoy your drinks without as many calories.

2. Reduce the Syrup Pumps

Starbucks drinks often come with multiple pumps of flavored syrup, but you can take some of them! A standard grande coffee usually contains four pumps of syrup. By asking for three pumps, you can save around 20 calories. Going for just two pumps can cut your calorie intake by 40 calories while keeping the flavor you love.

3. Opt for Sugar-Free Flavors

Try Starbucks’ sugar-free syrups, such as sugar-free vanilla and cinnamon dulce, for an even healthier option. Both options contain zero calories, allowing you to enjoy flavor without the added sugar.

4. Skip the Whipped Cream

Whipped cream may be a delightful topping, but it can add 80 to 120 calories to your drink. You can quickly reduce calories by asking for your drink without whipped cream while enjoying a delicious beverage.

5. Request “Skinny” Versions

Starbucks has a “skinny” version of many drinks, including espressos and Frappuccinos. These drinks are made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream, making them an excellent choice for calorie-conscious customers.

For example, a standard coffee-based Frappuccino has around 240 calories, while the “skinny” version only has about 100 calories.

6. Use No-Calorie Sweeteners

If you prefer sweet drinks, consider substituting sugar with no-calorie sweeteners like Equal®, SPLENDA®, or Stevia. These options add sweetness without calories, helping you keep your drink healthier.

7. Create a “Fake” Chai Latte

Chai Lattes can be delicious but often contain calories due to the chai syrup. Instead, ask for a brewed chai tea and request half water and half almond milk. This combination cuts down the calories significantly to around 60 calories for a grande, compared to 240 calories in a traditional chai latte.

8. Choose Healthier Sweeteners

If you prefer natural sweeteners over artificial ones, honey or agave nectar are good alternatives. However, they add some calories: a packet of Starbucks agave syrup has about 20 calories, while honey has about 43 calories. Use them sparingly for a more balanced drink.

9. Avoid High-Calorie Toppings

While you might be tempted to add caramel drizzle or java chips to your drink, be aware that these toppings can add at least 15 calories or more. Skipping the extras can help keep your drink light and delicious.

10. Add Water or Ice

For drinks like Refreshers, asking for extra water or ice can dilute the sugary flavor and lower the calorie count. You’ll still enjoy a refreshing beverage with fewer calories, so don’t hesitate to ask your barista for this tweak.

16 Healthy Drinks to Try at Starbucks

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some tasty low-calorie Starbucks drinks to consider on your next visit:

Hot Tea (Mint Majesty): 0 calories
Black Coffee: 0 to 5 calories
Caffé Americano: 15 calories
Cold Brew with Cold Foam: 35 calories
Iced Passion Tango Tea: 45 calories
Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew: 50 calories
“Fake” Chai Latte: 60 calories (chai tea bag with half milk, half water)
Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream: 70 calories
Iced Black Tea Lemonade: 90 calories
Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refresher: 90 calories
Violet Drink: 110 calories
Iced Blonde Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte: 120 calories
Iced Skinny Mocha: 120 calories
Cappuccino (with skim milk): 140 calories
Iced Flat White: 150 calories

By incorporating these hacks into your Starbucks routine, you can enjoy delicious drinks without the high-calorie counts.

Remember that you can customize your order to fit your taste preferences while keeping your health goals in mind.