Starbucks is a daily ritual for many, but those sugary Frappuccinos can quickly derail your diet. Can you enjoy Starbucks and stay on track with your health goals? Absolutely! This guide lists 16 delicious low-calorie Starbucks drinks – all under 150 calories – and shows you how to order them.
Coffee Drinks (Under 150 Calories)
It might surprise you, but enjoying Starbucks doesn’t have to mean blowing your calorie budget. There are many low-calorie Starbucks drinks available if you know what to order. Starbucks offers a diverse range of coffee beverages that can easily fit into a calorie-conscious lifestyle. Below are some top picks for a Grande (16 fl oz) that all come in under 150 calories.
Important Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Always check the Starbucks app or website for the most up-to-date details.
1. Iced Coffee (Unsweetened) – Grande (5 Calories)
A refreshing, no-frills choice for those who love the pure taste of coffee.
- Nutritional Values: 5 calories, 0g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Order unsweetened. If you’d like extra flavor, add a splash of nonfat milk or a pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup. A light sprinkle of cinnamon is also a great idea.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It’s one of the lowest-calorie options available, offering pure coffee flavor without any extras.
2. Cold Brew Coffee (Unsweetened) – Grande (5 Calories)
Enjoy a smoother and less acidic coffee experience with cold brew.
- Nutritional Values: 5 calories, 0g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Order it unsweetened. For a creamier twist, add a splash of almond milk or a dash of cinnamon.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its natural richness and minimal calories make it a delicious yet light option, fitting in perfectly with those seeking healthy Starbucks drinks.
3. Nitro Cold Brew (Unsweetened) – Grande (5 Calories)
This nitrogen-infused coffee offers a naturally creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Nutritional Values: 5 calories, 0g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Be sure to order it without sweet cream to maintain its low-calorie profile. You can also request it without ice if preferred.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It provides a smooth, velvety coffee experience without any added sugar or extra calories.
4. Americano – Grande (15 Calories)
A bold espresso drink diluted with hot water that brings out a strong coffee flavor.
- Nutritional Values: 15 calories, 0g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Ask for room for milk so you can add a splash later if desired. A packet of zero-calorie sweeteners is also a good option.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It delivers pure espresso flavor with minimal calories, ideal for those who prefer a robust black coffee.
5. Espresso – Solo (5 Calories) or Doppio (10 Calories)
The ultimate expression of coffee in its purest form served as a concentrated shot.
- Nutritional Values:
- Solo: 5 calories, 0g sugar, 0g fat
- Doppio: 10 calories, 0g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Enjoy it as is for a quick caffeine boost without any modifications.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It offers an intense coffee flavor with virtually no calories, making it a perfect choice if you are seeking low-calorie Starbucks drinks.
6. Skinny Vanilla Latte – Grande (130 Calories)
A lighter version of the classic Vanilla Latte made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup.
- Nutritional Values: 130 calories, 13g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Specify “Grande nonfat sugar-free vanilla latte” when ordering. You may also request fewer pumps of syrup to further reduce the calories.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It provides a creamy latte experience while keeping calories and sugar significantly lower than the regular version.
7. Cappuccino (Nonfat Milk) – Tall (60 Calories), Grande (80 Calories)
A classic espresso-based drink topped with a light layer of foam that offers a satisfying texture.
- Nutritional Values:
- Tall: 60 calories, 7g sugar, 0g fat
- Grande: 80 calories, 9g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Always ask for nonfat milk. For an even lighter option, request light foam or a dry cappuccino (more foam, less milk).
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It’s a frothy coffee treat that keeps calorie content low while delivering rich espresso flavor.
8. Flat White (Nonfat Milk) – Tall (100 Calories), Grande (150 Calories)
A creamier alternative known for its velvety micro foam that offers a smooth coffee experience.
- Nutritional Values:
- Tall: 100 calories, 9g sugar, 3g fat
- Grande: 150 calories, 13g sugar, 5g fat
- Pro Tip: Be sure to specify nonfat milk to keep the calorie count down.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Although the Grande is right at the calorie limit, using nonfat milk keeps it within range while still providing a rich, satisfying beverage.
Tea Drinks (Under 150 Calories)
It’s not just coffee! If you prefer tea, Starbucks has a wide selection of refreshing hot and iced options that are surprisingly low in calories. You might be surprised at how many low calorie Starbucks drinks are tea-based.
9. Shaken Iced Tea (Unsweetened) – Grande (0 Calories)
This simple, unsweetened iced tea offers a clean and refreshing taste with no added calories.
- Nutritional Values (Grande): Calories 0, Sugar 0g, Fat 0g
- Pro Tip: Simply request it unsweetened and specify your preferred tea type such as black, green or passion tango. Keep in mind that adding lemonade will increase the calorie and sugar content.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It is as light as it gets; pure tea over ice provides a refreshing base that you can customize with a squeeze of lemon or a few fresh berries. This is a great way to enjoy healthy Starbucks drinks without any added sugar.
10. Hot Tea (Herbal or Black) – Grande (0 Calories)
A comforting and calorie-free option that is perfect for cooler days or when you simply need a warm beverage.
- Nutritional Values (Grande): Calories 0, Sugar 0g, Fat 0g
- Pro Tip: Explore Starbucks’ wide selection of tea bags, from classic black and green teas to flavorful herbal blends like mint or chamomile. Just ask for “Grande [Tea Name] Tea.”
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Offering warmth and hydration without any added calories or sugar, this drink is one of the simplest low calorie Starbucks drinks available.
11. Iced Green Tea Latte (Nonfat Milk, No Classic Syrup) – Tall (70 Calories), Grande (110 Calories)
This creamy, matcha-flavored drink blends green tea powder with milk and ice. Customizing it is key to keeping it light.
- Nutritional Values:
- Tall: 70 Calories, 9g Sugar, 0g Fat
- Grande: 110 Calories, 16g Sugar, 0g Fat
- Pro Tip: To keep the drink as low in calories as possible, order it with nonfat milk and no classic syrup. Since classic syrup is Starbucks’ standard sugar syrup, be sure to specify that you want it omitted.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: While a standard iced green tea latte may have more sugar, this modified version lets you enjoy the distinctive matcha flavor with a fraction of the calories. For those seeking healthy Starbucks drinks, this is a great choice with a few simple changes.
Refreshers and Other Low-Calorie Options (Under 150 Calories)
Craving something fruity and refreshing, but want to skip the coffee and tea? Starbucks has you covered! There are several low calorie Starbucks drinks that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. Below are some excellent choices that let you enjoy delicious flavor while keeping your calorie count in check.
12. Iced Passion Tango Tea (Unsweetened) – Grande (0 Calories)
This vibrant herbal tea blend is naturally caffeine-free and completely calorie-free when ordered unsweetened.
- Nutritional Values (Grande): 0 calories, 0g sugar, 0g fat
- Pro Tip: Order it unsweetened. If you like a bit of extra sweetness, add a packet of Stevia or Monk Fruit sweetener since adding lemonade will increase both calories and sugar.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It is one of the best options for hydration, offering a bold tropical flavor without any added calories, sugar or fat.
13. Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Lemonade: Tall (100 Calories)
This drink is a delightful non-coffee option that combines tangy hibiscus with lemonade for a refreshing experience.
- How to Order: Ask for a “Tall Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Lemonade.”
- Nutrition Facts: 100 calories, 19g sugar, 0g fat
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Although it contains some sugar, it remains relatively low in calories and delivers a vibrant, fruity flavor.
14. Iced Black Tea Lemonade (Tall: 50 Calories, Grande: 70 Calories)
This drink is a simple blend of black tea and lemonade shaken with ice for a refreshing, lightly sweetened option.
- Nutritional Values (Tall): 50 Calories, 11g Sugar, 0g Fat
- Nutritional Values (Grande): 70 Calories, 15g Sugar, 0g Fat
Pro Tip: To keep this one in the low-calorie Starbucks drinks category, ask for it unsweetened or with light lemonade. You can add your own zero-calorie sweetener if you wish.
Why It’s a Good Choice: This classic combination is lower in calories than many other Starbucks drinks, especially when modified as suggested.
15. Blended Strawberry Lemonade (Tall: 140 Calories)
A sweet and cooling beverage, perfect for hot days.
- Nutritional Values (Tall): 140 Calories, 29g Sugar, 0g Fat
Pro Tip: Substitute the classic syrup with a sugar-free alternative to further lower the calorie count.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Although it contains a higher amount of sugar, this drink offers a deliciously sweet, blended option that remains calorie-light for those who enjoy a fruity treat.
16. Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade – Tall (90 Calories)
A refreshing blend of green tea, peach-flavored juice, and lemonade, shaken with ice. It offers a fruity and slightly sweet flavor.
- Nutritional Values (Tall): Calories: 90, Sugar: 19g, Fat: 0g
- Pro Tip: To reduce the sugar and calorie content, ask for “light lemonade” or “no classic syrup” (if it comes with it by default – always check the Starbucks app or with your barista). You can also add a sugar-free sweetener if desired.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: This offers a fruity and flavorful alternative to higher-calorie blended drinks, especially when customized to reduce sugar. It provides a moderate caffeine boost from green tea.
Why Choose Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks?
Opting for low-calorie Starbucks drinks is a smart way to enjoy your favorite beverages while supporting a healthy lifestyle. By choosing drinks with fewer calories, you can help with weight management and reduce your intake of empty calories from sugary beverages.
In addition, lower-calorie options often mean a reduced amount of sugar, which benefits your overall health by improving dental health and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Ultimately, selecting simpler, less processed drinks contributes to a balanced diet, allowing you to indulge in your treat without the guilt or the potential negative impacts of excess calories and sugar.
Understanding Starbucks Drink Sizes and Customizations
Are you wondering how you can still enjoy Starbucks while sticking to your goals? To make calorie-conscious choices and find low calorie Starbucks drinks, it’s essential to understand the available sizes and how to customize your order. Starbucks offers several sizes, including:
- Short (8 fl oz),
- Tall (12 fl oz),
- Grande (16 fl oz),
- Venti (20 fl oz hot or 24 fl oz iced),
- Trenta (31 fl oz for select iced drinks only).
Customizations play a crucial role in managing calorie intake. For instance:
- Milk: Opt for nonfat (skim) milk or plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk. (Keep in mind that plant-based milks vary in calories.)
- Syrups: Request sugar-free syrups to avoid extra sugar.
- Whipped Cream: Skip the whipped cream or ask for a lighter version.
- Sugar: Order your drink unsweetened and add your own zero-calorie sweetener if needed.
- Other Add-Ins: Be mindful that extras like chocolate powder, drizzles, and toppings can quickly add calories.
By knowing these options, you can tailor your drink to your taste while keeping your calorie goals in check. Always check the Starbucks app or website for the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information.
Tips for Making ANY Starbucks Drink Lower in Calories
Even if your favorite drink isn’t naturally low in calories, you can often make a few simple modifications to cut down on calories:
- Choose Smaller Sizes: Opt for a Tall or Short instead of a Grande or Venti.
- Switch to Nonfat or Plant-Based Milk: Selecting nonfat milk or a low-calorie plant-based milk like almond milk can make a big difference.
- Skip the Whipped Cream: Eliminating whipped cream can save a significant number of calories.
- Request Sugar-Free Syrup: Replace regular syrup with sugar-free syrup to cut down on added sugars.
- Reduce Syrup Pumps: Ask for fewer pumps of syrup; each pump contributes calories and sugar.
- Order Unsweetened: Start with an unsweetened base (like iced coffee or iced tea) and add your own sweetener if needed.
- Be Mindful of Extras: Avoid add-ins like chocolate powder, drizzles, or other toppings that can quickly increase the calorie count.
By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy your Starbucks favorites while keeping your calorie intake under control. Enjoy a delicious drink without compromising your health goals.