26 Diet-Friendly Starbucks Drinks Under 200 Calories
Quick Answer
We've rounded up 26 options under 200 calories – from hot coffees to icy refreshers. Plus, you'll get insider tips from baristas on how to modify any drink to slash calories. You can now enjoy your Starbucks runs without guilt by making smart swaps like ordering "skinny," choosing almond milk, or skipping the whipped cream.
Key Takeaways
- Black coffee and plain teas contain just 0-5 calories.
- "Skinny" means nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, no whipped cream.
- Almond milk has fewer calories than skim milk.
- Cold drinks typically have fewer calories than hot versions.
- Refreshers provide fruity flavors for only 80-130 calories.
- Simple modifications can reduce calories in any Starbucks drink.
I still remember the day I realized my daily Starbucks habit was adding hundreds of extra calories to my diet. I almost gave up my coffee shop visits altogether! But instead of quitting cold turkey, I decided to learn about healthier options.
As someone who visits Starbucks multiple times a week, I've discovered dozens of delicious drinks that keep the calories in check without sacrificing flavor.
Low-Calorie Hot Drinks at Starbucks
Hot drinks don't need to be calorie bombs! Here are some cozy options that won't derail your healthy eating plans. From zero-calorie teas to a slightly indulgent cafe mocha, none of these options exceed 200 calories, and most come in under 100.
1. Americano
Each shot of espresso in an Americano has just 15 calories. The espresso delivers a naturally sweet and creamy taste, so you might not even miss the extras. A Grande Americano contains only 15 calories total.
2. Non-Fat Cappuccino
Most of the froth on a cappuccino is just air, especially when it's made with skim milk. You get a delicious espresso base with a light, airy top for only 60 calories and 8 grams of sugar.
3. Black Coffee
A simple cup of brewed coffee contains only 5 calories. Feel free to add a splash of cream and a dash of sugar – there's room to customize without breaking the calorie bank.
4. Skinny Vanilla Latte
Order a tall Skinny Vanilla Latte and you're looking at just 70 calories. Plus, it packs 7 grams of protein to keep you satisfied longer.
5. Honey Almond Milk Flat White
No need to make any changes here – this vegan delight comes in at only 120 calories in a 12-ounce cup. It offers a smooth, subtly sweet taste that's easy on the calories but big on flavor.
6. Brewed Teas
Starbucks' teas are the ultimate zero-calorie options. Favorites such as Peach Tranquility, Mint Majesty, and Emperor's Clouds & Mist contain zero calories but deliver plenty of flavor.
7. Skinny Chai Tea Latte
Even though Starbucks doesn't offer sugar-free chai syrup, you can still enjoy a skinny version. Ask for skim milk and request it "lightly sweet" to keep it under 150 calories for a tall cup.
8. Skinny Mocha
You can still enjoy chocolate on a diet! A tall Skinny Mocha offers rich chocolate taste for just 130 calories. A grande still comes in at a reasonable 170 calories.
9. Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte
This drink lets you enjoy warm, spicy cinnamon sweetness without the calorie overload. Thanks to sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup, a Grande has just 130 calories, and a tall comes in at 100 calories.
Low-Calorie Iced Coffees at Starbucks
Generally, iced drinks contain fewer calories than hot versions – thanks to ice, which has virtually no calories. Here are some tasty cold options that won't bust your calorie budget.
10. Cold Brew Coffee with Cold Foam
Picture a smooth, icy cold brew topped with velvety cold foam, all for just 160 calories in a Grande. It's an ideal low-cal pick-me-up for hot days.
11. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
This tall drink combines creamy oat milk, sweet brown sugar, and rich espresso for only 90 calories. Skip the espresso, and you have a tasty low-calorie option that kids might enjoy too.
12. Iced Coffee
Start with plain brewed coffee, add some ice, and you've created a cool, refreshing drink with just 5 calories. Add a pump of sugar-free syrup for extra flavor without extra calories.
13. Light Caramel Frappuccino
Order this "light" with skim milk and no whipped cream to enjoy a delicious Frappuccino for just 100 calories. It's like a sweet, frosty dessert without the calorie worry.
14. Iced Caffè Latte
A basic Grande iced latte has 130 calories, but you can reduce that to just 60 calories by choosing a skinny tall version. It's creamy, tasty, and totally guilt-free.
15. Nitro Cold Brew
Infused with nitrogen, this brew changes the game—naturally sweet and creamy even without additives and just 5 calories when served black. Feeling a bit indulgent? Try the Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew for a delightful 70-calorie treat.
16. Shaken Tazo Iced Black Tea Lemonade
A fat-free, flavorful summer staple with only 70 calories, this drink combines robust black tea with zesty lemonade for a truly refreshing experience.
17. Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
A beloved classic for warm days, the standard Grande comes in at 190 calories. Request a "skinny" version—with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup—to cut down those calories considerably.
18. Iced Tea
Starbucks' iced teas are naturally calorie-free unless you add syrup. Favorites include crisp Iced Green Tea, vibrant Iced Passion Tango Tea, and refreshing classic Iced Black Tea.
19. Iced Skinny Caramel Macchiato
Deliciously sweet and creamy with a robust espresso kick. Opt for non-fat milk and enjoy this popular choice for only 140 calories.
20. Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Get the health benefits of matcha with this invigorating low-calorie option. At only 140 calories for a tall, you can lower it even more with skim milk.
Low-Calorie Starbucks Refreshers
Starbucks Refreshers focus on light, refreshing fruity flavors. These drinks are low in calories and offer a gentler caffeine kick from green coffee extract. Here are five top picks:
21. Strawberry Acai Refresher
Jump on the superfood trend with this vibrant drink. It's packed with strawberry and acai goodness, and a tall comes in at just 100 calories. It's refreshing and gives a light energy boost.
22. Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher
For something low on calories but high on tropical taste, this is your go-to. A Grande has only 90 calories, and even a venti is just 130 calories. It's a fantastic choice for a fruity escape.
23. Pineapple Passion Fruit Refresher
This tastes more indulgent than it actually is with only 100 calories in a Grande. The sweet flavors of pineapple and passionfruit make it a rich treat without the guilt.
24. Paradise Drink
A team favorite, this starts with the Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher and adds coconut milk. It's like a mini tropical vacation in a cup with only 110 calories in a tall.
25. Dragon Drink
This creamy mix remains diet-friendly. Made with Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher and coconut milk, it has only 110 calories. It's creamy, tropical, and satisfying.
26. Kiwi Star Fruit Refresher
This bright green drink delivers a tangy-sweet flavor for just 90 calories in a Grande. The kiwi and starfruit combination creates a unique taste that's both refreshing and light.
Guide to Ordering Low-Calorie Drinks at Starbucks
If your favorite Starbucks order didn't make our low-calorie list, no problem! You can still enjoy your preferred drinks with fewer calories by following these simple ordering hacks.
Go Skinny: Requesting your drink "skinny" means it'll be made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. This lets you enjoy classic flavors with fewer calories.
Lighten Up Your Frappuccino: Asking for a "light" Frappuccino tells the barista to use a low-fat sugar-free base, cutting calories without sacrificing too much taste.
Milk Alternatives: Choose almond milk instead of skim milk to reduce calories even more. Almond milk has fewer calories and adds a slightly nutty flavor.
Hold the Whipped Cream: Simply skipping whipped cream can significantly cut the calorie count of your drink.
Sugar-Free Syrups: Starbucks offers sugar-free versions of cinnamon dolce and vanilla syrups. Using these decreases sugar intake but maintains flavor.
Sweeten Wisely: For hot teas or coffees, try an artificial sweetener like Splenda or Stevia instead of sugar.
Think Cold: Cold versions of Starbucks drinks often contain fewer calories than hot counterparts. Switching to iced drinks, especially during warm weather, can be a refreshing way to enjoy favorites with fewer calories.
If you're not ready to fully commit to these changes, start small. Maybe try half the syrup or swap cream for milk. Ordering a smaller size also reduces calories but still satisfies your craving. You might find a tall just as fulfilling as a Grande!
Zero-Calorie Options at Starbucks
At Starbucks, the purest zero-calorie options are their teas, available both hot and iced. Enjoy these guilt-free by adding artificial sweeteners to keep them calorie-free. If tea isn't your thing, consider brewed coffee or espresso, each with only about 5 calories – a small price for a beverage that hits the spot!
What is "Skinny" at Starbucks?
When you order a drink "skinny" at Starbucks, specific tweaks reduce its calorie content. This includes using non-fat milk, sugar-free syrups when available, and skipping whipped cream. Want even fewer calories? Choose almond milk instead of skim milk.
The Difference Between "Light" and "Skinny" at Starbucks
In Starbucks lingo, "light" often applies to Frappuccino. Ordering your Frappuccino "light" gets you a lighter base and non-fat milk, saving about 33 calories compared to regular versions. Further decrease calories by skipping whipped cream and choosing sugar-free syrups.
"Light" can also refer to the amount of a particular ingredient. For example, you might ask for "light ice" in iced coffee or "light sweetener" in tea, customizing to suit your taste and calorie preferences.
What's the Healthiest Drink at Starbucks?
Defining "healthy" can be tricky with Starbucks drinks. Let's break down some options that might fit your definition of healthy:
Black Coffee: Good old black coffee is not only low in calories but loaded with health benefits. Research suggests it may even help extend life! For added protein, add some skim milk. Hot coffee, iced coffee, espresso, Americano, cold brew, or nitro cold brew all make healthy choices.
Tea: With zero calories and numerous nutrients, tea packs a health punch. It's known for potentially fighting serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Enjoy it hot or iced.
Refreshers: These drinks contain nutrients from fruit and antioxidants from green coffee extract. Just watch the sugar content, which contributes most calories.
What to Order at Starbucks If You're On a Diet?
Your choice depends on your diet type. If watching calories or following paleo, best bets are unsweetened tea or black coffee. Note that Starbucks' non-dairy milks aren't paleo-friendly, though they're generally low in calories.
For keto dieters, options expand. You can enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, Frappuccino, and mochas with the right swaps—sugar-free syrups and heavy cream or other keto-friendly milk alternatives.
Does Starbucks Offer Sugar-Free Drinks?
Yes! Starbucks has many sugar-free options. Drinks naturally without sugar include coffee, tea, and espresso-based drinks. You can also swap in sugar-free syrup in many menu items to keep things sweet but low-calorie.
What's the Lowest Calorie Snack at Starbucks?
Looking for a light snack with your low-calorie Starbucks coffee? Some tasty, healthier options:
Breakfast: Egg White & Red Pepper Egg Bites have just 170 calories and 12 grams of protein—great for starting your day.
Bakery: For a small treat, the Petite Vanilla Bean Scone has only 120 calories. It's sweet and satisfying without calorie overload.
Lunch: The Tomato & Mozzarella sandwich is a good pick at only 360 calories. For more nutritional balance, try the Egg & Gouda Protein Box at 530 calories.
Fruit: Most Starbucks locations offer fresh fruit, always a healthy choice.
Final Thoughts
The best low-calorie Starbucks drinks are the ones you actually enjoy. Let's be real—sticking to a diet gets tough if you don't like what you're consuming. Thankfully, Starbucks' menu allows for tons of substitutions. With the right choices, you can enjoy delicious low-calorie beverages that match your taste preferences!
As you explore these low-calorie Starbucks options, remember that enjoying your drink helps maintain dietary choices long-term. For home brewing, Lifeboost Coffee offers premium, health-conscious coffees that satisfy all palates. Enjoy Lifeboost's rich flavors and low-acid profiles for great taste without compromising health goals.
If you love the taste of coffee but want to make healthier versions at home then Lifeboost Coffee offers premium, health-conscious, low-acid coffee that's easy on your stomach and kind to your teeth. You can now make your own low-calorie coffee drinks at home with our clean-tasting coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean when I order a drink "skinny" at Starbucks?
When you ask for a "skinny" drink, they'll use non-fat milk, available sugar-free syrups, and skip the whipped cream. It's an easy way to cut calories without missing good flavors.
Can I still enjoy a Frappuccino if I'm watching my calorie intake?
Yes! Order a "light" Frappuccino. The barista will use a low-fat no-sugar base, which reduces calories significantly. Skipping whipped cream also helps keep it lean.
Are there any zero-calorie drinks at Starbucks?
Yes! All teas at Starbucks, hot or iced, are naturally zero-calorie. Just remember that adding syrups or other extras adds calories.
What's the lowest calorie snack at Starbucks?
The Petite Vanilla Bean Scone has only 120 calories. It's a small sweet treat that won't derail your calorie goals too much.
What should I order at Starbucks if I'm on a keto diet?
You have several options on a keto diet. You can enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas with a few swaps—choose sugar-free syrups and opt for heavy cream or other keto-friendly milk alternatives.
How can I make any Starbucks drink lower in calories?
Several tricks help: switch to almond milk, choose sugar-free syrups, skip whipped cream, and consider the 'skinny' version. Also, cold drinks sometimes save you calories.
What's the healthiest drink option at Starbucks?
It depends on your goals. For lowest calories, black coffee or tea are best. For more nutrients or less sugar, try Refreshers or modify your latte with nonfat milk and no extra sweeteners.
About the Author
This article was created by the Lifeboost Coffee writing team, a group of coffee lovers and nutrition researchers dedicated to helping you enjoy your favorite drinks without compromising your health goals.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and isn't meant to replace medical advice. Everyone's dietary needs differ, so please check with your doctor before making big changes to your diet or caffeine intake. We've tried to make sure all calorie counts are accurate, but Starbucks menu items and recipes may change.
