Top 12 Low Sugar Starbucks Drinks You Have to Try in 2023
One thing most coffee aficionados know is just how many calories are often hidden in Starbucks drinks, with the sugars in their classic syrup a main culprit. With people becoming more and more health conscious and cutting back on sugar for a variety of reasons, it can be difficult to enjoy the popular coffee chain without regretting it later. While we don’t have an answer to make Starbucks exactly “healthy,” it is possible to minimize the sheer amount of calories consumed when you are stuck in a bind and need the drive-thru convenience of Starbucks, or if you are indulging on your cheat day but don’t want to over-indulge.
For the days you might not have Lifeboost easily at hand, we’ve put together a list of low-sugar Starbucks beverages that have 12 grams or less of sugar.
This list was trickier than one would hope, since some of the more beloved drinks such as caramel macchiatos which are filled with sugary sweetness. Yet, there are many other delicious and relatively nutritious alternatives that allow you to keep your calorie intake in check.
Many of these drinks also offer smooth and creamy textures as well as a balanced caffeine kick that will make you feel satisfied without having to worry about its sugar contents. Here are some of the most recommended low-sugar Starbucks drinks that might be worth trying in 2023 for your cheat day.
1. Caffe Americano
When it comes to the perfect drink for coffee-lovers, the Caffe Americano is a classic. This combination of espresso and water has become a go-to beverage for people all over the world who appreciate its minimal caloric content – with only 17 calories per serving – and lack of sugar, coming in at zero grams.
2. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a classic choice for anyone looking to cool down and get an energy boost. At only 4 calories in a Grande size, this Starbucks beverage is the perfect guilt-free indulgence. The sweet yet refreshing flavor of iced coffee comes from a simple combination of freshly brewed coffee and ice cubes. With no added sugar, you can enjoy the naturally sweet taste without worry.
3. Nitro Cold Brew With Cold Foam
This smooth and creamy Nitro Cold Brew is a unique coffee experience. Made with Nariño coffee from Colombia, it's steeped for 20 hours to create a complex and flavorful cold brew that never tastes bitter. With just 5 calories per serving and no sugar or fat, this drink offers a low-calorie way to enjoy an amazing cup of coffee.
To add even more indulgence and sweetness, Nitro Cold Brew can come with a dollop of creamy cold foam on top. This light and fluffy foam not only adds flavor but also 30 extra calories and 7 grams of sugar for those wanting an elevated indulgent treat. Enjoying Nitro Cold Brew with its luxurious texture, flavor, and minimal calories makes it the perfect drink for anyone looking to indulge in a low-sugar treat.
4. Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of a freshly-brewed Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte. Rich, bold espresso is delicately blended with nonfat milk for a velvety-smooth texture that is both guilt-free and calorie conscious.
Every cup contains only 35 calories per 16-ounce size, so you can enjoy your favorite coffee treat without feeling guilty. The delectable flavor of this latte is created using Arabica coffee beans and sugar-free vanilla syrup for the perfect balance of sweetness without all of the added calories or fat.
5. Iced Skinny Mocha
This low-calorie, low-sugar Starbucks beverage starts with two shots of espresso and nonfat milk. To give this iced delight an extra hint of sweetness and creamy chocolate flavor, skinny mocha sauce is added. This unique syrup is created using sucralose instead of traditional sugar, so you can enjoy all the deliciousness without the guilt.
A single serving contains just 120 calories, 9 grams of sugar, and 1.5 grams of fat — making it a great choice for those looking to indulge their taste buds while sticking to their health goals.
6. Cappuccino With Oat Milk
A traditional cappuccino made with two shots of espresso and steamed milk is a comforting treat. But if you’re looking for something a bit different, try it with oat milk. Not only will you get the same creamy texture as dairy milk, but it also contains significantly less sugar which makes it the ideal choice for those who want to reduce their sugar intake.
For a Grande size cappuccino made with oat milk, you’ll be getting 140 calories, 12 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of fat - making it a healthier alternative to regular dairy milk cappuccinos. If you want an even lower sugar content option, then opt for an almond milk cappuccino instead.
But if you want to really treat yourself then try out a Honey Oatmilk Latte. This deliciously sweet drink is made with oat milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup and ground honey - giving your cappuccino an added depth in flavour that can’t be beat.
7. Espresso Con Panna
For those who aren't quite ready to tackle a full-bodied espresso beverage, Espresso Con Panna is the perfect way to satisfy a coffee craving. This indulgent treat is made with two shots of strong espresso and topped with creamy whipped cream – but don't worry, it's still low in calories, fat, and sugar. With only 35 calories per serving, 2.5 grams of fat, and no added sugar, you can enjoy this indulgence without fear of overindulging.
This unique drink combines the powerful yet bitter flavor of espresso with a sweet and creamy topping for an unforgettable taste experience. Espresso con panna has become increasingly popular among coffee lovers everywhere thanks to its rich flavor and low calorie count.
The combination of velvety espresso and smooth whipped cream creates an irresistible balance that never fails to satisfy. It's sure to please even the most discerning coffee connoisseur. Plus, its convenient size makes it perfect for sipping on the go or savoring during your morning commute.
8. Espresso Macchiato
The espresso macchiato is an Italian classic that provides coffee-lovers with a concentrated shot of espresso, topped with a dollop of steamed milk and a light foam. This particular beverage contains two shots of espresso, two percent milk, and foam - giving it an unmistakable creamy texture.
Unlike the much sweeter caramel macchiato offered at Starbucks, this traditional macchiato contains very few calories and no sugar or fat. It's a perfect pick-me-up for health-concerned caffeine enthusiasts who still want to enjoy a delicious flavor.
This decadent drink packs quite a punch in terms of flavor - while it may be small in size, the combination of espresso and creamy froth creates a surprisingly robust flavor. The rich taste is further enhanced by the use of 2% milk (which has less fat than whole milk) as well as the foam topping that adds an interesting lightness to each sip. The result is an invigorating cup that manages to balance the strong taste of espresso with the smoothness of dairy.
9. Caffe Misto
Caffe Misto is a popular coffee drink that combines the best of both worlds – the creamy richness of milk with the strong, full-bodied flavor of freshly brewed coffee. Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, it's easy to understand why Caffe Misto has become so beloved by coffee aficionados.
Made with 2% milk, this latte features a generous portion of steamed hot milk and a rich layer of foam on top. For those looking for an alternative to dairy, almond milk can also be substituted for regular milk. In terms of nutrition facts, Caffe Misto contains 110 calories per serving, along with 10 grams of sugar and 4 grams of fat.
10. Iced Passion Tango Tea (Unsweetened)
Iced Passion Tango Tea, an invigorating blend of tart hibiscus and refreshing lemongrass with just a hint of sweet apple, is the perfect way to cool down without adding any unnecessary calories or sugar.
This delightful drink contains no calories and zero grams of sugar, allowing you to enjoy its deliciously fruity flavor without worrying about unwanted effects on your health.
Furthermore, Iced Passion Tango Tea can easily be infused with other ingredients, such as herbs and spices, for an extra boost of flavor.
11. Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion (Unsweetened)
This Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion is an amazing treat for anyone looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink that's low in calories. This unique blend combines white tea, sweet peaches, and citrus to create a delicious and healthy beverage.
The white tea is lightly steeped to maintain its delicate flavor profile, while the sweet peaches provide just the right amount of sweetness without any added sugar. The citrus adds some zing to the mix, giving it a slightly tangy yet still light flavor.
12. Coffee Frappuccino
Coffee Frappuccino is a delicious and energizing drink made from blending whole milk, espresso and three pumps of Frappuccino Roast with ice.
Typically it has 230 calories and 45 grams of sugar per Grande size, but you can significantly reduce the amount of calories by opting for non-fat milk and sugar-free syrup instead of the standard Frappuccino syrup which is primarily composed of pure sugar. This way, you can enjoy a great combination of flavors without having to worry about an overload of unnecessary calories or added sugars.
In Conclusion
While we can’t make Starbucks coffee as low-acid, stomach-friendly, or healthy as Lifeboost, we do know that sometimes the convenient chain is just that: convenient. So, if you need a quick fix or are looking for a slight indulgence without an extreme sugar rush, there are some lower calorie options to try.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the lowest calorie Starbucks drink?
The lowest calorie Starbucks drinks are espresso shots, black coffee, and teas made with water or unsweetened almond milk.
Is there any sugar-free option available at Starbucks?
Yes, many of the drinks can be customized with sugar-free syrup. Additionally, some of the tea beverages such as Iced Passion Tango Tea and Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion come unsweetened.
Are Frappuccinos low in calories?
Frappuccinos can be high in calories due to added sugars from syrups and whole milk used for blending. However, by opting for non-fat milk and sugar-free syrups, you can make your Frappuccino lower in calories.
Is it possible to get low calorie Starbucks drinks without caffeine?
Yes, there are several options available for those looking for a low-calorie drink without caffeine. These include Starbucks Refreshers (made with juice and ice) as well as Iced Teas such as Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion (unsweetened).
What is the healthiest coffee from Starbucks?
The healthiest coffee from Starbucks would be either unsweetened black coffee or an espresso shot. Both of these options contain no added sugar or other sweeteners, making them healthier choices than other drinks. Additionally, you can customize your coffee with non-dairy and sugar-free syrups to make it even healthier.