Starbucks does offer healthy options, but it can be challenging to figure out which ones are the best. When we think of wholesome, we consider ingredients, calories, and what goes into the drink. With this list, you’ll find healthy drinks that put a pep in your step and refresh you so you can handle the day.
Chai Tea Latte
The Chai Latte is one of the most popular drinks, and Starbucks makes it well. It contains fewer than 200 calories regardless of the milk you choose (nonfat, 2%, or soy). This tea drink is steamed and then topped with frothed milk. It’s a comforting drink that makes you feel cozy.
Iced Skinny Latte
This drink is both refreshing and smooth in flavor. It is made with ice, a flavored syrup (if you choose), and espresso with milk. If you don’t want the richness and sugar found in a Frappuccino but need something more than regular coffee, this is an excellent choice. A tall size has 60 calories and provides 6 grams of protein.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
For a low-calorie option, choose nonfat milk. It’s a nice change for those who want something sweet and aren’t fond of the taste of coffee. It consists of espresso sweetened with vanilla and caramel syrups, topped with ice and milk. With 7 grams of protein and 140 calories, it’s a delightful treat.
Cold Brew
The cold brew option, paired with Cascara Cold Foam, has only 80 calories for a grande size. The taste has been described as velvety, sweet, and smooth, offering the dried skin of a coffee cherry (Cascara). People enjoy this drink because it feels fancy, and many say it has more flavor than other options.
Cafe Mocha
Similar to other specialty drinks, you need to choose nonfat milk, but your taste buds won’t notice the difference because this drink is essentially chocolate in a cup. Espresso, steamed milk, and mocha sauce create a decadent and rich chocolate flavor. Using nonfat milk cuts the calories down to 190 for a tall.
Caramel Frappuccino
For this drink, ask for the light blended option. It includes blended ice, nonfat milk with caramel syrup, and coffee. A tall size contains 100 calories, and because it’s fat-free, it’s a healthier choice. Moreover, if you love caramel, this perfectly satisfies your craving for something indulgent.
Skinny Vanilla Latte
This drink features espresso and steamed milk, with a bit of frothed milk added. It’s flavored with vanilla syrup and has 100 calories; opting for sugar-free syrup and nonfat milk reduces the calories further. It’s an excellent drink to indulge your sweet cravings.
Iced Coffee With Syrup
There’s not much to this drink—it’s just as it sounds. Iced coffee can hit the spot on a hot day, and adding a little syrup enhances the flavor. Be sure to ask for syrup since regular sugar doesn’t dissolve well. With a small size, you’re ingesting only 60 calories, although it contains 15 grams of sugar. We recommend asking for sugar-free syrup.
Shaken Tazo Iced Black Tea Lemonade
Tea is a better option for those who are sensitive to caffeine. It still contains caffeine, just not as much as coffee. On a hot summer day, this drink hits the spot nicely. It’s delicious and only 70 calories for a tall, although most of the calories come from sugar.
Americano
Americano, or brewed coffee, offers the lowest calories on the menu. A plain coffee with an Americano (Café Americano is espresso diluted in hot water) contains just 5 or 10 calories, depending on the source. It provides a jolt of energy without any sugar or fat.
What To Choose
In a world where we all strive to be healthier, these options let you enjoy sweet treats without compromising your goals. All of the drinks on this list offer a great pick-me-up, taste amazing, and can be modified to be healthier and lower in calories. The only challenge is deciding which option to choose first!
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