Starbucks is a popular coffee chain that has over 31,000 stores worldwide. While Starbucks is famous for its coffee, they offer a wide range of drinks that cater to different dietary needs. However, many of their drinks contain high amounts of sugar and calories that can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to order healthy drinks at Starbucks. In this article, we’ll dive into the ways to order healthy Starbucks drinks that are both delicious and nutritious.
Are you looking for ways to order healthy Starbucks drinks? Look no further! In this guide, we will explore various options for creating healthy and delicious beverages at Starbucks. Whether you’re looking for a low-calorie option, a sugar-free drink, or a dairy-free alternative, we’ve got you covered. With a few simple modifications, you can enjoy your favorite drinks while prioritizing your health and wellness. Let’s get started!
Understanding Starbucks Drinks
Before we delve into how to order healthy drinks, let’s first understand the types of drinks that Starbucks offers. Starbucks offers four types of drinks: coffee, tea, espresso, and blended drinks. Coffee and tea are typically lower in calories, while espresso and blended drinks tend to be higher in calories.
Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks at Starbucks. Black coffee is an excellent low-calorie option, with a cup containing only five calories. However, many people prefer to add cream, sugar, or syrups to their coffee, which can significantly increase the calorie count.
Tea
Starbucks offers a wide range of tea, from classic black tea to herbal tea. Tea is a healthy option that is low in calories, and some teas have added health benefits. For example, green tea is high in antioxidants and can boost metabolism, while chamomile tea can promote relaxation.
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee that is brewed by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans. Espresso is the base for many coffee drinks at Starbucks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Espresso drinks tend to be higher in calories than regular coffee due to added milk and syrups.
Blended Drinks
Starbucks blended drinks, such as Frappuccinos, are popular among customers. These drinks contain ice, milk, coffee, and syrups blended together to create a smoothie-like drink. Blended drinks tend to be higher in calories and sugar than regular coffee or tea.
Tips for Ordering Healthy Starbucks Drinks
Now that we have a better understanding of Starbucks drinks let’s discuss some tips for ordering healthy Starbucks drinks.
Choose Low-Calorie Options
One of the most effective ways to order a healthy drink at Starbucks is to choose low-calorie options. For example, ordering a tall (12 oz) black coffee with no sugar or cream is an excellent low-calorie option. Additionally, ordering a tall hot or iced tea without added sugar or syrups is another healthy option.
Opt for Non-Dairy Milk
Many Starbucks drinks are made with whole milk, which is high in calories and saturated fat. However, Starbucks offers several non-dairy milk options, such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk. These non-dairy milk options are lower in calories and have less saturated fat than whole milk.
Limit Added Sugar
Starbucks drinks can contain high amounts of added sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. To limit added sugar, you can ask for fewer pumps of syrup or choose sugar-free syrups. Additionally, you can opt for drinks that are naturally sweetened, such as green tea or chai tea.
Customize Your Drink
Another way to order a healthy drink at Starbucks is to customize your drink. For example, you can ask for a smaller size or request that your drink be made with non-dairy milk or sugar-free syrup. Customizing your drink allows you to control the calorie content and make a healthier choice.
Watch Your Serving Size
Starbucks offers a wide range of drink sizes, from tall to venti (20 oz). It’s essential to watch your serving size and choose a smaller size, such as tall or grande (16 oz). Choosing a smaller size can significantly reduce the calorie content of your drink.
FAQs for how to order healthy Starbucks drinks
What are some tips for ordering a healthy drink at Starbucks?
One of the best ways to order a healthy drink at Starbucks is to ask your barista for modifications to your drink. For example, you could ask for less sugar, less syrup, or even order your drink with non-dairy milk. Additionally, you can also look at Starbucks’ nutrition information online to see what options are lower in calories and sugar.
What are some healthy drink options at Starbucks?
There are a variety of healthy drink options at Starbucks. Some great options include black coffee or espresso shots, unsweetened iced tea, hot tea without added sweeteners, or a latte made with almond, soy, or skim milk. Additionally, Starbucks offers plenty of sugar-free syrups and low calorie sweeteners if you want to add more flavor to your drink.
How can I make my drink lower in calories?
There are a few different ways to make your drink lower in calories while at Starbucks. One way is to ask for fewer pumps of syrup or sweetener. Another way is to order your drink with non-dairy milk, which is often lower in calories and fat compared to whole milk. Finally, you can also request to have sugar-free syrup added to your drink for additional flavor without the added calories.
Can I still enjoy a seasonal drink without it being high in calories?
Yes, you can still enjoy seasonal drinks at Starbucks without worrying about the calorie count. You can order a skinny version of your favorite seasonal drink by requesting non-fat milk or sugar-free syrup. Additionally, some seasonal drinks, like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, now come in a lower calorie version called the PSL Light, which has fewer calories and less sugar than the original drink.
Should I always order the smallest size drink to be healthy?
Not necessarily. While ordering a smaller size drink can be a good strategy if you are trying to limit calories, there are some drink options at Starbucks that can be enjoyed in larger sizes without adding a large amount of calories. For example, an iced coffee or latte made with non-dairy milk and a sugar-free syrup can be ordered in a larger size without adding too many calories.