20 Best Low Calorie Starbucks Drinks [2024's Top Skinny Sips]
Are you a coffee lover who is also keeping a close eye on your daily calorie intake? If so, you're in the right spot. Starbucks, the household name and everyone's favorite coffee shop, is known for offering an array of delicious drinks. But did you know that they also have a plethora of options for those of us who are health-conscious? You might be surprised to realize just how many tasty beverages fall into the category of best low calorie Starbucks drinks. From aromatic brews to icy refreshments, Starbucks has managed to combine taste and health in a way that would make any coffee aficionado rejoice. Let's explore these thirst-quenching, low calorie gems.
Also Read: Best Starbucks Drinks
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20 Best Low Calorie Starbucks Drinks of 2024
When it comes to choosing your favorite Starbucks drink, being health-conscious doesn't mean compromising on taste. Here, I'm going to share a selection of the best low calorie Starbucks drinks that leave your palate satisfied and keep your diet in check.
1. Hot Tea: Mint Majesty [0 Calorie]
There's nothing like a hot cup of refreshing, zero calorie Mint Majesty hot tea to stave off the winter chill. Steeped in a unique blend of peppermint leaves, lemongrass and soothing spearmint, this tea is an absolute delight for the senses. The cool, delicate flavor enhanced by undertones of citrusy lemongrass will have you coming back for more. Not only is this a refreshing hot beverage, but the fact that there is literally zero guilt attached to it is another plus for all the calorie-counters out there. Nutritionally, the tea leaves provide a natural lift without the jittery side effects of caffeine. In short, it’s a light, rejuvenating, zero-calorie beverage to enjoy any time of the day.
2. Emperor’s Clouds & Mist [0 Calorie]
Another zero calorie hot beverage option is the Emperor's Clouds & Mist. With an intriguing name like that, you might wonder what this drink entails. Hand-picked at high altitudes of Hangzhou, China, the gently steamed leaves in this delicate green tea uphold the centuries-old tradition of Chinese tea-making. The result is a cup that's rich in flavors, has subtle floral notes, and provides a mild, soothing energy boost. Its delicate brew offers a sweet aftertaste that lingers in your mouth, making it a perfect drink choice for anyone who enjoys a subtle yet unique blend of flavors. Apart from its unique taste, its calorie-free content allows you to indulge in its goodness without having a second thought about your calorie intake.
3. Black Coffee [0 to 5 Calories]
Plain black coffee is a classic pick for those seeking pure, roasted flavor on a diet. Brewed with Ethosian beans, Starbucks' black coffee blends the vibrant note of citrus and dark cocoa in a rich, full-bodied flavor. The calorie count can vary between 0 to 5, depending on the size of the drink. If you love the essence of freshly ground coffee beans, this is an ideal choice. Plus, the calorie count is nearly non-existent. The robust aroma and classic coffee taste make it an energizing start to your day or a comforting companion on a relaxing afternoon.
4. Caffè Americano [15 Calories]
The classic Caffè Americano is a must-try for coffee aficionados. It’s a savory mix of espresso shots topped up with hot water, yielding a similar strength to, but different flavor from, traditionally brewed coffee. With only 15 calories per serving, this delicious hot beverage is sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings without tipping you off your calorie budget. Its rich taste, vast depth of flavors, and aromatic espresso make it an absolute treat for those who love strong coffee. Whether you enjoy it in the cozy comfort of your home or grab it on your way to work, it's a perfect partner that comes with minimal caloric guilt.
5. Cold Brew with Cold Foam [35 Calories]
For those who prefer their coffee cold, the Starbucks Cold Brew with Cold Foam is a delightful choice that won't pile on the calories. A handcrafted, slow-steeped, customized cold brew, topped with a delicate foam, delivers a unique cold coffee experience. This refreshing beverage enables coffee enthusiasts to enjoy the smooth, naturally sweet taste of cold brew with only 35 calories per serving. The silky cold foam adds a creamy texture, giving an unexpected twist to this refreshing cold brew, making it a firm favorite on hot days or whenever you seek a low-calorie pick-me-up.
6. Iced Passion Tango Tea [45 Calories]
The Iced Passion Tango Tea is teeming with bold, fruity taste and bright colors. It’s an enchanting blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple, sweetened with a hint of cinnamon. This exotic, tangy, iced herbal infusion, with just 45 calories per serving, makes a fantastic low-calorie drink for those vibrant summer days. Refreshing yet deliciously invigorating, its swirling flora and fruity flavor is a true delight for anyone seeking a flavor-packed, low-calorie Starbucks venture. It's a lovely addition to a sunny day out, a pool party, or simply when you want to enjoy a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation.
7. Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew [50 Calories]
Starbucks' Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew is a velvety mix of subtly sweetened cold brew coffee with almond milk, making it a dairy-free and low-calorie option. Boasting a light honey taste, this 50-calorie treat is perfect for those eager for an afternoon refreshment or starting their day with a cool, health-conscious coffee. It’s a clear demonstration of how Starbucks manages to merge dietary requirements with taste in an unparalleled way. Its smooth cold-brewed coffee coupled with the nutty sweetness of almond milk and honey offers a perfectly balanced beverage, ensuring you can savor every sip without worrying about the calorie count.
8. Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream [70 Calories]
Infused with nitrogen for a velvety-smooth texture, Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream is a wonderfully unique low-calorie beverage. The nitrogen infusion gives the coffee a rich, creamy head, similar to that of a traditional stout. Starbucks adds a splash of sweet cream to this brew, and it cascades through the beverage, creating a beautiful marbled aesthetic. With just 70 calories packed in this chilled, creamy glass of goodness, the Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream effortlessly blends refreshment, satisfaction, and health. For coffee lovers out there looking for an extra kick in their drink, the Nitro Cold Brew serves as the perfect companion.
9. Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refresher [90 Calories]
Starbucks Refreshers are becoming increasingly well-known for their vibrant flavors and low-calorie counts. Among them, the Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refresher stands out distinctly. This tropical-inspired pick-me-up is carefully crafted with pieces of real kiwi and starfruit, hand-shaken with ice, and then finished off with a splash of lemonade and Starbucks' signature Green Coffee Extract. At only 90 calories, this is a great option for keeping the sugar low and the energy high. The unique combination of sweet, tart, and refreshing elements in the Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refresher makes for a delightful, guilt-free treat on any day.
10. Iced Black Tea Lemonade [90 Calories]
As another fantastic option that has less than 100 calories, Starbucks' Iced Black Tea Lemonade is a zesty, revitalizing drink that is both sweet and tangy. This tea stands as an excellent choice for tea lovers searching for a low-cal beverage that still brings a big hit of flavor. Expertly infused with a lively blend of lemongrass, mint, and a splash of lemonade, this refreshing iced tea brings in a groovy twist to traditional black tea. Enjoying this perfectly shaken mix of bold and citrusy flavors on a hot day will not only keep your thirst at bay but also your calorie intake in check.
Also Read: Best Hot Drinks at Starbucks
11. Caffè Misto [110 Calories]
The Caffè Misto is a cozy, comfort drink that maintains its creamy goodness without piling on the calories. This classic Starbucks drink involves an inviting blend of freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk, creating a harmonious balance between rich and creamy. Sitting at a conservative 110 calories, this drink provides a light, taste-filled option for health conscious coffee connoisseurs looking for something warming on chilly days. The versatility of the Caffè Misto is also commendable. You can easily modify it with sugar-free syrup or a different type of milk to align with your dietary needs and preferences.
12. Violet Drink [110 Calories]
Starbucks' Violet Drink is a vibrant, refreshing escape from the typical coffee menu. This lovely, lavender-hued drink combines the flavors of blackberries and hibiscus with creamy coconut milk. The result? A fruity and creamy concoction that is as delightful to look at as it is to sip on. With just 110 calories, this surprisingly low-sugar drink is the perfect choice for those looking for a delicious, aesthetically pleasing, Instagram-worthy beverage that is also light on the waistline. It's like a summer's day in a cup, full of flavor and free from guilt.
13. Vanilla Cold Brew [110 Calories]
If cold brew coffee is your jam, Starbucks' Vanilla Cold Brew might just be your new favorite low-calorie drink. Starbucks takes its strong, smooth cold brew and sweetens it with a hint of vanilla syrup. The result is a drink that is packed with bold coffee flavors, subtly sweet yet incredibly refreshing, all for just 110 calories. Whether you are starting off a long morning or sipping an afternoon pick-me-up, the Vanilla Cold Brew is an invigorating option for coffee-lovers who are also counting their calories. Silent, serene, and health-friendly, it is the epitome of a chilled-out coffee break.
14. Iced Blonde Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte [120 Calories]
Next on our list of the best low calorie Starbucks drinks is the Iced Blonde Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte. This tropical concoction combines the smooth and subtly sweet flavors of Blonde Espresso with the creaminess of coconut milk and the aromatic delight of vanilla bean. Brewed specifically to be lighter in taste and color, the Blonde Espresso brings a unique taste profile that's more nuanced, with less intense notes than traditional roasts. Weighing in at a modest 120 calories, this Iced Latte is a great option for those who enjoy the creaminess of lattes but want to stay conscious of their calorie intake.
15. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso [120 Calories]
Reconciling various flavors and notes, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso beautifully integrates the distinct flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon, shaken with ice and topped with oat milk for a smooth finish. The espresso's rich taste balances wonderfully with the naturally sweet, nutty flavors from oatmilk, and the brown sugar and cinnamon add a hint of exciting, earthy warmth. With all these complex flavors, the overall calorie count of this drink remains balanced at 120 calories. Not only does this drink measure low on the calorie meter, but it's also dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for those who follow vegan or lactose-free diets.
16. Iced Skinny Mocha [120 Calories]
The Iced Skinny Mocha is a rich, chocolatey dream come true for any coffee lover looking to reduce their calorie intake. This delightful drink features bold espresso, premium bittersweet skinny mocha sauce, ice, and non-fat milk. The skinny mocha sauce offers a much lower-calorie version of the usual mocha, with just as much deliciousness. Satisfyingly sweet and refreshingly cold, this drink clocks in at just 120 calories. It's the perfect solution for those days when you just need a little chocolate indulgence, but also want to stay committed to your health goals.
17. Cappuccino [140 Calories]
Italian excellence and favorite worldwide, the Cappuccino is another member of our impressive low calorie Starbucks ensemble. This Starbucks classic brew weds bold, rich espresso, a dollop of steamed milk, and a crown of dense milk foam. The delightful elements of this coffee play together to create a perfectly balanced, full-flavored experience that is bright, bold, rich, and wonderfully creamy. These vice and virtues, all wrapped in a neat little package of 140 calories, make the Cappuccino a favorite of many, especially those who appreciate time-honored coffee traditions.
18. Iced Flat White [150 Calories]
The Iced Flat White is a chic, gourmet alternative to the conventional coffee choices, and a delightfully low calorie one at that! Renowned for its velvety blend of rich, full-bodied espresso and creamy milk, this delicious drink maintains its equilibrium of flavors even over ice. The delightful result sees the espresso's intense profile cushioned beautifully by the smooth creaminess of the milk, making every sip purely delightful. All this gourmet goodness comes neatly tied up with a calorie count of 150. The Iced Flat White is perfect for those elegant coffee-sippers looking for a low-calorie alternative that doesn't compromise on quality.
19. Flat White [170 Calories]
If we're talking coffee, a Flat White is hard to beat in terms of traditional sophistication. Picture this: ristretto shots of espresso meeting a thin layer of velvety steamed whole milk to create a genuinely extraordinary coffee experience. The whole, steamed milk enhances the notes of the espresso, creating a beautifully harmonic blend of flavors. The temperature of the milk and the level of foam are calibrated to praise the coffee's natural sweetness, eliciting a refined, lavish palate of flavors. This beautiful blend of coffee and milk comes to you at just 170 calories, making it another great choice on our list of best low calorie Starbucks drinks.
20. Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte [190 Calories]
Our ultimate item on this list of best low calorie Starbucks drinks is none other than the crowd-pleasing Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte. With its smooth, balanced Blonde Espresso acting as the base, the drink harmonizes the creamy milk and decadent vanilla flavors for an uncomplicated indulgence. The Blonde roast's subtler flavor lets the vanilla really shine, spotlights the espresso, and keeps it from being overpowered. This delightful drink is 190 calories of frosty, smooth-textured indulgence. It's a reward that feels indulgent, but with fewer calories compared to a traditional latte.
How Starbucks Makes it Easy to Watch Your Calorie Intake?
Starbucks has gained worldwide popularity due to its commitment to quality ingredients, flavor combinations, and, importantly, providing health-conscious options to its customers. Included in their expansive menu are dozens of beverages that are low on calories but high on taste. With clear descriptions and caloric values printed right on their menus, you can make informed choices that align with your diet.
Starbucks even goes one step further by offering their Nutrition Information on their official website. This transparency simplifies the process of monitoring your calorie intake. So, whether you are grabbing a Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream to kickstart your morning or an Iced Passion Tango Tea for an afternoon refreshment, you can rest assured of staying within your calorie goals.
Tips for Customizing Drinks to Maintain Low Calories
Just because you are watching your calories, doesn't mean you have to compromise on taste and customization. Starbucks gives you the freedom to customize your drink according to your preference. Here are some quick hacks to keep the calories under control without sacrificing the flavor profile.
1. Opt for "Sugar-Free" Syrups
Starbucks carries sugar-free versions of its most popular syrups like vanilla, caramel, and mocha. These options can drastically reduce the calorie count in your beverage.
2. Choose "Non-Fat" or “Non-Dairy” Milk
Asking for non-fat, almond, or soy milk instead of regular dairy milk can help lower the overall calorie content in your drink. For instance, switching to almond milk in an Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte can easily cut the calorie count.
3. Skip the Whipped Cream
If you can do without whipped cream, you could save a considerable amount of calories. A dollop of whipped cream can add anywhere between 50 to 110 extra calories.
4. Mind the Size
Remember that the larger your drink size, the higher the calories. So, choosing a "tall" over a "venti" can make a significant difference in your calorie intake.
Also Read: Best Starbucks Matcha Drinks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest calorie drink at Starbucks?
Starbucks offers several drinks that have practically zero calories. These are Black Coffee, Hot Tea: Mint Majesty, and Emperor’s Clouds & Mist.
Can I get a low calorie version of my favorite Starbucks drink?
Yes, Starbucks gives options for customization, hence making it possible to lower the calorie content of your favorite drinks.
Does Starbucks list the calorie content of its drinks?
Yes, Starbucks lists the calorie content of each drink on its menu, allowing customers to make informed decisions.
Does a low calorie Starbucks drink mean it's healthy?
Low calorie doesn't necessarily equate to healthy, as other factors like sugar content and ingredients also come into play. It's always good to be mindful of your overall dietary needs.
Are there any low calorie, dairy-free Starbucks drinks?
Yes, Starbucks offers options like the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew, and others, which are both low calorie and dairy-free.
Is the Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream a good low calorie Starbucks drink option?
Yes, the Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream is a great low calorie Starbucks drink with only 70 calories.
Are Starbucks Refreshers low in calories?
Starbucks offers some Refreshers that are low in calories like the Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refresher with just 90 calories.
Conclusion
After sifting through the vast menu at Starbucks, we can see that staying on a health-conscious path doesn't mean sacrificing delicious and comforting beverages. The variety of best low calorie Starbucks drinks makes it easy for us to stick to our diet and fitness goals while still indulging our coffee cravings and treating our taste buds. Each option uniquely blends health and pleasure, reaffirming that you don’t necessarily have to compromise one for the other.
The next time you find yourself in line at a Starbucks, remember these options aren't just kinder to your waistline - they are a testament to Starbucks' commitment to cater to all customers' needs. So, go ahead, explore, and enjoy the fusion of flavor and health these drinks offer—your body and taste buds will thank you.