If you’re someone who can’t start the day without a Starbucks run but still wants to stay mindful of your calories, you’re in luck. Starbucks offers a wide range of low-calorie drinks that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re following a weight loss plan, managing sugar intake, or just want a lighter alternative, this guide will help you navigate the best low-calorie Starbucks drinks to enjoy all year round.
Why Choosing Low-Calorie Drinks at Starbucks Matters
Many Starbucks drinks are delicious but packed with hidden sugars, syrups, and full-fat dairy that can easily push your drink over 400 calories. That’s nearly a quarter of a daily calorie allowance for some people!
Choosing low-calorie Starbucks options can help you:
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Stay on track with weight loss goals
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Avoid sugar crashes and bloating
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Reduce daily calorie intake without giving up your coffee fix
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Discover new favorite drinks that are healthier and just as satisfying
The great thing is, with a few smart swaps and tips, you can customize almost any drink to make it better for your body and still totally delicious.
Top 13 Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks (Under 100 Calories)
Here are the best Starbucks drinks under 100 calories you can order confidently:
1. Iced Americano—15 Calories
Ingredients: Espresso, water
Nutrition: 0g sugar, 1g protein, 225mg caffeine
Customization Tip: Add a splash of almond milk (+5 calories) for a smoother taste.
Pairing Suggestion: A handful of almonds or a protein bar makes it a great energy booster.
2. Cold Brew Coffee—5 Calories
Ingredients: Smooth, slow-steeped coffee
Nutrition: 0g sugar, 1g protein, 200mg caffeine
Pro Tip: Enhance with one pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Pairing Suggestion: Perfect with a yogurt parfait or egg-white wrap.
3. Iced Passion Tango Tea—5 Calories
Ingredients: Hibiscus, lemongrass, apple
Nutrition: 0g sugar, 0g protein, 0mg caffeine
Pairing Suggestion: Refreshing alongside a fruit cup or dark chocolate square.
4. Espresso Shot Over Ice—10 Calories
Ingredients: Espresso, ice
Nutrition: 0g sugar, 1g protein, 150mg caffeine
Optional Add-On: Sugar-free syrup for added flavor without calories.
Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a mini biscotti or some raw nuts.
5. Hot Black Coffee—5 Calories
Ingredients: Brewed coffee
Nutrition: 0g sugar, 1g protein, 240mg caffeine
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a hint of natural sweetness.
Pairing Suggestion: Goes great with whole-grain toast and avocado.
6. Skinny Vanilla Latte—80 Calories
Ingredients: Non-fat milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup
Nutrition: 10g sugar, 7g protein, 150mg caffeine
Order Tip: Ask for no foam to shave off a few more calories.
Pairing Suggestion: Tastes amazing with banana bread or a small muffin.
7. Cappuccino with Almond Milk—60 Calories
Ingredients: Espresso, almond milk
Nutrition: 3g sugar, 2g protein, 150mg caffeine
Customization Tip: Request extra foam for texture without calories.
Pairing Suggestion: Great with a granola bar or oatmeal cup.
8. Iced Coffee with Sugar-Free Syrup—10 Calories
Ingredients: Brewed coffee, sugar-free syrup
Nutrition: 0g sugar, 1g protein, 165mg caffeine
Add-On: Add almond milk for a creamy twist.
Pairing Suggestion: Ideal with a light sandwich or fruit salad.
9. Matcha Tea Lemonade—80 Calories
Ingredients: Matcha, lemonade
Nutrition: 16g sugar, 0g protein, 80mg caffeine
Tip: Ask for light lemonade or more water to reduce sugar content.
Pairing Suggestion: Tastes great with a small scone or biscotti.
10. Iced Flat White with Almond Milk—50 Calories
Ingredients: Espresso, almond milk
Nutrition: 2g sugar, 2g protein, 150mg caffeine
Perfect For: A creamy and smooth afternoon pick-me-up.
Pairing Suggestion: Complements a slice of pumpkin bread.
11. Shaken Espresso with Non-Fat Milk—100 Calories
Ingredients: Espresso, non-fat milk, ice
Nutrition: 8g sugar, 5g protein, 170mg caffeine
Pro Tip: Add a sugar-free syrup for a low-calorie flavor boost.
Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a protein box or granola bites.
12. Green Tea Latte with Almond Milk—90 Calories
Ingredients: Matcha, almond milk
Nutrition: 12g sugar, 2g protein, 80mg caffeine
Tip: Ask for one less scoop of matcha to cut sugar and calories.
Pairing Suggestion: Pairs well with a fresh fruit cup.
13. Iced Peach Green Tea—60 Calories
Ingredients: Green tea, peach flavoring
Nutrition: 0g sugar (unsweetened), 0g protein, 25mg caffeine
Ask For: No added sweetener
Pairing Suggestion: Perfect with a light salad or veggie wrap.
How to Order Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks Like a Pro
To keep your drink as light as possible, follow these tips:
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Choose unsweetened or sugar-free options
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Ask for almond or non-fat milk
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Say no to whipped cream
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Use smaller sizes (Tall vs. Grande)
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Reduce the number of syrup pumps
- Try Our Starbucks Calorie Calculator to make customized drink
These adjustments are simple but go a long way in reducing sugar and calorie content.
DIY Starbucks Hacks at Home
Making low-calorie Starbucks drinks at home can save you calories and cash.
Try these ideas:
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Cold Brew: Steep ground coffee overnight in cold water.
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DIY Skinny Latte: Brew espresso and mix with warmed almond milk and stevia.
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Matcha Lemonade: Combine unsweetened matcha with lemon juice, water, and a touch of honey.
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Iced Tea: Brew hibiscus or green tea, chill, and serve with fruit slices.
Starbucks vs. Dunkin’: A Low-Calorie Comparison
When it comes to low-calorie drinks, Starbucks often leads in variety and customization. You can choose your milk, syrup, and size — allowing you to control your calorie intake more precisely.
Dunkin’, on the other hand, typically has fewer milk alternatives and sugar-free syrups. But if you stick to black coffee or iced tea, both chains can offer healthy options.
Winner for flexibility: Starbucks
Winner for price: Dunkin’
Best Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks for Specific Needs
✔️ For Weight Loss
Stick to:
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Iced Americano (5 cal)
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Iced Green Tea (0 cal)
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Skinny Vanilla Latte (80 cal)
✔️ For Keto Diet
Go for:
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Iced Coffee with heavy cream (customized)
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Cold Brew with no sweetener
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Espresso shots with sugar-free syrup
✔️ For Caffeine Sensitivity
Try:
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Iced Passion Tango Tea (0 cal, caffeine-free)
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Decaf Americano (5 cal)
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Matcha Lemonade (moderate caffeine)
Seasonal and Regional Trends
Each season brings tempting drinks like Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Toasted White Chocolate Mochas — and lots of hidden calories.
Low-calorie seasonal swaps:
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Order with almond or oat milk
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Ask for half the syrup or sugar-free options
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Choose Tall size, skip the whip
Some regions also offer unique low-calorie options, like coconut milk or regional tea infusions — be sure to ask your barista!
FAQs
1. What is the low-calorie Starbucks drink?
The Iced Passion Tango Tea and Black Coffee are both 0–5 calories when ordered plain. Add-ons like almond milk only raise it slightly.
2. How do I make my favorite Starbucks drink low-calorie?
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Use non-fat or plant-based milk
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Go sugar-free syrup
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Reduce or skip whip and toppings
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Downsize your drink
3. Are Starbucks Refreshers low in calories?
Some are moderate. For example, a Tall Strawberry Açaí Refresher is around 80–90 calories. You can ask for less juice or more ice to cut calories further.
4. What are the best low-calorie Starbucks options for kids?
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Steamed milk (ask for non-fat or almond)
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Iced Passion Tango Tea
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Hot Chocolate with non-fat milk and no whip (100–120 cal)
5. Can I still enjoy a Frappuccino if I’m counting calories?
Yes! Ask for a Tall Light Frappuccino, made with non-fat milk and sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. Some light versions are under 150 calories.
Conclusion
Choosing low-calorie Starbucks drinks is easier than ever. With smart swaps and mindful customization, you can enjoy your daily coffee ritual while staying on track with your health goals.
Whether you’re looking for low-calorie drinks for weight loss, a keto-friendly caffeine fix, or just a lighter pick-me-up, Starbucks has an option that works for you. Try these 13 drinks, experiment with your own DIY versions at home, and sip smarter every day.
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