Low Calorie Starbucks Drinks: Smart Choices for Every Coffee Run ☕

Carla Morel
5 days ago
3 min read

Starbucks is famous for indulgent lattes and frappuccinos, but not every trip has to mean a sugar bomb. With the right picks, you can enjoy low calorie Starbucks drinks that taste great while keeping calories in check.

The secret to Starbucks drinks with fewer calories is simple: smart swaps, lighter milk choices, and sugar-free syrups.

Three white Starbucks cups with green logos are lined up against a dark background. The cups' lids are securely placed.

Why Choose Low Calorie Starbucks Drinks?

A grande caramel Frappuccino can top 400+ calories, but Starbucks has plenty of lighter drinks under 100–150 calories. Whether you’re cutting sugar, watching macros, or just want a lighter option, knowing the low calorie options at Starbucks makes all the difference.

Starbucks Drink with Least Calories

The Starbucks drink with the least calories is plain brewed coffee or hot tea — both at 0–5 calories. But if you want flavor beyond black coffee, there are dozens of drinks under 100 calories.

Low Calorie Starbucks Drinks

Drink	Size (Grande)	Calories	Notes
Brewed coffee / hot tea	16 oz	0–5	Lowest calorie option
Iced coffee (unsweetened)	16 oz	5	Add sugar-free syrup for flavor
Cold brew (unsweetened)	16 oz	5	Smooth, naturally less bitter
Nitro cold brew	16 oz	5	Creamy without milk
Caffè Americano	16 oz	15	Espresso + hot water
Skinny latte (nonfat milk)	16 oz	120	Sugar-free syrup available
Cappuccino (nonfat milk)	16 oz	80	Foamy, light, satisfying
Flat White with almond milk	16 oz	100	Creamy but lower calorie
Chai tea (brewed, not latte)	16 oz	0	Spicy and bold
Iced green tea (unsweetened)	16 oz	0	Refreshing and calorie-free

Top 10 Low Calorie Options at Starbucks

1. Brewed Coffee ☕ (5 Calories)

Simple, bold, and the lowest calorie Starbucks drink possible.

2. Iced Coffee (Unsweetened) (5 Calories)

Add a splash of almond milk and sugar-free vanilla for a flavored but light option.

3. Cold Brew (5 Calories)

Naturally smooth and slightly sweeter than brewed coffee without sugar.

4. Nitro Cold Brew (5 Calories)

Infused with nitrogen for a creamy texture, no cream needed.

5. Caffè Americano (15 Calories)

Espresso shots topped with hot water — bold and satisfying.

6. Cappuccino with Nonfat Milk (80 Calories)

Foamy, airy, and lower in calories than lattes.

7. Flat White with Almond Milk (100 Calories)

A creamy option that balances richness and calorie control.

8. Skinny Latte (120 Calories)

Made with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup — flavorful without the excess.

9. Iced Green Tea (0 Calories, Unsweetened) 🍵

Refreshing and calorie-free when ordered unsweetened.

10. Brewed Chai Tea (0 Calories)

Skip the latte version and enjoy the spicy warmth without calories.

How to Make Any Starbucks Drink Lower in Calories

Go unsweetened: Ask for no classic syrup in teas or iced coffees.
Use sugar-free syrups: Vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon dolce.
Switch milks: Almond milk and nonfat milk are the lowest-calorie options.
Downsize: A tall has fewer calories than a grande or venti.
Skip the whip: Whipped cream can add 80–110 calories.

Even your favorite indulgent drinks can be trimmed down with a few smart modifications.

Common Mistakes with “Low Calorie” Starbucks Orders

Ordering a latte with “skinny” syrup but still using whole milk.
Forgetting that toppings like caramel drizzle add 50–100 calories.
Confusing brewed teas (0 calories) with tea lattes (150–200 calories).

Final Word: Low Calorie Starbucks Drinks

The best low calorie Starbucks drinks range from black coffee and cold brew at 5 calories to lighter lattes under 120 calories. By making small swaps — like skipping whip, choosing almond milk, or going unsweetened — you can still enjoy your Starbucks fix while keeping calories in check.

When you need fast food without risking gluten issues, this post shows where to find safe gluten-free fast food options so you can grab something quick without second-guessing.