18 Healthy Starbucks Drinks That Taste Indulgent
Updated: Jun. 07, 2023
You might be surprised by the variety of Starbucks beverages that clock in at less than 200 calories. From classic espresso to creamy coffee confections, we found healthy Starbucks drinks for everyone.
Brewed Coffee or Americano
What is the lowest calorie Starbucks drink on the menu? Plain coffee, of course, with the cafe Americano (espresso diluted in hot water) coming in at a close second. See more of the healthiest menu items at Starbucks.
Why it’s healthy: At just 5 and 10 calories, respectively, coffee or Americanos deliver that rejuvenating jolt without added sugar, fat or carbs. Brewed coffee is also one of the several keto Starbucks drinks that’s available. Check out all the different low-carb Starbucks food items you can pair it with.
Nonfat Cappuccino
Forever known, in my mind, as Joe Fox’s signature drink from You’ve Got Mail, a nonfat cappuccino is a frothy pick-me-up that feels completely indulgent. A cloud of creamy milk rises above a base of bitter, potent espresso.
Why it’s healthy: At only 60 calories, this is the lowest calorie milk-based drink on the menu; it’s also low in fat.
Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
Frothy, shaken espresso, brown sugar syrup, oat milk and cinnamon in an iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso truly come together to taste like an oatmeal cookie in a cup—with the added bonus of caffeine. Plus, it’s vegan! Find more vegan Starbucks drinks.
Why it’s healthy: This drink has just 90 calories in a size tall, which is surprising for such a sweet drink. If you can’t get enough, a venti still comes in at under 2oo calories, but watch out—its 34o mg of caffeine will give you a major caffeine high if you’re not expecting it.
Chai Tea Latte
Tea lovers, rejoice! The chai latte is on our list of healthy Starbucks drinks. The spicy tea drink is topped with steamed and frothed milk, making it a totally cozy choice that’s a classic fall beverage.
Why it’s healthy: The chai tea latte comes in under 200 calories, whether you order it with nonfat milk, soy milk or even 2% milk.
Skinny Vanilla Latte
Good news! You can drink a relatively healthy vanilla latte. Another espresso-based drink, this latte tops a few shots of espresso with steamed milk and a dollop of frothed milk, flavored with a ribbon of vanilla syrup. When I’m craving dessert in the middle of the afternoon, a vanilla latte ticks the boxes of caffeination and a sweet treat.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall clocks in at 100 calories. Nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup ease up on the calorie count. If you prefer a hot drink, don’t worry—one dietitian thinks a hot latte is the healthiest drink at Starbucks.
Caramel Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage
Craving something blended? The healthiest icy option is the light caramel Frappuccino, made with blended ice, nonfat milk, coffee and buttery caramel syrup. But did you know you can order many other Frappuccinos “light,” with nonfat milk, no whip and sugar-free syrup? Find out more things you didn’t know about Frappuccinos.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall is only 100 calories, and it’s fat-free. Here’s how to order a healthy Starbucks Frappuccino.
Iced Coffee With Syrup
Brewed and chilled-out coffee is just the ticket on a sultry summer day. We recommend adding sugar syrup, which easily blends into the cool liquid. Regular granulated sugar or sugar substitutes won’t dissolve as easily.
Why it’s healthy: The smallest size is 60 calories and 15 grams of sugar; a grande is 80. Pick up one of these healthy Starbucks breakfast items and you’ll have a strong start to your day.
Iced Skinny Latte
Smooth and refreshing, the iced latte combines espresso, milk, ice cubes and a flavored syrup if you like. It’s sort of a middle ground between the plain iced coffee and the decadent Frappuccino.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall is 60 calories, and boasts 6 grams of protein. See more healthy fast food drinks under 200 calories from other restaurants.
Caffe Misto
If you like lattes, but don’t love the foamy milk top, try a caffe misto. While a latte has espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk on top, a caffe misto has a 1:1 ratio of hot coffee (instead of espresso) and steamed milk.
Why it’s healthy: This drink comes in at 80 calories for a size tall, but you can cut that further by ordering it with nonfat milk instead of 2%. Plus, 8 grams of sugar is nothing in comparison to the other sugary drinks at Starbucks!
Nitro Cold Brew
If you’re a cold brew lover, but need a little more of a boost after a late night, try opting for a nitro cold brew on your next Starbucks run. Since a nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen while it’s poured, it’s got a slightly creamy texture, compared to the smooth cold brew you’re probably used to.
Why it’s healthy:Â A nitro cold brew has 0 grams of sugar, and just 5 calories if you don’t add any milk or syrup.
Shaken Tazo Iced Black Tea Lemonade
Inspired by the Arnold Palmer, this drink combines two quintessential summer drinks: sweetened iced tea and lemonade. It’s absolutely delicious and just the ticket on a hot day.
Why it’s healthy: Most of the calories here (70 in a size tall) come from the sugar. That said, the tea has less caffeine than coffee, which makes it a better choice for those who don’t tolerate caffeine well.
Nonfat Cafe Mocha
The mocha is a drink for the true chocolate fan. It combines espresso, mocha sauce and steamed milk. Can a rich, chocolatey coffee really be healthy? Here’s the trick: Swap the low-fat milk for nonfat and hold the whipped cream.
Why it’s healthy: A 190-calorie size tall will sate your chocolate cravings for the day. Try making it at home along with other Starbucks copycat recipes.
Blonde Flat White
If you like milk in your coffee, but want a stronger coffee flavor than a latte, a flat white is the drink for you. It has less foam in comparison to a cappuccino, too.
Why it’s healthy:Â This drink has 170 calories in a size tall, but you can make it even lower by ordering it with nonfat milk. It’s got 9 grams of protein, too.
Shaken Iced Green Tea
If you’re a green tea lover, Starbucks has you covered. The shaken iced green tea also has hints of mint, lemongrass and lemon verbena.
Why it’s healthy: This drink has 0 calories and just 25 mg of caffeine in a tall—a perfect drink for sipping that won’t give you a caffeine high even if you get a trenta! Learn more about the Starbucks coffee sizes.
Nonfat Iced Caramel Macchiato
The caramel macchiato is often the beginning coffee drinker’s choice. It’s great for those who don’t love the flavor of coffee, and it also handles sweet cravings like a champ. (What is it? Espresso sweetened with both caramel and vanilla syrup, topped with milk and ice cubes.) If you love caramel, don’t miss out on our best caramel recipes.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall is 140 calories and has 7 grams of protein.
Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
The Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is the perfect pick-me-up when you’re hitting that mid-afternoon slump. Its 35 mg of caffeine won’t keep you up, but still gives you a little boost. The combination of blackberries, green coffee extract and fruit juice will become a favorite you go back for again and again.
Why it’s healthy:Â A size tall has just 50 calories. If you’re hitting Starbucks for a refresher in the afternoon, check out one of these healthy Starbucks food items to go with it.
Cold Brew with Cascara Cold Foam
Cool down with a cold brew! The slow-steeping process gives more depth and flavor to this iced coffee. Each cup is topped with a velvet-smooth foam that’s sweetened with cascara, the dried skin of a coffee cherry.
Why it’s healthy:Â A great warm-weather alternative for cappuccino fans, this coffee drink clocks in at just 80 calories for a grande option. Learn how to make a homemade cold foam cold brew.
Peach Tranquility Tea
If you’re a peach tea lover, the Peach Tranquility Tea is the perfect choice for you. You’ll love the hints of chamomile blossoms, candied pineapple, lemon verbena, rose hips and, of course, peach.
Why it’s healthy: If you want to keep this tea at 0 calories, be mindful of the sweetener you choose (although you may not need it!). This is a great caffeine-free option too.
