According to a Nutritionist, Here's What You Can Order For Your Kids at Starbucks (PSL Included)

Updated on 9/26/2019 at 12:55 PM

Now that Starbucks has officially brought back its Pumpkin Spice Latte for the season, you might have already started plotting your weekend jaunts to the java chain to get your fill. But a concern on many PSL-drinkers' minds is whether or not the kiddos can have any — and not just a sip, but their own. To find out just what drinks the little ones can have and what they should stay away form, we turned to registered dietitian Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD, LDN.

The first step in ordering for them is to get familiar with the nutritional info. "Looking at overall calories and labels such as 'sweetened' or 'unsweetened' is most important," she told POPSUGAR. "I recommend clients eat their calories vs. drink them, so looking for any way to lower caloric intake form beverages is important." Find out how the drinks stack up right this way.

What's the best thing a kid can drink?

When busy parents make their routine stops at Starbucks, they often want to know what the "healthiest" item they can order for their kid is. Is it juice, or something else entirely? "I recommend parents try some of the lightly sweetened teas vs. juices, like the Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea, which is also 0mg of caffeine," said Lemein. "Another great option is asking for a mix of sparkling water and juice to cut back on sugar. The canned sparkling waters are always a good option, too."

Can kids have Frappuccinos?

You don't have to limit your order to just teas. Starbucks has two Frappuccino under 200 calories: the Caramel Frappuccino Light and the Coffee Frappuccino Blended Beverage. "Either of these Frappuccino options are OK as a treat," said Lemein, emphasizing that they shouldn't be part of the everyday diet. Don't forget that you can order these as decaf options as well. "The larger concern is the amount of added sugar vs. caffeine. Although kids can become over caffeinated, the trace amounts in decaf beverages should not be of concern."

Is milk a factor?

You can also cut back on calories with the milk you order. "Ask for low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk in drinks, and whenever possible," shared Lemein. "The major things to steer away from are the things that look more like ice cream, like those topped with caramel, chocolate, and whipped cream or sprinkles — this all adds up very quickly with added sugars, fat, and calories."

Can they have Pumpkin Spice Lattes?

This might the question on every parent's mind. And the answer is yes, but with a caveat. "For teens, I would recommend asking for decaf espresso, low-fat milk, only one pump of syrup, and no whipped cream," suggested Lemein. Get creative with the order if you have a child on your hand who wants one. "If the child is very young, skip the espresso and do steamed low-fat milk with one pump of the syrup to make a kid-friendly version."