With so many sugary drinks on the menu [1], Starbucks can be tricky to navigate on a low-carb diet [2]. It's not impossible, though, as long as you're specific when placing your order [3].
The drinks on this list are either made with more virtuous ingredients [4] or can be customized to suit your needs. At Starbucks, the two biggest offenders are carb-laden syrups and milk. You may need to nix the Classic Syrup, for example, or ask for almond milk or heavy cream in place of other dairy or plant-based milks. Whatever the case, this guide will help you get it exactly right.
- Caffé Misto: This fresh and foamy drink is made with just two ingredients, coffee and milk. If you order it with almond milk, a 16-ounce grandé contains only four grams of carbs [5]. For a bit of sweetness, top it with some cinnamon on your way out.
- Vanilla Latté: Ask for a Skinny Vanilla Latté — which uses sugar-free vanilla syrup — with just a splash (literally) of heavy cream. While a two-tablespoon serving of heavy cream contains just two grams of carbs [6], it comes at a cost of 100 calories.
- Mocha: When you order a Skinny Mocha, your barista will use sugar-free syrup for a rich, chocolatey flavor without the carbs. Again, order your drink with either almond milk or a splash of heavy cream.
- Iced Coffee: Try it black or with a bit of stevia [7] for some sweetness. You can even customize your iced coffee with one of Starbucks's sugar-free flavored syrups (some are seasonal, so ask which ones are currently available).
- Pink Drink: It didn't take long for low-carb Starbucks customers to hack the Pink Drink [8]. Try ordering an Iced Unsweetened Passion Tango Tea blended with a splash of coconut milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup.
- Nitro Cold Brew: This velvety-smooth drink requires no substitutions, because it already contains zero carbs [9].
- Vanilla Frappuccino: You'll have to get creative, but it can be done. Ask for an Iced Coffee with your sweetener of choice (sugar-free vanilla syrup or stevia), blended Frappuccino-style with heavy cream. No Frappuccino base or coffee syrup, and no whipped cream or drizzle on top.