What to Order at Starbucks When Trying to Lose Weight
Trying to lose weight but still craving your favorite Starbucks drinks? You’re not alone. Many people assume they have to give up their go-to coffee runs while on a diet—but that’s not true. With a little knowledge and a few smart tweaks, you can enjoy delicious Starbucks beverages without derailing your progress.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best low-calorie drinks at Starbucks, tips to customize your order for weight loss, and how to accurately track your drink’s nutrition using our free Starbucks calorie calculator. Whether you’re watching your calories, sugar, or carbs, there’s something here for you.
Can You Drink Starbucks and Still Lose Weight?
Yes—if you make the right choices.
Many Starbucks drinks are packed with sugar, cream, and syrup, which can quickly add 300–600+ calories to your daily intake. But Starbucks also offers a range of customizable options, and with some simple changes, you can enjoy flavorful drinks that fit perfectly into a calorie-conscious lifestyle.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened drinks
- Use lower-calorie milk alternatives
- Skip the whipped cream and sugary toppings
- Pay attention to portion sizes
Best Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks for Weight Loss
These drinks are great choices for anyone looking to keep calories in check while still enjoying a refreshing treat.
1. Cold Brew Coffee
- Calories: 5 (Grande)
- Smooth, naturally low in calories, and packed with caffeine. Add a splash of almond milk or a pump of sugar-free syrup for extra flavor without the calories.
2. Caffè Americano (Hot or Iced)
- Calories: 10–15
- A strong espresso drink diluted with hot water. Add a stevia packet or a dash of cinnamon to enhance the taste without adding sugar.
3. Iced Shaken Espresso with Almond Milk (No Classic Syrup)
- Calories: ~80 (Tall)
- Skip the classic syrup and ask for a splash of almond milk for a light, energizing option.
4. Cappuccino with Nonfat Milk or Almond Milk
- Calories: 60–90 (Tall)
- A smaller milk-to-foam ratio means fewer calories than a latte. Choose nonfat or almond milk to keep it light.
5. Unsweetened Iced Tea (Black, Green, or Passion)
- Calories: 0–5
- Naturally calorie-free and hydrating. Avoid adding sweeteners or lemonade.
6. Light Matcha Latte (1 Scoop Matcha, Almond Milk)
- Calories: ~100 (Tall)
- Request just one scoop of matcha and use almond milk. This reduces both calories and sugar while keeping the drink rich and flavorful.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Starbucks Order for Fewer Calories
If your favorite Starbucks drink isn’t on the low-calorie list, don’t worry. You can still enjoy it with a few smart changes:
1. Go Smaller
Choosing a Tall instead of a Grande can save 100+ calories.
2. Use Almond or Nonfat Milk
Almond milk has the fewest calories (~30 per cup), while nonfat milk also keeps things light without compromising creaminess.
3. Skip the Whip
Whipped cream can add up to 80–100 calories. Just say “no whip” when ordering.
4. Choose Sugar-Free Syrups
Each pump of regular syrup adds 20 calories and 5g of sugar. Switch to sugar-free vanilla or ask for fewer pumps.
5. Hold the Cold Foam
Sweet cream cold foam is tasty but heavy on sugar and fat. Ask for “no foam” or “light foam” if you want the texture without the extra calories.
Sample Orders Under 100 Calories
Here are some smart Starbucks orders you can try today:
| Drink | Size | Calories | Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew with Almond Milk | Grande | ~25 | No syrup |
| Iced Americano with Stevia | Grande | ~10 | Add zero-calorie sweetener |
| Tall Cappuccino with Almond Milk | Tall | ~60 | No sugar added |
| Iced Shaken Espresso (No Syrup) | Tall | ~80 | Use almond milk |
| Matcha Latte (1 Scoop, Almond Milk) | Tall | ~100 | Fewer scoops, dairy-free milk |
Why Use a Starbucks Calorie Calculator?
Customizing drinks at Starbucks can make calorie counting tricky. Every syrup pump, milk change, or topping adds or removes calories, fat, and sugar. That’s why we built the Starbucks calorie calculator.
With this tool, you can:
- Accurately calculate calories based on your custom drink
- See nutrition breakdowns for carbs, sugar, fat, and protein
- Compare different drinks to make better choices
It’s fast, free, and tailored specifically for Starbucks fans who care about nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks doesn’t have to be off-limits when you’re trying to lose weight. With the right approach, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without the extra sugar and calories. The key is knowing what to order—and how to customize it smartly.
Before your next visit, use the Starbucks calorie calculator to make informed decisions and stay on track with your goals. It’s the easiest way to enjoy what you love, without sacrificing your progress.
