What to Order at Starbucks If You’re Trying to Be Healthier – 8 Low-Sugar Starbucks Drinks That Taste Great
Starbucks might be famous for sweet drinks and whipped-cream-covered Frappuccinos, but that doesn’t mean you can’t order something healthier. Whether you’re cutting sugar, watching calories, or just trying to be a bit more mindful, there are plenty of lower-sugar Starbucks drinks that still taste amazing.
Let’s explore 8 of the best low-sugar Starbucks drinks you can feel good about ordering—no flavor sacrifice necessary.

Iced Coffee (Unsweetened) – 0g Sugar
Simple and refreshing, Starbucks’ unsweetened iced coffee is a great base for a healthier drink. It’s bold and smooth on its own, but you can always customize it with:
- A splash of almond milk
- 1–2 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup
- Stevia or monk fruit sweetener
Tip: Skip the classic syrup (usually added by default) to keep it sugar-free.
Caffè Americano – 0g Sugar
The Americano is a mix of espresso and hot water—strong, rich, and totally free of added sugars. It’s one of the healthiest ways to get your caffeine fix at Starbucks.
Want to mellow it out? Add:
- A splash of steamed almond or oat milk
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor
Cold Brew with a Splash of Milk – ~1g Sugar
Cold brew is naturally smooth and less bitter than regular coffee. Add a dash of milk—preferably unsweetened almond or coconut milk—for creaminess without adding much sugar.
Keep it healthy by avoiding sweet cream or vanilla cold foam unless you’re customizing it to be sugar-free.
Chai Tea (Brewed, Not Latte) – 0g Sugar
Love chai flavor but want to skip the sugar overload in the Chai Tea Latte? Order the brewed chai tea instead. It’s spicy, aromatic, and has zero sugar.
You can still make it feel special by adding:
- A splash of steamed almond milk
- One pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup
Iced Green Tea (Unsweetened) – 0g Sugar
Refreshing and light, this drink is perfect for staying hydrated and energized without any added sugar. It’s made with brewed green tea and ice—simple and clean.
You can customize it with:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Mint or a few slices of real fruit if making at home
Flat White with Almond Milk (Short) – 3–4g Sugar
The Flat White is a creamy coffee drink with a strong espresso base. Swapping to almond milk in the short size keeps it rich without the added sugar of other milk options.
Bonus: Almond milk has a slightly sweet taste naturally, no need to add sugar.
Espresso Macchiato – 0g Sugar
This bold little drink consists of a shot (or two) of espresso “marked” with a tiny dollop of steamed milk or foam. It’s rich, intense, and has no sugar at all.
Great for those who enjoy the pure flavor of coffee but still want a touch of creaminess.
Iced Blonde Espresso with Almond Milk – ~2–4g Sugar (Tall)
Blonde espresso has a slightly smoother, more mellow flavor than regular espresso. Pair it with unsweetened almond milk for a light, energizing drink with just a hint of sweetness.
Want to sweeten it a bit? Ask for one pump of sugar-free vanilla or cinnamon dolce syrup.
Tips to Make Any Starbucks Drink Healthier:
Even if your go-to drink is a little sugary, you can make smarter swaps to cut down the sugar:
- Ask for fewer pumps of syrup (or switch to sugar-free options)
- Choose non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk (these usually have less sugar than oat or whole milk)
- Skip the whipped cream and sweet drizzles
- Order a smaller size—Short or Tall often satisfies just as much
- Use the Starbucks Calorie & Sugar Calculator at starbucks-calorie-calculator.us to plan your order
Lower Sugar, Same Satisfaction
Being healthier doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to Starbucks. With a few thoughtful choices, you can enjoy drinks that are just as satisfying, without the sugar spike.
Try one of these low-sugar Starbucks drinks next time you visit—and feel great about what you’re sipping.