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These Are the Best Healthy Starbucks Drinks & Snacks, According to Experts

Hint: the caramel Frappuccino isn't one of them

healthy starbucks drinks: iced coffee in a plastic starbucks cup
Zhang Peng/Contributor/Getty Images

Starbucks: You know it, you love it, you rely on it when you have a 6 a.m. flight and nothing else is open in the JetBlue terminal. But before you reach for a cake pop and milkshake-like “coffee,” why not consider a better-for-you bev and bite instead?

PureWow wellness director Sarah Stiefvater and PureWow food editor Taryn Pire tapped a handful of nutritionists and experts to round up the best healthy Starbucks drinks and snacks on the menu. Options range from tart herbal tea to silky-smooth cold brew to savory avocado spread.

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Meet the Experts

  • Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, a business dedicated to promoting nutrition education. She shares her knowledge through regular speaking engagements and as a nutrition expert on Good Morning America, TODAY, and more.
  • Hillary Cecere, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and a nutritionist for the meal delivery service Eat Clean Bro. She practices in Red Bank, New Jersey.
  • Dina Khader, MS, RD, CDN, MIFHI, is a nutritionist and owner of The Khader Center. She has been practicing private nutrition consultation for more than 34 years. She works closely with Dr. Forbes of Premier Research Labs and is currently listed as a recognized Premier Practitioner. She is also an author and lecturer.
  • Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN, is a chef, nutritionist and Reiki master. She is a wellness and longevity advisor and the founder of Serena Loves, LLC, a wellness brand, app, supplement line, blog and TV show.
  • Brittany Modell, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive counselor and body image healer. She is the founder of Brittany Modell Nutrition & Wellness.
  • Dr. Felicia Stoler, DCN, is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and exercise physiologist. She’s the author of Living Skinny in Fat Genes: The Healthy Way to Lose Weight and Feel Great and the former host of TLC’s Honey, We’re Killing the Kids.

The Best Healthy Starbucks Drinks

1. Hot or Iced Tea

  • Nutritional Information: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g protein
  • Ingredients: tea, water
  • Modifications: ask for it unsweetened

Tea is an easy win, whether you go with something iced or hot. There are also plenty to choose from, and some are caffeinated. The default Starbucks recipes include classic syrup (at least for iced teas), otherwise known as liquid sugar, so be sure to nix that to keep the calories to a minimum.

Not sure where to start? The nutritionists we interviewed offered a few recommendations:

"One of my go-to drinks at Starbucks is an unsweetened hibiscus tea," registered dietitian Maya Feller says. "I love its tart and refreshing flavor, and it’s a great hydrating option without caffeine."

"When I’m feeling a cold drink, my go-to is the Iced Passion Tango Tea," registered dietitian Hillary Cecere adds. "I always get it unsweetened without any liquid cane sugar. This hibiscus blend [also] contains antioxidants and is so refreshing."

Hot tea is also great when the weather is cold. “I always get a Mint Majesty herbal tea, as mint helps with focus and clarity for the day," nutritionist Dina Khader asserts.

2. Caffè Latte

  • Nutritional Information (grande, 2 percent milk): 190 calories, 7g fat, 19g carbs, 18g sugar, 0g protein
  • Ingredients: espresso, milk
  • Modifications: ask for almond milk instead of dairy milk

You can get a low-sugar latte at Starbucks, but it’d be impossible to order one that’s totally sugar free, since there are natural sugars in dairy milk and added sugars in most of the non-dairy milks. In terms of dairy, whole, 2 percent and skim each contain about 12 grams of naturally occurring sugar per 8-ounce serving. As for the non-dairy alternatives, they contain less sugar per cup than dairy milk—almond with 3 grams, oat with 7 grams, coconut with about 8 grams and soy with about 10 grams.

"Another favorite is an extra-hot almond milk latte with a double shot of espresso and no added sugar," Feller says. "I’m lactose intolerant, so almond milk is my preferred non-dairy alternative."

3. Matcha Latte

  • Nutritional Information (grande, 2 percent milk, sweetened): 220 calories, 6g fat, 31g carbs, 29g sugar, 11g protein
  • Ingredients: matcha green tea powder, milk
  • Modifications: ask for it unsweetened

If you want a latte that's caffeinated but not *as* caffeinated as an espresso-based bev, this healthy Starbucks drink made with green tea is just the ticket. “I’m a tea lover, so I usually order a jasmine green tea or an unsweetened matcha latte with nut or oat milk, which is packed with antioxidants," nutritionist Serena Poon says. "If it’s later in the day or if I’m planning on taking a nap on the flight, I’ll choose a chamomile or herbal tea instead."

4. Cold Brew or Nitro Cold Brew

  • Nutritional Information: Nutrition Information: 5 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g protein
  • Ingredients: coffee, water
  • Modifications: none

Much like drip or iced coffee, cold brew is virtually free of carbs, calories and sugar. It's brewed cold, which helps it retain caffeine. So, you'll get a bigger energy boost, whether you spike it with cream and sugar-free syrup or not. If you prefer your coffee silky-smooth and creamy, order nitro cold brew. It's infused with nitrogen to create sweetness without additional sugar and a velvety texture.

“I usually go for the cold brew or nitro cold brew with almond or oat milk, even in the winter," dietitian Brittany Modell says. "Cold brew is low in calories and has no added sugar or extra ingredients."

5. Caffè Americano

  • Nutritional Information: 15 calories, 0g fat, 2g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g protein
  • Ingredients: espresso, water
  • Modifications: none

Americanos are nothing but espresso and water, so you won’t have to worry about tallying up carbs or calories with this keto Starbucks drink. Feel free to add a pump or two of sugar-free flavoring or a touch of cream if it’s too bitter.

"When I’m feeling a hot drink, I choose an Americano with a splash of half-and-half," Modell explains. "The espresso in this drink makes it a richer cup of coffee with tons of flavor. I don’t like sweet coffee drinks, but the half-and-half provides the perfect balance of creaminess. It doesn’t give me a sugar crash and always increases my energy without making me jittery."

6. Hot or Iced Coffee

  • Nutritional Information: 5 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g protein
  • Ingredients: coffee, water
  • Modifications: none

Plain coffee, hot or iced, is a no-brainer. Feel free to add milk, non-dairy milk or cream to your cup to make it creamier (or a calorie-free sweetener).

Dietitian Felicia Stoler recommends going with skim milk (if you eat dairy) and want a lighter cup. "We have all day to get our fat from other sources, and since the fat found in dairy is saturated, reducing consumption of it is ideal. Once in a while, it's OK," she explains.

The Best Healthy Starbucks Snacks

7. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

  • Nutritional Information: 160 calories, 2.5g fat, 28g carbs, 0g sugar, 5g protein
  • Ingredients: water, whole grain oatmeal, salt
  • Modifications: none

Oatmeal is a timeless favorite when it comes to nutritious breakfasts, but many have lots of added sugar. Luckily, this healthy Starbucks snack does not. “If I’m getting breakfast, I usually order a steamed coconut milk with oatmeal, which I find is the cleanest and lowest in fat content," Khader asserts.

8. Avocado Spread

  • Nutritional Information: 90 calories, 8g fat, 5g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g protein
  • Ingredients: avocado, salt, onion, garlic, jalapeño pepper, lime juice
  • Modifications: none

Think of this condiment as a really smooth, citrus-kissed guacamole. Packed with healthy fats, you can pair it with crackers, egg bites, bread or nothing at all. “When I’m really hungry, I’ll add an order of avocado spread, which I’ll eat with a spoon instead of bread," Khader suggests.

9. Egg Bakes and Bites

  • Nutritional Information: varies
  • Ingredients: varies
  • Modifications: none

Stoler gives the green light to three varieties: the Potato, Cheddar & Chive Bakes, Kale & Mushroom Egg Bites and Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Bites. While their nutrition facts vary, each order contains 170 to 230 calories and 12 to 15 grams of protein, so they're lean and filling.

10. Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap

  • Nutritional Information: 290 calories, 8g fat, 34g carbs, 5g sugar, 20g protein
  • Ingredients: whole wheat flour wrap, egg white omelet, spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomato cream cheese spread, tomato blend
  • Modifications: none

Stoler also approves of this high-protein sandwich, which contains less than 300 calories and 10 grams of fat. Thanks to feta and tangy, sun-dried tomato cream cheese spread, it's salty, savory and decadent without being over the top. The egg white also delivers protein, minus the cholesterol and fat of a yolk.

11. Turkey Bacon, Egg White & Cheddar Sandwich

  • Nutritional Information: 230 calories, 5g fat, 28g carbs, 2g sugar, 17g protein
  • Ingredients: wheat English muffin, egg white patty, uncured turkey bacon, reduced fat cheddar cheese
  • Modifications: none

If a bacon, egg and cheese is your go-to breakfast sandwich, try this lighter spin on for size. Turkey bacon contains less fat than traditional pork, and the low-fat cheese saves you some calories as well.

12. Tomato & Mozzarella on Focaccia

  • Nutritional Information: 360 calories, 12g fat, 47g carbs, 2g sugar, 15g protein
  • Ingredients: focaccia roll, mozzarella cheese, roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, spinach
  • Modifications: none

"The lunch sandwich with the least amount of calories and fat is the tomato and mozzarella on focaccia," Stoler states. "Every other sandwich is at least 500 calories. Starbucks is just a whole lot of calories; mostly fat and sugar, and not a lot of fiber. [Enjoy in] moderation—[but] one can consume the higher-calorie foods if they fit within one's caloric needs for the day."

13. DIY Snack Plate

  • Nutritional Information: varies
  • Ingredients: varies
  • Modifications: none

"Snack-wise, even though there are many decadent treats, your best and healthiest options are found in the refrigerated section," Poon claims. "I recommended putting together your own snack plate from a combination of two or three of these [protein] boxes. Since I follow a plant-based diet, I typically get a box with some fresh crudités (usually carrot, cucumber and celery sticks), then add some avocado spread or guacamole and raw nuts or apple slices on the side."

14. Packaged Snacks (or Fruit)

  • Nutritional Information: varies
  • Ingredients: varies
  • Modifications: none

"I usually don’t buy food at Starbucks, but I will grab the packaged almonds or a KIND bar if I need a pick-me-up with my drink, since they both provide protein, fiber and healthy fat," Cecere says.

Modell keeps an eye out for fresh produce instead. "I love any type of fresh fruit, which is high in fiber and a good source of complex carbs. If I’m looking for something more filling, I opt for Siggi’s yogurt or a Perfect Bar. If I’m looking for a crunchy or salty snack, I love Moon Cheese, which is high in protein and a great source of calcium, or kale chips, which are a good source of fiber and a great way to get more vegetables in."

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Healthiest Starbucks Drink on the Menu?

While one could argue that no Starbucks drink is technically nutritious, unsweetened coffees and teas (hot or iced) and espresso are all zero calories. Low-fat milk offers protein with less fat and calories than whole milk. Almond milk is low in sugar and calories too, if you need a non-dairy option.

Are There Sugar-Free Syrups at Starbucks?

Yes. Most stores have sugar-free vanilla, caramel and hazelnut syrups. You can also add sugar-free sweeteners, like Splenda, to your drink, if there isn't a sugar-free syrup on hand that you like.

How Can You Order a "Skinny" Drink at Starbucks?

Despite the antiquated title, there are still plenty of Starbucks drinks you can order today that can be lightened up. Ordering something "skinny" means with skim milk and sugar-free syrup. Speaking as a former Starbucks barista, the vanilla latte is the most commonly ordered "skinny" drink.


sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

  • Oversees wellness content
  • PureWow's resident book reviewer
  • Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years

taryn pire

Food Editor

  • Contributes to PureWow's food vertical
  • Spearheads PureWow's recipe vertical and newsletter
  • Studied English and writing at Ithaca College