15 Healthy Starbucks Drinks That Taste Indulgent
Updated: Feb. 21, 2024
You might be surprised by the variety of Starbucks beverages that clock in at less than 200 calories. From classic espresso to creamy coffee confections, we found healthy Starbucks drinks for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at some healthy Starbucks drinks on the Starbucks menu.
Brewed Coffee or Americano
What is the Starbucks drink with the lowest calories on the menu? Plain coffee, of course, with the cafe Americano (espresso diluted in hot water) coming in at a close second.
Why it’s healthy: At just 5 and 15 calories, respectively, coffee or Americanos deliver that rejuvenating jolt without added sugar, fat or carbs. Brewed coffee is also one of the several keto Starbucks drinks available. Check out all the different low-carb Starbucks food items you can pair the drink with.
Nonfat Cappuccino
Forever known, in my mind, as Joe Fox’s signature drink from You’ve Got Mail, a nonfat cappuccino is a frothy pick-me-up that feels completely indulgent. A cloud of creamy milk rises above a base of bitter, potent espresso.
Why it’s healthy:Â At only 60 calories, this is the lowest-calorie milk-based drink on the menu; it’s also low in fat.
Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
Frothy, shaken espresso, brown sugar syrup, oat milk and cinnamon in an iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso come together to taste like an oatmeal cookie in a cup—with the bonus of caffeine. Plus, it’s vegan! Find more vegan Starbucks drinks.
Why it’s healthy: This drink has just 100 calories in a size tall, which is surprising for such a sweet drink. If you can’t get enough, a venti still comes in at under 200 calories, but watch out—its 340 mg of caffeine will give you a major caffeine high if you’re not expecting it.
Chai Tea Latte
Tea lovers, rejoice! The chai latte is on our list of healthy Starbucks drinks. The spicy tea drink is topped with steamed and frothed milk, making it a totally cozy choice that’s a classic fall beverage.
Why it’s healthy: A tall chai latte comes in under 200 calories.
Skinny Vanilla Latte
Good news! You can drink a relatively healthy vanilla latte. Another espresso-based drink, this latte tops a few shots of espresso with steamed milk and a dollop of frothed milk—flavored with a ribbon of vanilla syrup. When I’m craving dessert in the middle of the afternoon, a vanilla latte ticks the boxes of caffeination and a sweet treat.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall clocks in at 100 calories. Nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup ease up the calorie count. If you prefer a hot drink, don’t worry—one dietitian thinks a hot latte is the healthiest drink at Starbucks.
Caramel Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage
Craving something blended? The healthiest icy option is the light caramel Frappuccino, made with blended ice, nonfat milk, coffee and buttery caramel syrup. But did you know you can order many other Frappuccinos “light,” with nonfat milk, no whip and sugar-free syrup? Find out more things you didn’t know about Frappuccinos.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall is only 100 calories and fat-free. Here’s how to order a healthy Starbucks Frappuccino.
Iced Coffee With Syrup
Brewed and chilled-out coffee is just the ticket on a sultry summer day. We recommend adding sugar syrup, which easily blends into the cool liquid. Regular granulated sugar or sugar substitutes won’t dissolve as easily.
Why it’s healthy: The smallest size is 60 calories and 15 grams of sugar; a grande is 80. Pick up one of these healthy Starbucks breakfast items and you’ll have a strong start to your day.
Iced Skinny Latte
Smooth and refreshing, the iced latte combines espresso, milk, ice cubes and flavored syrup (if you like). This healthy Starbucks latte is a middle ground between plain iced coffee and decadent Frappuccino drinks.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall is 60 calories and boasts 6 grams of protein. See more healthy fast food drinks under 200 calories from other restaurants.
Caffe Misto
If you like lattes but don’t love the foamy milk top, try a caffe misto. While a latte has espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk on top, a caffe misto has a 1:1 ratio of hot coffee (instead of espresso) and steamed milk.
Why it’s healthy:Â This drink comes in at 80 calories for a size tall, but you can cut that further by ordering it with nonfat milk instead of 2%. Plus, 8 grams of sugar is nothing compared to the other sugary drinks at Starbucks!
Nitro Cold Brew
If you’re a cold brew lover but need a little boost after a late night, try opting for a nitro cold brew on your next Starbucks run. Since a nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen while it’s poured, it’s got a slightly creamy texture compared to the smooth cold brew you’re probably used to. This also means that even folks that prefer their drinks with cream may go without when they order this drink.
Why it’s healthy:Â A nitro cold brew has 0 grams of sugar and only 5 calories if you don’t add milk or syrup.
Iced Black Tea Lemonade
Inspired by the Arnold Palmer, this healthy Starbucks drink combines two quintessential summer drinks: sweetened iced tea and lemonade. It’s absolutely delicious and just the ticket on a hot day.
Why it’s healthy: Most of the drink’s calories here (35 in a size tall) come from the sugar. That said, tea has less caffeine than coffee, making it a better choice for those who don’t tolerate caffeine well.
Nonfat Cafe Mocha
The mocha is a drink for the true chocolate fan. It combines espresso, mocha sauce and steamed milk. Can a rich, chocolatey coffee really be healthy? Here’s the trick: Swap the low-fat milk for nonfat and hold the whipped cream.
Why it’s healthy: A 190-calorie size tall will sate your chocolate cravings for the day. Try making it at home along with other Starbucks copycat recipes.
Blonde Flat White
If you like milk in your coffee but want a stronger coffee flavor than a latte, a flat white is the drink for you. It has less foam in comparison to a cappuccino, too.
Why it’s healthy:Â This drink has 170 calories in a size tall, but you can make it even lower by ordering it with nonfat milk. It’s got 9 grams of protein, too.
Iced Green Tea
If you’re a green tea lover, Starbucks has you covered. The iced green tea also has hints of mint, lemongrass and lemon verbena.
Why it’s healthy: This drink has 0 calories and just 20 mg of caffeine in a tall—one of the perfect healthy Starbucks drinks that won’t give you a caffeine high even if you get a trenta! Learn more about the Starbucks coffee sizes.
Nonfat Iced Caramel Macchiato
The caramel macchiato is often the beginning coffee drinker’s choice. It’s great for those who don’t love the flavor of coffee, and it also handles sweet cravings like a champ. (What is it? Espresso sweetened with both caramel and vanilla syrup, topped with milk and ice cubes.) If you love caramel, don’t miss out on our best caramel recipes.
Why it’s healthy: A size tall is 140 calories and has 7 grams of protein.
Originally Published: January 18, 2022
