Sticking to a diet doesn’t mean you have to give up your daily Starbucks run. I used to think my only options were black coffee or boring tea, but I was so wrong. The secret is knowing how to customize your order. By making a few simple swaps like choosing sugar-free syrups, opting for nonfat or plant-based milks, and skipping the whipped cream, you can create a delicious drink that fits perfectly into your calorie goals. It’s all about being smart with your choices.
I’ve put together a list of my favorite low-calorie Starbucks drinks that actually taste amazing. This guide is for anyone who wants to enjoy their coffee fix without the guilt. From refreshing iced teas to creamy lattes, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find that staying on track with your health goals is much easier when you don’t feel deprived. These 24 coffee orders prove that you can have your drink and drink it too.
My Favorite Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks
Nitro Cold Brew
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Honey Flat White
Blonde Vanilla Latte
Iced Passion Tango Tea
Caffe Misto
Teavana Shaken Iced Peach Green Tea
Cold Brew with Cold Foam
Americano
Caramel Macchiato
Cappuccino
London Fog Tea Latte
Emperor’s Clouds and Mist
Iced Black Tea
Flat White
Starbucks Blonde Espresso
Iced Green Tea Latte
Pink Drink
Dragon Drink
Paradise Drink
Star Drink
Iced Chai Tea Latte
Iced London Fog Tea Latte
Iced Matcha Tea Latte
Nitro Cold Brew
If you want a seriously smooth and strong coffee without any added calories, the Nitro Cold Brew is your best friend. It’s cold brew infused with nitrogen, which gives it a naturally sweet flavor and a creamy, cascading texture straight from the tap. I love that it doesn’t need any milk, sugar, or ice to be completely satisfying. It’s served cold and has a thick, velvety head that makes it feel like a treat, even though it’s just pure coffee. This is my go-to order when I need a powerful caffeine kick without any guilt.
The beauty of this drink is in its simplicity. Because it’s so smooth, you won’t be tempted to add sugar packets. It’s the perfect base if you do want a tiny splash of milk, but I recommend trying it straight first. The nitrogen infusion really changes the game, making it less acidic and bitter than regular iced coffee. For under 5 calories in a grande, it’s the ultimate zero-compromise drink for coffee purists and calorie-counters alike.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This drink is a game-changer for anyone who loves a sweet, creamy iced coffee but wants to keep things reasonable. It starts with blonde espresso shots that are shaken with ice and a hint of brown sugar. The real star is the oatmilk poured on top. The combination is magic—it’s subtly sweet, perfectly spiced from the espresso, and has a wonderfully creamy finish without being heavy. I order it all the time because it feels like a decadent splurge, but it’s cleverly designed to be a better choice.
What makes it work is the balance. The brown sugar syrup isn’t overbearing, and the oatmilk adds a natural sweetness that complements the coffee instead of masking it. You can always ask for one less pump of syrup if you prefer things less sweet. A grande typically comes in around 120 calories, which is fantastic for a drink that tastes this good. It’s proof that you don’t need to load up on syrups and dairy to have a flavorful and satisfying coffee experience.
Honey Flat White
For a warm, comforting drink that feels a bit special, the Honey Flat White is a brilliant option. It’s made with ristretto shots, which are a more concentrated and sweeter form of espresso, and steamed whole milk. A touch of honey blend adds a natural, floral sweetness that’s far superior to plain sugar. The result is a rich, velvety smooth drink that coats your mouth in the best way possible. I find it to be a more sophisticated and satisfying choice than a standard latte.
The key to keeping this drink in the low-calorie zone is in the portions. The ristretto shots pack more flavor, so you need less milk and sweetener to feel satisfied. While it’s made with whole milk, you can always swap it for nonfat or almond milk to shave off a few more calories. A tall size is the perfect amount to feel like you’ve had a real coffeehouse experience without going overboard. It’s a cozy, elegant drink that proves low-calorie doesn’t mean low on flavor.
Blonde Vanilla Latte
Sometimes you just need a classic vanilla latte, and the Blonde version is how you do it smartly. The Blonde Espresso is key here—it’s lighter, smoother, and has a softer flavor profile than the signature espresso, which means it pairs beautifully with sweetness without needing as much. I order it with sugar-free vanilla syrup and nonfat milk. This simple swap transforms a potentially high-calorie drink into a light, fragrant, and utterly satisfying coffee that fits right into my day.
The drink is still creamy and has that familiar vanilla flavor I want, but without the sugar crash. The Blonde Espresso is less bitter, so the sugar-free syrup doesn’t taste out of place or artificial. It’s a fantastic example of how a small customization can make a world of difference. This is my absolute favorite order when I’m in the mood for something warm, sweet, and comforting but don’t want to waste a big chunk of my daily calorie budget on a drink.
Iced Passion Tango Tea
When it’s hot outside or I’m not in the mood for coffee, the Iced Passion Tango Tea is my refreshing savior. It’s a caffeine-free herbal tea blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple, shaken with ice. It’s tart, tangy, and incredibly refreshing on its own. The vibrant red color is beautiful and it feels like a real treat. I always ask for it without liquid cane sugar to keep it truly zero-calorie, and I never miss the sweetness because the natural flavors are so bold and bright.
This is the perfect drink for hydration with a punch of flavor. If you do prefer a little sweetness, adding one or two stevia packets is a great way to customize it without adding calories. It’s also a fantastic base for adding your own splash of lemonade (ask for it half-sweetened!) for a lighter version of the famous Pink Drink. For a completely guilt-free, flavorful sip that won’t interfere with your diet at all, this tea is a top contender.
Caffe Misto
The Caffe Misto is a seriously underrated hero on the Starbucks menu. It’s simply half-brewed coffee and half-steamed milk, which makes it a lighter, less intense cousin of the latte. I love it because it gives me that warm, milky coffee feel for a fraction of the calories. You get the comfort of a steamed milk beverage without the heavy dose of espresso and the larger volume of milk that comes with a latte. It’s simple, classic, and completely customizable.
I always order it with nonfat or almond milk to keep it extra light, and sometimes I’ll add a packet of stevia or a dash of cinnamon on top. Because the base is regular coffee, it’s also less expensive than an espresso-based drink. It’s the perfect choice for when you want to sit and sip on something warm for a while without consuming a huge amount of calories. It’s proof that you don’t need a complicated order to get a great, diet-friendly drink.
Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks: 24 Coffee Orders for Your Diet
Navigating the Starbucks menu while watching your calorie intake is easier than you think. I’ve put together a guide to help you order wisely, focusing on simple modifications that make a huge difference. The key is knowing what to ask for.
Your best friends at Starbucks are sugar-free syrups, nonfat or plant-based milks, and saying “no” to the whipped cream. A simple switch from whole milk to almond milk can save you dozens of calories. Always ask for your drink to be unsweetened or specify the number of pumps of syrup you want; the standard amount is often more than you need.
Here is a list of 24 solid low-calorie Starbucks drinks orders to try:
- Caffè Americano (10 cal)
- Iced Coffee with sugar-free syrup and a splash of milk (20-50 cal)
- Cold Brew with sugar-free vanilla (5 cal)
- Nitro Cold Brew (5 cal)
- Hot Brewed Coffee or Teavana Tea (5 cal)
- Iced Passion Tango Tea (0 cal)
- Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Brewed Tea (0 cal)
- London Fog Tea Latte with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla (80-120 cal)
- Flat White with almond milk (80 cal)
- Cappuccino with nonfat milk (80 cal)
- Blonde Vanilla Latte with almond milk and sugar-free syrup (90 cal)
- Iced Shaken Espresso with sugar-free syrup and no classic (20 cal)
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmeal Shaken Espresso with half the syrup (90 cal)
- Hot Chocolate with nonfat milk, no whip, and sugar-free mocha (120 cal)
- Iced Matcha Tea Latte with sugar-free vanilla and almond milk (80 cal)
- Dragon Drink with light coconut milk and no inclusions (90 cal)
- Pink Drink with light coconut milk and no inclusions (90 cal)
- Caramel Macchiato with almond milk, half the syrup, and no caramel drizzle (110 cal)
- Iced White Chocolate Mocha with nonfat milk, no whip, and sugar-free mocha (130 cal)
- Peppermint Mocha with almond milk, no whip, and sugar-free mocha (120 cal)
- Chai Tea Latte with nonfat milk and no liquid cane sugar (120 cal)
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, ask for light sweet cream (70 cal)
- Strawberry Açai Refresher with water instead of coconut milk (50 cal)
- Steamer with almond milk and sugar-free syrup (50 cal)
Remember, the baristas are there to help. Don’t be shy about customizing your order to fit your diet. A few small changes can lead to a delicious drink that you can feel good about.
FAQ
What is the absolute lowest calorie drink I can get at Starbucks?
The drinks with the fewest calories are plain black coffee, hot brewed tea, or iced tea without any sweetener. An Americano or a Cold Brew with no additions are also great choices, each clocking in at around 5-10 calories. If you want a touch of flavor, add a splash of a sugar-free syrup, which adds virtually no calories.
How do I order a latte without all the sugar and calories?
You can still enjoy a latte. The main moves are to switch to a nonfat milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or coconut. Then, ask for sugar-free syrup instead of the regular syrup and specify how many pumps you want—one or two is usually plenty. Finally, always skip the whipped cream. This can turn a 250+ calorie drink into one under 100 calories.
Are the Refreshers really a low-calorie option?
The base Refreshers are made with a green coffee extract and are relatively low in calories compared to creamy Frappuccinos. However, they do contain sugar. For a truly low-calorie Refresher, order it with water instead of coconut milk and ask for light ice or no inclusions (the dried fruit pieces) to further reduce the sugar content. This can bring a Tall size down to about 50 calories.
Can I still get a Frappuccino on a diet?
A standard Frappuccino is one of the highest-calorie items on the menu. But you can create a “Light” version, though it’s not officially on the menu anymore. Ask for a coffee Frappuccino with nonfat milk, no whip, and add a sugar-free syrup like vanilla or mocha. This significantly cuts down the sugar and fat, making it a much more diet-friendly treat.
What are some good low-calorie Starbucks drinks for someone with a sweet tooth?
If you prefer sweeter drinks, sugar-free syrups are your hero. Order an Iced Coffee or Cold Brew with a pump or two of sugar-free vanilla or cinnamon dolce syrup and a splash of milk. The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, but asking for just a light splash of the sweet cream, is also a fantastic way to get that sweetness for around 70 calories.
Do you have any other tips for keeping my Starbucks order low-calorie?
Absolutely. Size matters—start with a Tall. Pay attention to the toppings; caramel drizzle, chocolate curls, and whipped cream add unnecessary calories. Be specific with your milk choice and always taste your drink before adding any extra sugar from the condiment bar. With these 24 coffee orders for your diet, you have a great starting point to enjoy your visit without the guilt.