If you’re like us, you love Starbucks coffee, but you’re also trying to keep an eye on your sugar intake. Well, it’s no secret that Starbucks coffee drinks can be loaded with sugar.
Fortunately, Starbucks has a few low-sugar and sugar-free options for those who want to enjoy a delicious coffee drink without the sugar buzz.
In this article, we will be discussing some of the best low-sugar coffee drinks at Starbucks. So, if you’re looking for a less sweet coffee experience, keep reading!
Are there any sugar-free drinks at Starbucks?
While Starbucks is known for its super-sweet and sugary coffee concoctions (see Starbucks Nutrition Calculator here), you’ll be happy to know that they carry a surprisingly large variety of sugar-free drinks if you know what to order.
There are several coffee drinks that don’t contain sugar and a variety of unsweetened drink options, like espresso or hot and iced tea.
Starbucks also offers a pretty great selection of sugar-free syrups that you can add to your coffee or other drinks to sweeten them without adding sugar.
How do you order low-sugar drinks at Starbucks?
If you’re trying to watch your sugar intake, you might wonder how you can order low-sugar drinks at Starbucks and still come out with a delicious drink.
Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. Here’s a quick guide on how to order sugar-free drinks at Starbucks, so you can enjoy your favorite beverages without the guilt.
First, you can ask for your drink to be made with less syrup. This will cut down on the amount of sugar in your drink, which in most cases will cut down severely on the total sugar in your drink.
You can also ask for sugar-free alternatives to syrups like stevia or Splenda if you’re just looking for sweeteners rather than flavoring.
Another option is to order a drink that is already naturally low in sugar, like a plain coffee or tea.
You can also ask for your drink to be made with nonfat milk, which will keep the sugar content low while adding a bit of depth and flavor.
What makes a Starbucks drink “low-sugar”?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, but we can provide some guidelines. First, let’s define what we mean by “low sugar.”
A low-sugar drink contains relatively little sugar compared to other drinks.
But what is the definition of “relatively little sugar”? Is it a small amount of sugar? Or is it a drink that doesn’t taste very sweet? For our purposes, a low-sugar drink contains less than 15 grams of sugar per serving.
Now that we’ve established that, let’s look at some of the most popular low-sugar drinks. Water, unsweetened tea, and black coffee are all obvious choices. But there are also a few surprises on this list, like some types of espresso drinks and even some decaf options.
So if you want to cut back on sugar, you have more options than you might think.
Low sugar Starbucks coffee drinks
Caffè Americano
Whether you want to cut back on the sugar or simply don’t like your coffee too sweet, the Caffè Americano from Starbucks may be the best answer.
But what exactly is in an Americano? Basically, it’s just espresso and hot water. That’s it!
Starbucks’ Caffè Americano is made with a double shot of espresso and hot water filled to the top of the cup. It’s a simple, no-frills coffee that gets the job done.
So if you’re looking for a delicious, cheap, no-frills Starbucks coffee that will give you an energy boost without the sugar crash, give this one a try!
Iced Starbucks Blonde Espresso Americano
Need a little pick-me-up? The Starbucks Blonde Espresso Americano is the perfect way to start your day (or help you get through the afternoon). Made with Starbucks’ signature espresso and milk, this drink is delicious and refreshing. Plus, it’s a great way to get your caffeine fix.
Even better? There’s no need to fear the sugar crash since this drink contains no sugar. This drink doesn’t come sweetened, but you can customize it. For a little sweetness, add a few pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup or a touch of Splenda.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Is there anything better than a cold, creamy cup of Starbucks cold brew coffee? We think not. That’s why we recommend the Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew the next time you’re craving something special.
This delicious drink combines the rich flavors of cold brew coffee with the sweetness and creaminess of vanilla and cream. And at only 14 grams of sugar, it’s the perfect drink for those who want to enjoy a sweet cold brew coffee without the sugar crash.
Keep in mind that this drink is sweet but not overpowering, so it’s best if you’re looking for something more subtle.
Caffè Misto
Few things are more reviving than a hot cup of coffee in the morning. But what if you’re tired of your usual brewed coffee and want to switch things up?
If you’re looking for something a little different, you should try a Starbucks Caffè Misto.
A Caffè Misto is a coffee drink made with equal parts coffee and steamed milk. You can also choose to have it made with whole milk, skim milk, or even plant-based milk alternatives like soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk.
If you want a little extra flavor, you can ask for a shot of sugar-free vanilla or cinnamon dolce syrup. Trust us; this drink is sure to wake you up and leave you feeling refreshed.
Flavored Iced Coffee
There are infinite flavor possibilities for coffee. This is especially true at Starbucks, where coffee customization is the name of the game.
If you’re a fan of Starbucks but want to cut down on your sugar intake, you’re in luck – there are two sugar-free syrups available at Starbucks to help you flavor your iced coffee just the way you like it.
Iced coffee is made with Starbucks’ signature Arabica beans and can be sweetened with vanilla or cinnamon dolce-flavored syrups. All the flavor, none of the sugar! Of course, you can always add a pump or two of any other flavor your heart desires; Brown Sugar, Hazelnut, Peppermint, Raspberry, Toffee Nut, and more.
Keep in mind that each pump adds around 10 grams of sugar, depending on the syrup, so moderation is key!
Sugar-Free Flat White with Skim Milk
You don’t need a ton of sugar to make coffee taste amazing, and this drink is proof. Introducing your new workweek fave: The Starbucks sugar-free flat white with skim milk. This drink is for those who want all the flavor of a flat white without all the sugar.
Starbucks espresso is combined with steamed soy milk and a thin layer of milk foam for a delicious and refreshing treat that’s not overly sweet.
It only has about 10 grams of sugar, so if you’re looking for a lower-calorie alternative to your usual coffee, this is the drink for you.
Low sugar non-coffee drinks at Starbucks
Chai Tea
If you’ve never had yourself a warm and intoxicating Chai Tea before, then you’re missing out!
Chai tea is a spiced black tea that originated in India. It’s made by brewing black tea with a mix of spices like cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon.
Many people like to add a syrupy sweetener and some kind of milk to their Chai tea, which makes it even more delicious, but it comes unsweetened unless you ask.
Be warned; the chai flavor is pretty strong and might not be to everyone’s taste. We recommend cutting it with low-calorie or nonfat milk to take the edge off. But if you’re looking for a new comforting favorite, give the Starbucks Chai Tea a try.
Jade Citrus Tea
Sometimes the simplest drinks are the ones that stand out the most. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, don’t skip out on the Starbucks teas!
Starbucks’ Jade Citrus Tea is the perfect drink for when you need a little boost of energy in a warm and easy-to-sip cup.
This tea is made with a blend of green tea, lemon verbena, and orange peel for a refreshing and zesty cup.
It’s perfect for those who like a little zing in their cup and is absolutely delicious; no sugar needed!
Iced Peach Green Tea
We all know Starbucks iced green tea is pretty delicious. But have you tried their Iced Peach Green Tea? We say it’s even better!
This summery beverage is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. It has zero sugar or added sweeteners, and frankly, it doesn’t need any.
Delicious green tea is combined with spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass, all tied together with a faintly sweet peach flavor for a truly unique and well-rounded beverage.
Sure, it’s not going to give you a caffeine fix or sugar high, but if you’re looking for a way to cool down on a hot day, the Iced Peach Green Tea is a great choice.
Royal English Breakfast Tea
Let’s take a look at Starbucks’ version of the classic English breakfast tea. If you’re unfamiliar with English breakfast tea, it’s a blend of black teas typically served with milk and sugar.
Starbucks’ version is made with rich, full-bodied black tea, and it’s available hot and as an iced latte.
This tea is perfect for breakfast, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it any time of the day! If you decide you’d like some additional sweetness, ask for some Splenda or sugar-free vanilla syrup to give it a super-sweet upgrade without the calories.
Decaf sugar-free Starbucks drinks
Emperor’s Clouds and Mist Tea
If you’re on the hunt for a Starbucks beverage with zero sugar and a fresh, bold taste, allow us to introduce you to Starbucks’ Emperor’s Clouds and Mist Tea.
This specialty tea is clearly made with love, and it’s an amazing way to treat yourself without indulging in a sugary beverage.
This mellow tea is perfect for those who want to kick back, relax, and unwind. It has a distinct smokey and sweet flavor that only comes from a delicious cup of green tea.
Steamed Milk
This one’s more for the kiddies, but we figure it’s worth recommending anyway!
We all know and love Starbucks for its delicious coffee and iced drinks, but have you ever tried their steamed milk? It’s the same stuff that gets added to your favorite espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
The milk is heated until it’s nice and frothy, and then it’s added to your coffee. It’s a fantastic way to have a warm and comforting beverage without the added caffeine or sugar.
This drink can be enjoyed as-is, or you can add a sugar-free syrup or whipped cream on top to make it a little more special.
Mint Majesty Tea
We all know that green tea is good for us. It’s packed with antioxidants and has a host of health benefits, from speeding up our metabolism to helping us unwind and fall asleep. And, it doesn’t need sugary syrups or whipped cream to impress!
Enter the Starbucks Mint Majesty Tea, one of our favorites on the Starbucks menu.
As its name would suggest, this tea is a refreshing mint beverage made with health-conscious tea lovers in mind. It’s the perfect drink when you need a refreshing and gentle way to start your day without caffeine and sugar.
Decaf Roast with Almond Milk
We all know that one person who just can’t function without their morning cup of coffee and maybe needs to cut back a little bit on the caffeine—that person might even be you!
If that’s the case, why not try a cup of Starbucks Decaf Roast with Almond Milk?
This rich and flavorful coffee is perfect for those who need to cut back on caffeine but still want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee; taste-wise, there’s very little difference. The almond milk adds a smooth and creamy texture that takes this coffee to the next level with no added sugar!
Peach Tranquility Tea
Is there anything more tranquil than a warm cup of tea on a sunny afternoon? Starbucks thinks not, and they’re betting you’ll agree with them after you try their Peach Tranquility Tea.
If there’s one tea on the Starbucks menu that you should definitely try, it’s this one!
This herbal infusion is made with a refreshing and intriguing blend of peach, lemon verbena, candied pineapple, chamomile blossoms, and rose hips.
With zero grams of sugar and absolutely no caffeine, there’s no better way to relax and wind down during a stressful day.
Decaf Iced Caffe Latte with Soy Milk
For those of you who like the taste of Starbucks coffee but don’t want the caffeine, consider the Starbucks Decaf Iced Caffe Latte!
This drink, made with Starbucks’ signature decaf roast coffee, the milk of your choice, and ice, is sure to perk you up with its bold flavor, even if it doesn’t have caffeine.
It’s the perfect way to get your Starbucks fix without the caffeine. You also don’t have to pile on the sugar with this drink; it’s delicious even without added sugar, though you can certainly add some sugar-free syrup if you’re craving some sweetness.
Iced Passion Tango Tea
Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea is a delicious, refreshing way to cool down on a hot summer day. This sweet and tangy tea is made with a delicious combination of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple, and it’s bursting with flavor.
The best part is that it still hits the spot when you’re looking for something sweet and fruity without all the sugar. If you want something bold and flavorful on a warm afternoon, this is your best bet!
FAQ’s
Which cold Starbucks drink has the least sugar?
There are a lot of cold Starbucks drinks out there, and they all have different sugar levels. So which one should you get if you’re looking for the least sugary option?
First, let’s take a look at the iced coffees. Black iced coffee contains zero grams of sugar with only four grams per serving if you add a pump of vanilla syrup.
If you’re looking for something a little more fruity, the iced Passion Tango Tea is a great choice, with eight grams of sugar per serving.
Now let’s look at the cold teas. Most of the iced teas on the Starbucks menu contain no sugar, making them the clear winner when it comes to sugar content.
For a sugar-free drink, try the Iced Passion Tango Tea or Unsweetened Green Tea.
What’s the best low-sugar hot Starbucks drink?
If you’re looking for a hot Starbucks drink that won’t give you a sugar buzz, you’re in luck! There are a few different options to choose from, and they’re all pretty delicious.
For starters, you could simply get a black coffee or a shot of espresso. Both of these options contain no sugar but provide you with more than enough caffeine to get you going.
For something more substantial, there’s the Caffè Misto. This drink is made with steamed milk and a shot of espresso. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something that’s low in sugar and caffeine. It’s not intensely sweet, but it’s refreshing and flavorful. For fewer calories, substitute almond or oat milk.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a little sweeter, you can try a classic Caffè Latte. This drink is made with steamed milk, a shot of espresso, and a delicate topping of milk foam. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a little something sweet without going overboard on the sugar since it doesn’t have added sugar unless you ask for syrups.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the best low-sugar and sugar-free drinks at Starbucks. We all could stand to be more conscious of our sugar intake, and trying a few coffee drinks with less sugar is a great place to start!
The next time you’re in Starbucks looking for something different, give one of these drinks a try. You might be surprised at how good they are, even without the extra sweetness!
If you want to know more about coffee sweeteners and how they affect your coffee and your health, check out our handy guide.
And if you’re craving something extra sweet, why not look at the sweetest drinks on the Starbucks menu?
Happy Caffeinating!
