21 Healthiest Starbucks Drinks in 2024

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 | 0 Comments
healthiest starbucks drinks

When it comes to finding the healthiest Starbucks drinks, the menu offers an exciting range of options that cater to wellness enthusiasts and casual sippers alike. Are you looking to cut down on sugar, watch your calorie intake or simply enjoy a beverage made with wholesome ingredients?

With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to pinpoint the healthiest options. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 21 healthiest Starbucks drinks. Whether you’re a regular customer seeking healthier choices or new to Starbucks and eager to find the best picks, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

 

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What Is the Healthiest Drink at Starbucks?

You can find the healthiest Starbucks drinks, including some hidden gems. Many options are lower in sugar and calories, thanks to the use of natural ingredients like cinnamon instead of flavored syrups. Some of the healthiest Starbucks drinks on the regular menu include cold brew coffee, iced espresso and tropical citrus iced energy. These options are all low in sugar and calories, offering a satisfying taste without the guilt. 

While frappuccinos and certain seasonal lattes are often loaded with sugar, syrups and whipped cream, drinks like a chai tea latte with almond milk and no syrup or an iced green tea with coconut milk and a sugar-free vanilla shot, can be great options if you’re watching your sugar intake. 

Black coffees are the healthiest drinks at Starbucks.
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How to Order Healthy Starbucks Drinks

When choosing a healthy drink at Starbucks, focus on calories, sugar content and added ingredients to find the healthiest Starbucks drinks. Opt for naturally low-sugar, low-calorie options like plain coffee or tea and beverages made with unsweetened plant-based milk. Checking Starbucks' nutrition information can help ensure your drink fits into a balanced diet and aligns with your health goals.

Customizing your drink can enhance its health benefits, making it one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks available. Choose lighter milk options like non-fat dairy or non-dairy alternatives such as almond or oat milk. Skip flavored syrups or request fewer pumps and consider natural sweeteners like cinnamon. Allowing all of these adjustments without compromising on the flavor is what makes Starbucks one of the healthiest fast-food chains.

Iced coffee and matcha drinks.
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The 21 Healthiest Drinks at Starbucks

1. Green Tea

Green tea, a staple among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, boasts natural antioxidants and minimal calories. Typically served hot, it can be customized with a splash of honey or a slice of lemon for added flavor without compromising its health benefits. You can also order a "Medicine Ball" from the Starbucks secret menu and enjoy it with citrus, honey and mint.

This drink's lower caffeine content makes it a great alternative to coffee, providing a gentle energy boost while supporting overall wellness and hydration throughout the day. This makes green tea a top choice for health-conscious customers.

Green tea is one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks.
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2. Nitro Cold Brew

The Nitro Cold Brew is a smooth, naturally sweet coffee infused with nitrogen for a creamy texture without the need for added sugar or milk. This drink stands out as one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks due to its low-calorie content and absence of sugar. Customizations, such as adding a splash of almond milk, can be made to suit individual preferences while maintaining its health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a refreshing, mindful beverage.

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3. Skinny Vanilla Latte

The skinny vanilla latte is a delightful twist on the traditional vanilla latte, made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup. This drink offers a creamy and flavorful experience without the excess calories and sugar found in regular lattes. It’s one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks, ideal for those watching their caloric intake while still craving a satisfying coffee treat. Customizations such as adding extra foam or opting for almond milk can further enhance its health benefits.

A vanilla latte is one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks.
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4. Flat White

A flat white coffee, known for its velvety microfoam, is a favorite among the healthiest Starbucks drinks. This espresso-based beverage, typically made with whole milk, can be customized with skimmed milk for a lighter option. Its rich texture and balanced flavor offer a satisfying experience without excessive sugar. Compared to other coffee drinks, the flat white has fewer calories and a lower fat content, making it a healthier choice for those seeking indulgence.

5. Jade Citrus Mint Tea

The jade citrus mint tea, a top pick among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, features a refreshing blend of green tea, lemongrass and a hint of spearmint mingle. With its combination of mint and lemon verbena, it supports digestion and relaxation. This tea is calorie-free and has no added sugars, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. A splash of sugar-free syrup can be added for extra flavor while maintaining its healthful qualities.

A mint tea is a healthy option.
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6. Caffè Mocha

As one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks, the mocha delivers a pleasing fusion of espresso and cocoa. A lighter version can be crafted by opting for non-fat milk and holding the whipped cream, reducing the calorie count significantly. Compared to other choices on the menu, it is favored for its balance of antioxidants from cocoa and the energizing effects of espresso. This makes it a satisfying, healthier alternative for those craving a chocolatey treat.

7. Iced Caffè Americano

Praised as a top choice among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, an iced Americano is crafted by diluting espresso shots with cold water and ice. This results in a lower-calorie option compared to many blended beverages. With no added sugars or syrups, it offers a bold coffee flavor while keeping calories down. It’s a great choice for those looking to avoid high-calorie, sugary alternatives while enjoying a refreshing coffee experience.

Iced americano coffee with coffee beans.
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8. Honey Almond Milk Flat White

A top contender in the lineup of healthiest Starbucks drinks is a flat white with honey and almond milk. This beverage is crafted with blonde espresso roast and steamed almond milk, lightly sweetened with honey. Its low calories and absence of dairy make it a preferable choice for those seeking a lighter, plant-based option.

Compared to other sugary or high-calorie drinks, this flat white offers a healthier balance while still providing a satisfying coffee experience. You can adjust how much honey is added to stay in control of your sugar intake. 

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9. Iced Peach Green Tea

Among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, the iced peach green tea is enhanced with a hint of peach juice. A grande size drink (473ml) is 100 calories and contains 23g of sugar. You can make this lighter by asking for the light peach juice blend and removing or reducing the four pumps of sweetener included. This drink is ideal for those seeking a tasty and hydrating beverage option.

Iced tea lemonades made with fruit juice blend, tea, and lemonade, sweetened with liquid cane sugar, hand-shaken with ice.
via Starbucks

10. Chai Tea

A chai tea is often recognized as one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks due to its flavorful mix of black tea and spices. Enhanced with notes of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger, this drink offers a flavorful choice. Even when ordered with a splash of nonfat milk or a plant-based alternative, it is still much lower in calories and sugar compared to other beverages on the menu. Chai tea stands out as a refreshing and health-conscious option at Starbucks.

11. Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea is a favorite among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, renowned for its blend of black tea and bergamot. This drink stands out due to its potential to enhance digestion. Typically served hot, it can be enjoyed with a splash of milk or a slice of lemon for added flavor. The absence of added sugars or syrups keeps it a top choice for those seeking a healthier option on the menu.

 Bergamot tea or Earl Grey tea are the healthiest starbucks drinks.
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12. Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is a standout in the realm of the healthiest Starbucks drinks, admired for its smooth and less acidic profile. Crafted through an extended cold steeping process, this coffee delivers a mellow flavor without the bitterness typical of hot brews. Served black or with a touch of milk, it maintains a low sugar content, making it a healthier alternative compared to sweeter beverages on the menu.

13. Iced Espresso

Among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, an iced espresso is celebrated for its bold, unadulterated coffee flavor. This drink is prepared by chilling a double shot of espresso, which provides a strong caffeine boost without extra calories or sugars.

Often enjoyed straight or with a splash of milk, the iced espresso avoids the syrups and sweeteners commonly found in other beverages. Its simplicity and bold taste make it a standout choice for those prioritizing health and is a top choice to enjoy with some of the healthy items on the Starbucks breakfast menu.

Iced Espresso
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14. Cinnamon Dolce Latte

The cinnamon dolce latte is a delicious choice among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, known for its blend of espresso, steamed milk and cinnamon dolce syrup. This beverage can be made healthier by opting for nonfat milk and requesting fewer pumps of syrup. The warming spice of cinnamon adds flavor while potentially helping to regulate blood sugar. Its customizable nature allows for a satisfying, yet healthier, option on the Starbucks menu.

15. Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refreshers Beverage

Renowned for its light, fruity profile, this beverage is the healthiest Starbucks drink in the chain's Refreshers range. This colorful drink combines sweet strawberry flavors with açaí notes and passion fruit, providing an energy boost.

Often enjoyed with ice, real strawberries and a splash of lemonade or coconut milk, the grande size contains 110 calories and 24g of sugar. Its vibrant taste and invigorating qualities make it a popular drink on the menu, despite being high in sugar.

 Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers® Beverage is one of the healthiest starbucks drinks.
via Starbucks

16. Tropical Citrus Iced Energy

The tropical citrus iced energy drink is distinguished as one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks for its lively flavors and nutritional information. This drink features green tea with citrus and passion fruit flavors, providing a refreshing and hydrating option. It is sugar-free so offers a light, fruity taste without the high-calorie count of other sugary beverages. The natural ingredients and tropical flavors make it a delightful and healthier choice for a refreshing pick-me-up.

17. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

A delightful blend of blonde espresso and brown sugar is then shaken with cinnamon and topped with oat milk. As one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks, it offers a lower-calorie alternative with oat milk providing a creamy texture without dairy.

This drink's combination of plant-based milk and minimal added sugars makes it a nutritious choice compared to other sweetened espresso beverages. Ask for it without brown sugar or opt for a light syrup to reduce your sugar intake.

Iced Brown Sugar Oat Shaken Espresso & Iced Hazelnut Oat Shaken Espresso.
via Starbucks

18. Melon Burst Iced Energy

The melon burst iced energy drink is a standout among the healthiest Starbucks drinks, thanks to its vibrant fruit flavors and natural ingredients. With a blend of melon, cucumber and tea served over ice, this drink delivers a refreshing caffeine boost at just 10 calories per serving. Free of added sugars, it's a healthier choice than many other beverages. Its fruity zest and light, refreshing profile make it a favorite.

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19. Iced Green Tea

Iced green tea offers a vibrant, invigorating flavor that stands out for its unique taste and antioxidant-rich benefits. You can customize it with a touch of sugar-free syrup or a splash of milk, keeping the sugar content low compared to other options. At zero calories, zero sugar and zero fat, it’s without a doubt one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks. Its invigorating taste and health benefits make it a top choice for the health-conscious.

 One of the healthiest Starbucks drinks.
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20. Caffè Misto

Caffè Misto is a standout choice when exploring the healthiest Starbucks drinks due to its simple yet satisfying blend of brewed coffee and steamed milk. This combination provides a creamy texture without excessive calories. Often enjoyed with a modest amount of milk and no added syrups, it maintains a lower sugar content compared to many other options. Its straightforward ingredients make it a go-to for those seeking a lighter coffee beverage.

21. Iced Black Tea

For those seeking a healthful refreshment, iced black tea ranks high among the healthiest Starbucks drinks. Brewed from premium black tea leaves and served chilled, it provides a clean, bold flavor with no added sugars. This beverage can be enjoyed plain or with a lemon slice for a touch of brightness. With its antioxidant benefits and low-calorie content, it stands out as a smart choice for health-conscious individuals.

Iced Black Tea with Lemonade
via Starbucks

And that's a wrap on our guide to the healthiest Starbucks drinks! Whether you’re looking to reduce sugar, manage calories or simply enjoy a nutritious beverage, this list provides a great starting point. From energizing green teas to refreshing fruit-infused options, Starbucks has a variety of choices to meet your health goals.

Remember, the best drink is one that aligns with your health goals and taste preferences. So, the next time you’re out, consider trying one of these healthiest Starbucks drinks.

For even more ways to explore your favorite drinks, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.