I am all about treating yourself. And for me, that usually involves running over to my local Starbucks for an afternoon latte.
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While it may do wonders for my tastebuds, it's not as kind to the rest of my body. It varies depending on what you're ordering, but an average Starbucks drink has around 260 calories—and a ton of sugar. According to a 2016 study, most of your favorite coffee concoctions are more pumped with sugar than a can of Coca-Cola.
As alarming as that may be, like you, it's not enough for me to give up my midday treat. An occasional, full-bodied beverage is fine. But when treating yourself is close to an everyday occurrence, finding some healthier alternatives is a must. Luckily, TikTok has become a source of inspiration for finding ways to make my favorite sugar-filled Starbucks orders a little healthier.
Now, these aren't healthy, pre-made drinks you can order, but rather recipes to customize your own beverage. If you're like me and the thought of shouting a precise amount of sugar-free vanilla pumps gives you massive anxiety, fear not. Mobile ordering through the app makes it so much easier to DIY your order without annoying the barista.
So whether you're a fan of chai tea lattes, iced coffee, or caramel macchiatos, these better-for-you swaps will make your sips just as satisfying as the original.
The Pink Pineapple Drink
Tropically flavored and iced to perfection, the pink pineapple drink is the ideal companion for a hot summer day.
Calories: 50
How to order:
- Venti Iced Passion Tango Tea
- Pineapple Passionfruit Starbucks Refreshers Base
- Splash of Coconut Milk
- 2 packets of Stevia in the Raw
- 3 pumps of Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
S'mores Cold Brew
The S'mores Cold Brew is a twist on the classic cold brew, adding a delectable chocolatey flavor without all the added sugar.
Calories: 80
How to order:
- Grande Cold Brew
- 1 pump of Toasted Vanilla Syrup
- 1 pump of Mocha
- 2 pumps of Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
- Splash of Vanilla Sweet Cream
Iced White Chocolate Carmel Mocha
Who doesn't love a good white mocha? This version is everything you love about this classic drink but in a healthier package.
Calories: 100
How to order:
- Venti Iced Coffee
- No Classic Syrup
- 1 pump of White Chocolate Mocha Syrup
- 3 pumps of Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
- Splash of Vanilla Sweet Cream
- Light Caramel Drizzle
Shaken Espresso
This one is for those of you who need an extra jolt of energy. The shaken espresso has a full-bodied flavor with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Calories: 100
How to order:
- Venti Shaken Espresso
- No Classic Syrup
- Substitute Almond Milk
- 2 pumps of Brown Sugar Syrup
- 2 pumps of Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
- Extra cinnamon
Iced Green Tea Latte
Matcha lovers, this one is for you. This iced latte gives you all the green goodness with a fraction of the calories and sugar.
Calories: 80
How to order:
- Grande Iced Green Tea Latte
- Substitute Almond Milk
- 3 pumps of Sugar-Free Vanilla
- 1 scoop of Matcha
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This healthy take on a traditional espresso is packed with oat milk goodness and just the right amount of sweetness.
Calories: 60
How to order:
- Grande Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- 1 pump of Brown Sugar Syrup (instead of 4)
- 1 pump of Sugar-Free Vanilla
Caramel Delight
If you're craving something caramel-y without all the calories, this lighter take on the classic iced caramel latte is for you.
Calories: 100
How to order:
- Venti Iced Shaken Espresso
- Substitute Blonde Espresso Roast
- Substitute Almond Milk (or Oatmilk)
- No Classic Syrup
- 2 pumps of Caramel Syrup
- Caramel Drizzle
Cookie Shaken Espresso
Coffee that tastes like a cookie? Yes please!
Calories: 75
How to order:
- Grande Shaken Espresso
- Substitute Almond Milk
- 1 pump of Brown Sugar Syrup
- 1 pump of Chai
- No Classic Syrup
Venti Iced Caramel Macchiato
Caramel macchiatos are known to be calorie-heavy, but this version swaps out the classic syrup for a healthier alternative.
Calories: 90
How to order:
- Venti Iced Coffee
- 3 pumps of Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
- 2 pumps of Caramel Syrup
- No Classic Syrup
- 1 packet of Stevia in the Raw
- Splash of Cream (Half & Half)
Oatmeal Cookie Shaken Espresso
Cookie-inspired drinks just got healthier! This shaken espresso has all the flavor of an oatmeal cookie with less sugar and calories.
Calories: 70
How to order:
- Grande Shaken Espresso
- 1 pump of Brown Sugar Syrup
- 1 pump of Toasted Vanilla Syrup
- Oatmilk
