Looking for healthy options at Starbucks? We’re sharing our dietitian-approved picks for drinks, snacks, and meals on the go.
Don’t go to the Starbucks website and use their “delicious drinks under 200 calories” guide to order. The only 2 things listed are calories and fat. What about sugar, Starbucks?
Best drinks:
Black, green, or herbal brewed tea: Grab any of Starbucks brewed teas (the ones in the packets at the register), like their Rev Up Wellness tea or Jade Citrus Mint Green tea for 0 calories and 0 sugar. You can ask for any of these teas to be iced or hot.
Not all teas are created equal. All of the specialty tea drinks that aren’t brewed right then have added sugar. For example, the Iced Peach tea has 23g of sugar. The Citrus Defender has 35g of sugar. Iced Blueberry Black tea? 21g. If it gets confusing, just ask– do you add sugar to this tea?
Brewed coffee (black): are you sensing a trend here? Iced or hot, it’s got 0g of sugar added. If you need a little creaminess, add your own half and half or almond milk at the counter.
Plain Cold Brew or Nitro Cold Brew is also served straight up. If you NEED a little sweetness, try their Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream (only 4g of sugar).
Caffe Americano: if you want an espresso style coffee, the Americano is your best bet (15 calories, 0 g of sugar).
Cappuccino: this is best bet if you like milk added to your coffee. The only ingredients are your milk of choice and espresso (and ice if you want it iced). Note: cappuccinos still do contain sugar because milk contains sugar (whether naturally occurring in cows milk or added sugar in almond milk).
Very Berry Hibiscus Starbucks Refreshers™ Beverage: all of the refreshers have added sugar, some as much as 32g. The Very Berry has the least sugar at 14g for a grande. Still not great, but your best bet if you want a refresher.
Best Food:
Starbucks actually has some great options for food on the go when compared to other fast food. Steer clear of the bagels, muffins, and cakes and go for:
Breakfast
- Strawberry & Toasted Almonds Overnight Grains
- Classic Whole Grain Oatmeal (add a package of nuts)
- Bacon, Gouda & Egg Breakfast Sandwich
- Seared Steak, Egg & Tomatillo Wrap
- Sous Vide Egg Bites
- Spinach and Feta Breakfast Wrap
Lunch
- Cage-Free Eggs & Seasoned Grains Side Salad
- Grilled Chicken & Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- Chicken & Quinoa Protein Bowl with Black Beans and Greens
- Za’atar Chicken & Lemon Tahini
Snacks
- Farmer’s Market Protein Box
- Cheese & Fruit Protein Box
- KIND Protein bars