Are you a keto dieter who’s struggling to find suitable drinks at Starbucks? Look no further. As a popular coffee chain with a vast menu, Starbucks can be a challenging place to navigate for those following a ketogenic diet. However, with a little knowledge and planning, you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks drinks while staying within your daily carb limit.
In this article, we’ll explore the keto-friendly drink options available at Starbucks, including coffee, tea, refreshers, and Frappuccinos. We’ll also provide tips on how to customize your drinks to make them more keto-friendly.
Understanding the Keto Diet
Before we dive into the world of keto-friendly Starbucks drinks, it’s essential to understand the basics of the ketogenic diet. The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
To achieve ketosis, keto dieters typically aim to keep their daily carb intake below 20-50 grams of net carbs per day. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carb content of a food or drink.
Keto-Friendly Coffee Drinks at Starbucks
Coffee is a staple at Starbucks, and fortunately, many of their coffee drinks can be adapted to fit a keto diet. Here are some keto-friendly coffee drinks to try:
Black Coffee
Black coffee is a keto dieter’s best friend. With zero carbs and zero calories, it’s the perfect choice for those who want to keep their carb intake low. You can ask for a pour-over, drip coffee, or a shot of espresso.
Americano
An Americano is made with espresso and water, making it a low-carb option. A grande Americano contains 0-2 grams of carbs, depending on the type of coffee bean used.
Caffè Latte (Modified)
A traditional caffè latte is made with steamed milk and contains around 18-20 grams of carbs. However, you can modify it to make it keto-friendly by asking for a latte made with heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Be sure to ask for no added sugar or flavorings.
Cappuccino (Modified)
A cappuccino is similar to a latte, but it contains a higher ratio of espresso to milk. To make a keto-friendly cappuccino, ask for it to be made with heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative, and be sure to ask for no added sugar or flavorings.
Keto-Friendly Tea Drinks at Starbucks
Tea is another popular drink option at Starbucks, and many of their tea drinks can be adapted to fit a keto diet. Here are some keto-friendly tea drinks to try:
Hot Tea
Starbucks offers a variety of hot teas, including black, green, and herbal options. Most hot teas contain 0-2 grams of carbs, making them a keto-friendly choice.
Iced Tea
Iced tea is another low-carb option at Starbucks. Most iced teas contain 0-2 grams of carbs, although some flavors may contain more carbs than others.
London Fog Tea Latte (Modified)
A London Fog tea latte is made with earl grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. To make it keto-friendly, ask for it to be made with heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative, and be sure to ask for no added sugar or flavorings.
Keto-Friendly Refreshers at Starbucks
Refreshers are a line of caffeinated drinks made with green coffee extract and natural ingredients. Many Refreshers can be adapted to fit a keto diet. Here are some keto-friendly Refresher options:
Strawberry Acai Refresher (Modified)
A Strawberry Acai Refresher contains 27 grams of carbs, but you can modify it to make it keto-friendly by asking for it to be made with no added sugar or flavorings. You can also ask for it to be made with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Cranberry Lime Refresher (Modified)
A Cranberry Lime Refresher contains 26 grams of carbs, but you can modify it to make it keto-friendly by asking for it to be made with no added sugar or flavorings. You can also ask for it to be made with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Keto-Friendly Frappuccinos at Starbucks
Frappuccinos are a popular drink option at Starbucks, but many of them contain high amounts of carbs. However, you can modify some Frappuccinos to make them keto-friendly. Here are some options:
Coffee Frappuccino (Modified)
A Coffee Frappuccino contains 30-40 grams of carbs, but you can modify it to make it keto-friendly by asking for it to be made with no added sugar or flavorings. You can also ask for it to be made with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino (Modified)
A Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino contains 40-50 grams of carbs, but you can modify it to make it keto-friendly by asking for it to be made with no added sugar or flavorings. You can also ask for it to be made with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Customizing Your Drink to Make it Keto-Friendly
One of the best things about Starbucks is that you can customize your drink to fit your dietary needs. Here are some tips for customizing your drink to make it keto-friendly:
Ask for No Added Sugar or Flavorings
Many Starbucks drinks contain added sugar or flavorings that can kick you out of ketosis. Be sure to ask for no added sugar or flavorings to keep your carb intake low.
Choose a Sugar-Free Sweetener
If you need a sweetener in your drink, choose a sugar-free option like stevia or erythritol. These sweeteners contain zero carbs and won’t kick you out of ketosis.
Opt for Heavy Cream or a Non-Dairy Milk Alternative
Many Starbucks drinks contain milk or cream that can be high in carbs. Opt for heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk to keep your carb intake low.
Conclusion
Starbucks can be a challenging place to navigate for keto dieters, but with a little knowledge and planning, you can enjoy your favorite drinks while staying within your daily carb limit. By choosing keto-friendly drinks, customizing your drink to make it keto-friendly, and being mindful of added sugars and flavorings, you can stay on track with your keto diet and still enjoy the Starbucks experience.
Remember, always be mindful of your carb intake and adjust your drink accordingly. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can find a keto-friendly drink at Starbucks that you’ll love.
What is the keto diet, and how does it relate to Starbucks drinks?
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. When it comes to Starbucks drinks, following a keto diet means choosing beverages that are low in carbs and sugar. This can be challenging, as many Starbucks drinks are high in carbs and added sugars. However, with a little knowledge and planning, it’s possible to enjoy keto-friendly drinks at Starbucks.
When ordering a keto drink at Starbucks, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients and nutrition information. Look for drinks that are low in carbs and sugar, and be mindful of portion sizes. You can also customize your drink to make it more keto-friendly by asking for modifications such as less or no sugar, heavy cream instead of milk, and no whipped cream.
What are some keto-friendly drink options at Starbucks?
Starbucks offers several keto-friendly drink options, including the Short Americano, the Tall Caffè Americano, and the Grande Iced Coffee with heavy cream. You can also customize other drinks to make them keto-friendly, such as ordering a Grande Iced Tea with no sugar and a splash of heavy cream. Additionally, Starbucks’ Refreshers beverages can be made keto-friendly by asking for no sugar and a splash of lemonade.
When ordering a keto drink at Starbucks, don’t be afraid to get creative and ask for modifications. For example, you can ask for a Grande Iced Coffee with coconut milk instead of regular milk, or a Venti Iced Tea with no sugar and a splash of lemonade. By customizing your drink, you can enjoy a keto-friendly beverage that fits your dietary needs.
How do I order a keto-friendly latte at Starbucks?
To order a keto-friendly latte at Starbucks, start by asking for a Grande or Venti latte made with heavy cream instead of milk. This will reduce the carb content of the drink and make it more keto-friendly. You can also ask for no sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. Additionally, consider asking for a shot of espresso on the side, which can be added to the latte to increase the caffeine content without adding carbs.
When ordering a keto latte, be mindful of the flavorings and syrups that are added to the drink. Many of these flavorings are high in carbs and sugar, so it’s best to avoid them or ask for a sugar-free alternative. By customizing your latte and choosing keto-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and low-carb beverage at Starbucks.
Can I get a keto-friendly Frappuccino at Starbucks?
While Frappuccinos are typically high in carbs and sugar, it’s possible to customize one to make it keto-friendly. Start by asking for a Grande or Venti Frappuccino made with heavy cream instead of milk, and no sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. You can also ask for a shot of espresso to be added to the drink to increase the caffeine content without adding carbs.
When ordering a keto Frappuccino, be mindful of the flavorings and syrups that are added to the drink. Many of these flavorings are high in carbs and sugar, so it’s best to avoid them or ask for a sugar-free alternative. Additionally, consider asking for the drink to be made with a sugar-free coffee or tea instead of the standard Frappuccino coffee. By customizing your Frappuccino and choosing keto-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy a low-carb and refreshing beverage at Starbucks.
How do I avoid added sugars in my Starbucks drink?
To avoid added sugars in your Starbucks drink, start by asking for no sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. You can also ask for the drink to be made with a sugar-free syrup or flavoring, such as the sugar-free vanilla syrup. Additionally, consider choosing a drink that is naturally low in sugar, such as a Grande Iced Coffee or a Tall Americano.
When ordering a drink at Starbucks, be mindful of the ingredients and nutrition information. Look for drinks that are labeled as “sugar-free” or “unsweetened,” and avoid drinks that contain added sugars like honey, agave, or simple syrup. By being mindful of the ingredients and customizing your drink, you can avoid added sugars and enjoy a keto-friendly beverage at Starbucks.
Can I get a keto-friendly breakfast drink at Starbucks?
Yes, it’s possible to get a keto-friendly breakfast drink at Starbucks. Consider ordering a Grande or Venti coffee with heavy cream and a splash of coconut oil or MCT oil. This will provide a boost of energy and healthy fats to start your day. You can also ask for a shot of espresso on the side, which can be added to the coffee to increase the caffeine content without adding carbs.
When ordering a keto breakfast drink, be mindful of the ingredients and nutrition information. Look for drinks that are low in carbs and sugar, and avoid drinks that contain added sugars like honey, agave, or simple syrup. By customizing your drink and choosing keto-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and low-carb breakfast beverage at Starbucks.
How do I track the carbs and macros in my Starbucks drink?
To track the carbs and macros in your Starbucks drink, start by using the Starbucks nutrition calculator on their website or mobile app. This will provide you with detailed nutrition information, including carb counts and macro breakdowns. You can also use a third-party nutrition app or website to track the carbs and macros in your drink.
When tracking the carbs and macros in your Starbucks drink, be sure to include all of the ingredients and modifications. This will ensure that you get an accurate count of the carbs and macros in your drink. By tracking your macros and staying within your daily carb limit, you can enjoy a keto-friendly drink at Starbucks while staying on track with your diet.