As the keto diet continues to gain popularity, many coffee lovers are left wondering if they can still enjoy their favorite Starbucks drinks while staying within their daily carb limits. The good news is that Starbucks offers a variety of keto-friendly options, from coffee and tea to snacks and even some of their popular Refreshers. In this article, we’ll explore the best keto options at Starbucks, including modifications you can make to your favorite drinks to keep them low-carb.
Understanding Keto and Starbucks
Before we dive into the keto-friendly options at Starbucks, it’s essential to understand the basics of the keto diet. The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve this, keto dieters typically aim to keep their daily carb intake below 20-50 grams of net carbs per day.
Starbucks, on the other hand, is known for its wide variety of coffee drinks, many of which are high in sugar and carbohydrates. However, with a little creativity and knowledge, it’s possible to enjoy a keto-friendly drink at Starbucks.
Keto Coffee Options at Starbucks
Coffee is a staple of the keto diet, and Starbucks offers a variety of coffee drinks that can be made keto-friendly. Here are some options:
- Drip Coffee: Starbucks’ drip coffee is a keto-friendly option, with a single serving containing 0 grams of carbs.
- Americano: An Americano is made with espresso and water, making it a low-carb option. A grande Americano contains 1 gram of carbs.
- Espresso: A shot of espresso is a keto-friendly option, with 0 grams of carbs.
- Cold Brew: Starbucks’ cold brew coffee is made with cold water and contains 0 grams of carbs.
Adding Flavor to Your Keto Coffee
While black coffee is a great option for keto dieters, some people may want to add a bit of flavor to their coffee. Here are some keto-friendly ways to add flavor to your coffee:
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is a keto-friendly addition to coffee, with 1 tablespoon containing 0.5 grams of carbs.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a popular addition to keto coffee, with 1 tablespoon containing 0 grams of carbs.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a keto-friendly flavoring option, with 1 teaspoon containing 0.5 grams of carbs.
Keto Tea Options at Starbucks
In addition to coffee, Starbucks also offers a variety of tea options that can be made keto-friendly. Here are some options:
- Hot Tea: Starbucks’ hot tea options, such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast, are keto-friendly, with 0 grams of carbs.
- Iced Tea: Starbucks’ iced tea options, such as Peach Citrus White Tea and Mango Black Tea, can be made keto-friendly by asking for no sugar or honey.
- Chai Tea Latte: A chai tea latte can be made keto-friendly by asking for no sugar or honey and using a non-dairy milk alternative.
Keto Refreshers at Starbucks
Starbucks’ Refreshers are a line of caffeinated beverages made with green coffee extract and natural ingredients. Here are some keto-friendly Refresher options:
- Strawberry Acai Refresher: This Refresher is made with green coffee extract, strawberry, and acai juice. A grande contains 11 grams of carbs, but you can ask for no sugar or honey to reduce the carb count.
- Peach Citrus Refresher: This Refresher is made with green coffee extract, peach, and citrus juice. A grande contains 12 grams of carbs, but you can ask for no sugar or honey to reduce the carb count.
Modifying Your Refresher to Make it Keto-Friendly
To make your Refresher keto-friendly, you can ask for the following modifications:
- No Sugar or Honey: Ask your barista to hold the sugar or honey to reduce the carb count.
- No Fruit Juice: Ask your barista to hold the fruit juice to reduce the carb count.
- Add Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk: Adding heavy cream or coconut milk can increase the fat content of your Refresher and make it more keto-friendly.
Keto Snacks at Starbucks
In addition to drinks, Starbucks also offers a variety of snacks that can be keto-friendly. Here are some options:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Starbucks offers hard-boiled eggs as a protein-rich snack, with 1 egg containing 1 gram of carbs.
- Cheese and Fruit Plate: While the fruit is not keto-friendly, the cheese plate can be a good option. Ask for no fruit to reduce the carb count.
- Protein Bistro Box: The protein bistro box contains hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and nuts, making it a keto-friendly snack option.
Other Keto-Friendly Options at Starbucks
In addition to the options listed above, there are a few other keto-friendly options at Starbucks:
- Whipped Cream: Whipped cream is a keto-friendly topping, with 1 tablespoon containing 0.5 grams of carbs.
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is a keto-friendly non-dairy milk alternative, with 1 cup containing 5 grams of carbs.
- Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are a keto-friendly snack, with 1 ounce containing 4 grams of carbs.
Conclusion
While Starbucks is not typically thought of as a keto-friendly destination, there are many options available for those following a low-carb diet. From coffee and tea to Refreshers and snacks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a keto-friendly drink or snack at Starbucks. By understanding the keto diet and knowing how to modify your favorite drinks and snacks, you can enjoy a delicious and keto-friendly treat at Starbucks.
Final Tips for Ordering Keto at Starbucks
Here are some final tips for ordering keto at Starbucks:
- Be Clear and Concise: When ordering, be clear and concise about your modifications. Ask for no sugar or honey, and specify that you want a non-dairy milk alternative.
- Ask for Modifications: Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications to your drink or snack. Starbucks baristas are trained to accommodate special requests.
- Check the Nutrition Facts: Always check the nutrition facts to ensure that your drink or snack is within your daily carb limits.
By following these tips and understanding the keto-friendly options at Starbucks, you can enjoy a delicious and keto-friendly treat at your favorite coffee shop.
What is the keto diet, and how can I follow it at Starbucks?
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 follow a keto diet at Starbucks, you’ll want to focus on ordering drinks and treats that are low in carbs and sugar, and high in fat. This can include drinks made with heavy cream, coconut milk, and sugar-free sweeteners, as well as snacks like cheese and nuts.
When ordering at Starbucks, be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes to ensure that your drink or treat fits within your daily keto macros. You can also customize your order to make it more keto-friendly, such as asking for no whipped cream or extra pumps of sugar-free syrup.
What are some keto-friendly coffee drinks I can order at Starbucks?
Some keto-friendly coffee drinks you can order at Starbucks include the Keto Cappuccino, made with espresso, heavy cream, and a sugar-free sweetener, and the Keto Latte, made with espresso, coconut milk, and a sugar-free sweetener. You can also order a Keto Mocha, made with espresso, heavy cream, and a sugar-free chocolate syrup.
When ordering a keto coffee drink at Starbucks, be sure to specify that you want it made with a sugar-free sweetener, such as Stevia or Erythritol, and ask for no whipped cream or extra pumps of syrup. You can also ask for a shot of espresso on its own, which is a zero-carb option.
Can I get a keto-friendly version of my favorite Starbucks Frappuccino?
Yes, you can get a keto-friendly version of your favorite Starbucks Frappuccino by asking for it to be made with a sugar-free sweetener and a low-carb milk alternative, such as coconut milk or almond milk. You can also ask for no whipped cream and extra ice to make it more refreshing.
Keep in mind that even with modifications, Frappuccinos can be high in carbs due to the milk and ice, so be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes to ensure that it fits within your daily keto macros. You can also ask for a “skinny” version of the Frappuccino, which is made with nonfat milk and no whipped cream.
What are some keto-friendly treats I can order at Starbucks?
Some keto-friendly treats you can order at Starbucks include the Cheese and Charcuterie Box, which features a selection of cheeses, meats, and nuts, and the Protein Bistro Box, which features a hard-boiled egg, cheese, and nuts. You can also order a bag of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, which are a keto-friendly snack.
When ordering treats at Starbucks, be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes to ensure that they fit within your daily keto macros. Avoid treats that are high in carbs and sugar, such as muffins, scones, and cookies, and opt for protein-rich snacks instead.
How can I customize my Starbucks order to make it more keto-friendly?
You can customize your Starbucks order to make it more keto-friendly by asking for modifications such as no whipped cream, extra pumps of sugar-free syrup, and a low-carb milk alternative, such as coconut milk or almond milk. You can also ask for no added sugars or flavorings, and opt for a sugar-free sweetener instead.
Don’t be afraid to ask your barista for modifications to make your drink or treat more keto-friendly. They can help you customize your order to fit your dietary needs and preferences. You can also use the Starbucks app to customize your order and make it more keto-friendly.
Are there any keto-friendly Starbucks drinks that are dairy-free?
Yes, there are several keto-friendly Starbucks drinks that are dairy-free, including the Keto Cappuccino made with coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and the Keto Latte made with almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can also order a Keto Mocha made with coconut milk and a sugar-free chocolate syrup.
When ordering a dairy-free keto drink at Starbucks, be sure to specify that you want it made with a non-dairy milk alternative, such as coconut milk or almond milk, and ask for no whipped cream or extra pumps of syrup. You can also ask for a shot of espresso on its own, which is a zero-carb and dairy-free option.
Can I get a keto-friendly iced coffee drink at Starbucks?
Yes, you can get a keto-friendly iced coffee drink at Starbucks by ordering an Iced Keto Coffee, made with cold brew coffee, heavy cream, and a sugar-free sweetener. You can also order an Iced Keto Latte, made with cold brew coffee, coconut milk, and a sugar-free sweetener.
When ordering an iced keto coffee drink at Starbucks, be sure to specify that you want it made with a sugar-free sweetener, such as Stevia or Erythritol, and ask for no whipped cream or extra pumps of syrup. You can also ask for a shot of cold brew coffee on its own, which is a zero-carb option.