Starbucks Fall Drinks: Nutritionists Share How to Make Every Drink Healthier

Fall is here and that means it’s time for pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apple ciders, and all the other delicious seasonal beverages at Starbucks. However, many of these drinks are full of sugar, calories, and fat. To help you enjoy your favorite fall drinks without ruining your diet, we talked to nutritionists about their tips for making every drink healthier.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

The most popular fall drink is the pumpkin spice latte, which has 380 calories and 14 grams of fat for a grande with whipped cream. The nutritionists recommend skipping the whipped cream and using nonfat milk or almond milk instead of the standard 2% milk to reduce fat and calories. You can also ask for fewer pumps of syrup or a sugar-free option to reduce the amount of sugar. Another option is to make your own pumpkin spice latte at home with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, pumpkin pie spice, and stevia or honey as a sweetener.

Caramel Apple Spice

The caramel apple spice is a non-coffee drink made with steamed apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and caramel sauce. A grande has 340 calories and 68 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake. One way to make this drink healthier is to ask for less caramel sauce and syrup. You can also make your own version at home by simmering apple juice with cinnamon sticks and adding a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Salted Caramel Mocha

The salted caramel mocha is a sweet and salty drink made with espresso, milk, mocha sauce, and toffee nut syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. A grande has 450 calories and 14 grams of fat. To make this drink healthier, skip the whipped cream and ask for nonfat milk or almond milk instead of the standard 2% milk. You can also ask for fewer pumps of syrup or a sugar-free option to reduce the amount of sugar. Another option is to make your own salted caramel mocha at home with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, cocoa powder, toffee nut syrup, and a pinch of sea salt.

Chai Tea Latte

The chai tea latte is a spicy drink made with black tea, spices, milk, and sweetener. A grande has 240 calories and 4 grams of fat. To make this drink healthier, ask for nonfat milk or almond milk instead of the standard 2% milk to reduce fat and calories. You can also ask for a sugar-free option to reduce the amount of sugar. Another option is to make your own chai tea latte at home with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, chai tea bags, and a bit of honey or agave syrup for sweetness.

Cold Brew

If you’re not a fan of sweet drinks, the cold brew is a great alternative. It’s a smooth and strong coffee that is steeped in cold water for 20 hours. A grande has only 5 calories and 0 grams of fat. To make it healthier, you can add a splash of nonfat milk or almond milk instead of cream.

Conclusion

Enjoying a fall drink at Starbucks doesn’t have to ruin your diet. By making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without the guilt. Whether it’s using nonfat milk, skipping the whipped cream, or asking for a sugar-free option, these nutritionists share their tips for making every drink healthier. You can also make your own version of these drinks at home using unsweetened almond milk, spices, and a natural sweetener. So go ahead and indulge in a pumpkin spice latte or caramel apple cider while staying on track with your health goals this fall!