What Is Starbucks Iced Coffee?
Starbucks iced coffee is a cold beverage made from freshly brewed espresso and cold milk. The espresso is mixed with ice and either regular or almond milk depending on the flavor. Starbucks added five varieties of custom iced coffee drinks in 2020, including the Iced White Chocolate Mocha, Iced Caramel Macchiato, Iced Golden Ginger Drink, Iced Coconut Milk Latte, and the Iced Hazelnut Mocha.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional information for Starbucks iced coffee drinks differs by type. Generally, they provide between 3-5g of fat, 2-7g of protein, 0-24g of carbohydrates, and 90-170 calories per serving. However, some varieties are more calorie and sugar-dense than others. For example, a Tall Iced White Chocolate Mocha only contains 14g of sugar and 130 calories – which is much lower than the 480 calories and 56g of sugar found in the same size Iced Toffee Nut Latte.
Does Starbucks Put Sugar In Their Iced Coffee?
In short, Starbucks does add sugar to their iced coffee drinks, but not always. Some varieties already contain added sugar, while for others it’s an option to customize. Those who prefer to sweeten their coffees can add sugar, brown sugar, or choose a flavored syrup to make the beverage sweeter.
The amounts can vary depending on the sweetness desired, but it’s important to consider the added calories from the sugars. The website Nutritionix lists 6g of sugars for a Tall Iced Latte, 10g for a Venti Caramel Macchiato, and 16g for a Grande Frappuccino. Some of these amounts come from the dairy or other natural sources, while others are added during the customization process.
Experts’ Perspectives
Registered dietitian nutritionist Georgia Rounder believes that sugar shouldn’t be used to replace the taste of coffee. In an interview with Healthline she explains that sugar is used in Starbucks drinks to increase the sweet flavor and mask the bitter taste of espresso. She recommends limiting sugary treats to special occasions, and looking for other options – like fresh fruit – when wanting to add flavor to coffee.
On the other hand, nutritionist Nima Shei advises people to look for natural sweeteners, such as honey or coconut sugar, when wanting to avoid added sugars but still enjoy sweetened drinks. Shei also adds that Starbucks makes it relatively easy to customize drinks to fit specific dietary needs, and that people should pay attention when ordering to make sure their beverages meet their needs.
The Impact of Sugar In Iced Coffee
Too much added sugar in the diet can lead to a wide range of health issues. According to the World Health Organization, people who consume 25g (6 teaspoons) or more of added sugar daily have an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Additionally, the American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount of added sugar in the diet to 9 teaspoons (36g) per day for men, and 6 teaspoons (25g) per day for women. Moreover, they recommend children between the ages of 2 and 18 should have less than 6 teaspoons (25g) of added sugar per day.
Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the added sugars in our food and drinks to make sure we’re not exceeding the recommended daily levels. Depending on the type and quantity of Starbucks drinks consumed, added sugars can be a cause for concern.
Indulgence In Moderation
When wanting to enjoy Starbucks iced coffee drinks, nutritionist Tabitha Metcalf recommends limiting sugary drinks to once-in-a-while treats. She suggests looking at the caloric and sugar information, and choosing options that have the least amount of calories and added-sugars. For example, if someone prefers the flavor of caramel Macchiato, they might opt for a Short instead of a Grande size and monitor the added sugars to keep their intake in moderation.
While the added sugars don’t necessarily make Starbucks iced coffee bad for us, it is important to keep track of how many sugary drinks we’re consuming daily. Rather than replacing espresso with sugar to get an extra kick, Metcalf recommends looking for other options – such as adding a boost of caffeine – to keep our beverages as healthy as possible.
Alternatives To Sugar
When wanting to skip on the added sugars, a few options exist. Natural sweeteners such as honey, agave syrup, or coconut sugar are all good alternatives and can be added to iced coffee drinks at Starbucks. Additionally, people can opt for using plant milks, like almond or oat, or adding fruits to their cup to increase the natural sweetness.
Another way to enjoy Starbucks iced coffee without sugar is to order it without syrups. Many of their classic beverages can be made without the syrups, and they can also be served with a “light” version – which contains half of the added syrup or sugar. Furthermore, people can simply choose to enjoy a black coffee iced or cold brew, which don’t require any added sugars.
Flavored Syrups
Starbucks offers more than 20 flavors of syrup that customers can choose from to customize their beverages. Since these syrups are made with ingredients such as concentrated fruit juice and artificial flavorings, no one flavor is healthier than the other.
When choosing flavored syrup for coffee, dietitian Larry Withers recommends that people limit their intake to no more than 1-2 pump(s) depending on the size of the drink. He adds that the amount of calories and sugars will vary by flavor, but are generally quite high which can increase the caloric content of any drink.
Exploring Other Options
When wanting to enjoy the classic coffee flavors without the added sugars, dietitian Mark Roush recommends adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg instead. He explains that these spices can not only increase the flavor but also provide a few additional benefits. As a bonus, adding spices can also be less expensive than ordering Starbucks’ flavored syrups.
Furthermore, some stores now offer syrup alternatives that don’t contain added sugars. These options use natural sweeteners, like stevia, to sweeten beverages and add flavor. Natural sweeteners like stevia are plant-based and contain fewer calories and a minimal amount of carbohydrates.
Making Responsible Choices
If you’re ordering Starbucks iced drinks, it’s important to pay attention to what you’re consuming. Knowing the nutritional values and added sugars can help inform your decisions and put you in control. It’s possible to enjoy a different flavor of iced coffee every day without worrying about sugar, simply by looking for natural sweetened alternatives or opting for smaller sizes and without-syrup options.
When ordering, people should also consider the ingredients of the syrups they’re using, as certain flavors may conceal the taste of added sugars. Doing so can help keep iced coffee an occasional indulgence by avoiding added sugars and making more informed selections.
Balancing Lifestyle And Nutrition
Nutritionists agree that although sugary drinks should be consumed in moderation, they can still be enjoyed on occasion. As we strive to balance our lifestyles with nutritional goals, making better decisions when choosing our food and beverages is essential.
Starbucks offers a wide variety of iced coffee drinks and options for customizing them. Instead of relying on sugar to make the drinks taste better, dietitians recommend looking for options with no-added sugar. Doing so will help people make more mindful decisions when ordering, and ensure that their caffeine fix is as healthy as possible.
