Iced coffee from Starbucks can be a great way to cool off during the summer. But how many calories are in an iced coffee from Starbucks? In the United States, an iced coffee from Starbucks typically contains about 25-80 calories, depending on the size and flavor. It’s important to understand that just because an iced coffee may not contain a lot of calories, that doesn’t mean it is healthy; it’s still a processed product that can contain high levels of sodium, sugar and preservatives.
Calorie counts at Starbucks can vary based on the type of coffee and add-ins. If a person orders a basic, unsweetened iced coffee without any potential added ingredients, like cream, milk or syrup, it likely contains no more than 25-30 calories. Some standard sizes, such as those typically served at Starbucks, are usually available in 12-ounce, 16-ounce, and 20-ounce sizes, with the 12-ounce containing the fewest calories, and the 20-ounce containing the most.
Drinking sweetened iced coffees can increase the number of calories. Just a few extra add-ins—for instance, one pump of sweetened syrup or 2% milk—can double the calorie content. For example, an iced latte with 2% milk and one pump of syrup will have about 130 calories. If a person consumes multiple iced coffees per day, it could add up to a surprising amount of calories.
It’s easy to get into the habit of grabbing iced coffee as a snack throughout the day, and while it may not seem like a big deal, it can add up calories quickly. Registered dietitian Stephanie O’Leary recommends that people ask for unsweetened, lactose-free milk when ordering iced coffee and opt for non-fat versions of coffees like cappuccinos, macchiatos and frappuccinos for reduced calorie content. Even when watching calories, she says you can still enjoy iced coffee and stay healthy.
Registered nutritionist Loyola Evans also recommends checking the sugar content. She suggests people order iced coffees that are not sweetened and avoid flavored syrups which often contain a lot of sugar. Evans also recommends avoiding any blended coffee drinks, such as frappuccinos, which can contain a lot of extra sugar. However, she says if you do choose to order those drinks, look for any iced beverage on the menu that is flavored without being sweetened.
Though iced coffee can be found in a variety of sizes and flavors, it still has a relatively low calorie content compared to a traditional soda. If a person is watching their calorie intake, drinking iced coffee can be a great way to stay energized and hydrated throughout the day and still account for the calories.
Ingredients in Iced Coffee
An iced coffee from Starbucks typically consists of coffee or espresso, ice or cold water, and a sweetener like simple syrup or flavored syrup. Depending on the type of coffee, other ingredients may be added, such as cream, half and half, or whole or 2% milk. The same add-ins used for iced coffee can also be used for hot coffee, but iced coffee typically has fewer calories due to the ice.
For those who are counting calories, it’s important to note that a non-fat iced coffee will usually have fewer calories than a drink that contains cream or whole or 2% milk. Some iced coffee drinks can also be prepared with a non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut milk, which can also reduce the calorie content.
In addition to ingredients, the coffee grind used for iced coffee also affects the calorie count. Coarser ground coffee is generally preferred for iced coffee, as it has less caffeine and less calories than the finer-ground coffee typically used for hot coffee.
Nutritional Impacts of Drinking Iced Coffee
While iced coffee has fewer calories than most sweetened drinks, it still contains sugar and caffeine, so it should be consumed in moderation. Depending on the drink, it can also contain other additives, such as preservatives, that can have a negative impact on health. Many iced coffee drinks also have high levels of sodium, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
According to experts, it’s best to limit the amount of iced coffee you drink to less than two servings a day, and to choose the non-fat version whenever possible. It’s also important to make sure the drink doesn’t contain a large amount of added sugar, as that can make it unhealthy. Finally, people should also be mindful of the type of coffee they’re drinking; some varieties of iced coffee may contain more caffeine than others.
Ordering Tips for Low-Calorie Iced Coffee
When ordering iced coffee from Starbucks, it’s important to be picky about what ingredients are included in the drink. Requesting the unsweetened or non-dairy version of the drink will help to reduce the number of calories in the drink. Also, opt for the small size drink, which often has fewer calories than the larger sizes. Additionally, it’s beneficial to avoid syrups and other added ingredients, as that can drive up the number of calories.
For those who prefer their iced coffee a bit sweeter, there are some tricks to help reduce the sugar content. Instead of flavored syrups, order your iced coffee with a splash of real cream, a splash of real half and half, or a little bit of raw sugar or honey. This can add a touch of sweetness without the added sugar and calories of syrups.
It’s easy to pick up and enjoy an iced coffee from Starbucks without having to worry about how many calories it contains. If a person orders the right type of iced coffee and requests the unsweetened version, they can still enjoy a great-tasting iced coffee without consuming too many calories.
Health Benefits of Iced Coffee
Besides being low in calories, iced coffee from Starbucks can also have some health benefits. Research suggests that drinking caffeine can help to boost energy levels, improve mental clarity and alertness, and can even improve physical performance.
Caffeine can also help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, liver and colorectal cancer. In addition, caffeine has been linked to a decrease in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and can help to improve mood and reduce stress. Finally, drinking iced coffee can also help keep the body hydrated, as it’s a great alternative to sugary drinks.
Risks Associated with Drinking Iced Coffee
Though iced coffee does have some possible health benefits, it’s important to note that it can also have some risks. Too much caffeine can have a negative impact on health, as it can lead to anxiety, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration when consumed in large amounts. Restlessness and tremors can also be a side effect of too much caffeine.
It’s important to remember that while iced coffee can be enjoyed in moderation and is a great way to stay hydrated, it should not replace water. If a person is drinking a lot of iced coffee, they should also be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and balance out their liquid intake. People who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine should also limit the amount of iced coffee they drink.
Conclusion
The number of calories in an iced coffee depends on the size of the coffee and the ingredients that are added. Generally, an iced coffee from Starbucks will contain between 25-80 calories, depending on the size and any additional ingredients that are added. It’s important for those who are counting calories to remember to request the non-fat version of the iced coffee, as well as to avoid adding syrups and other sweeteners. Though iced coffee can have some health benefits, it’s still important to limit the amount that is consumed and drink plenty of water.
