Most of us have a love-hate relationship with coffee. We depend on it and love it, yet many of us don’t want that extra sugar in our daily caffeine cravings. Thankfully, Starbucks has tried to accommodate this by introducing unsweetened iced coffee. But just how healthy is this new trend? How many calories can we expect to get from a single cup? Let’s take a look!
Calorie Content
Starbucks makes two types of unsweetened iced coffee: Nitro Cold Brew, and Iced Coffee. The Nitro Cold Brew only contains 10 calories, and the Iced Coffee has 15 calories per a Grande size (16 oz). You might think that these are small numbers, but drink enough of them throughout the day and these empty calories will start to add up.
Benefit to Consumers
One major benefit of unsweetened iced coffee is that it is less likely to cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. This makes it an ideal choice for people who are trying to lead a more health-conscious lifestyle. Additionally, if you’re trying to watch your weight, the relatively low calorie content allows you to enjoy a tasty drink without too much guilt.
Nutritional Benefits
The great thing about unsweetened iced coffee is that it is packed with essential nutrients. For example, it contains essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It also contains an array of antioxidant and disease fighting substances that can boost your immune system and help your body fight off illness. Of course, the amount of nutrition varies depending on how dark and smooth the roast is, so be sure to read the label.
Special Ingredients
Most iced coffees contain special ingredients that can increase the calorie content and make it taste better. But even if you opt for the unsweetened version, you can still get great flavor without added calories. Starbucks has added a special blend of spices to its iced coffee that lends a slight sweetness without any calories. This is definitely a great alternative to sugary beverages and can help you stay on track with your diet.
Caffeine Content
If you’re trying to be mindful of your caffeine intake, you may be wondering how much is contained in unsweetened iced coffee. According to Starbucks, the Nitro Cold Brew contains 165 milligrams of caffeine per 16 oz Grande, while the Iced Coffee has 130 milligrams. This is definitely high compared to other beverages, but still lower than a grande size of a brewed coffee, which contains much more caffeine. You should keep this in mind if you’re having difficulty falling asleep at night or if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Barista Tricks
Although these unsweetened iced coffees are healthy, there are a few tricks to making them even better. For starters, order it without cream or whole milk. Instead, opt for almond or soy milk to get a creamy, delicious flavor without all the extra calories. If you want some sweetness, you can always add your own natural sweetener such as honey or stevia. Just be sure to limit your intake of these too. You can also jazz up your cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of extra flavor.
Alternative Options
If you’re looking for an alternative to regular iced coffee, Starbucks has a few other options. For example, you can try the new Iced Blonde Espresso. It’s made with lighter-roasted coffee beans, so it has a more mellow flavor and a sweeter taste. It only contains 10 calories per Grande size, and there’s no sugar or added sweeteners. This can be a great alternative to the classic iced coffee.
Staying Healthy
Although unsweetened iced coffee can be a convenient way to get your caffeine fix, it’s important to limit your intake. Too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, it’s important to stay mindful of your calorie intake. Although it may not seem like much, these calories can add up and contribute to weight gain over time. Be sure to drink in moderation and opt for a healthy diet alongside your java fix.
Changes in Taste and Texture
Most iced coffee lovers love the flavor and texture that coffee brings, but just like any other coffee, the taste of iced coffee can change significantly depending on the roast. For example, light roasts tend to be brighter and fruity, while dark roasts tend to be more bold and rich. Additionally, the brewing method can also affect the taste of iced coffee. Some methods involve immersion, while others involve using a press or Aeropress. Each method will yield a different tasting coffee.
Nutritional Supplements
If you’re trying to maximize your nutritional intake, you can always opt to add supplements to your iced coffee. There are a variety of supplements available, such as protein powder, probiotics, or omega-3 fish oil. Adding one of these supplements can not only make your cup of iced coffee more nutritious, but also make it tastier. Just be sure to research which supplement is right for you and don’t go overboard with how much you add. It’s always better to start off with a small dose and see how your body reacts.
Added Extras
If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, you can always add some extras to your iced coffee. You can top your drink with nonfat whipped cream, a sprinkling of dark chocolate chips, or even a scoop of ice cream. These added extras will make your cup of iced coffee more indulgent, but it’s important to keep in mind that this will also significantly increase the calorie and sugar content. Enjoy in moderation and make sure to leave some room for the healthier stuff!
