If you’re looking for a tasty boost of your daily caffeine intake and the convenience of the well-known Starbucks Coffee, you may want to consider the Carbohydrate content of those coffees. Many people want to know about the carbs in their favorite java, and Starbucks Coffee does not disappoint. Depending upon the type of drink and sizes, you will find it has anywhere from as little as zero to more than fifty carbs.
Coffee does not naturally contain carbohydrates, so most of the carbs come from artificial additives. When ordering coffee from Starbucks it is important to consider that there may be sweeteners like flavoring syrups, or creamy milks and syrups such as caramel and toffee nut. Depending on what is added to the coffee, the carb content can vary greatly that is why it is important to pay attention.
Most of the Starbucks coffee drinks without any added syrups or milks will typically have only about a gram of Carbohydrates. Some of the more common coffee drinks are the Caffe Americanos and the Caffe Lattes, which will typically have only a single gram of carbs.
A classic short Blackcup of coffee from Starbucks will generally have zero carbs. Other coffee options that have zero carbohydrates include espresso shots, Iced Coffee, or Nitro Cold-Brew.
When it comes to the flavored coffee drinks that Starbucks is known for, the calories and carbs can stack up quickly. For example, a grande Cinnamon Dulce Latte has 48 grams of the sweet stuff. As you’d imagine, the calories and fat content goes up as well, making it a less health-conscious choice.
If you’re looking for something with a kick, though fewer carbs, you can opt for a Blonde Flat White which has only 7 grams. That same Flat White also has just 70 calories, meaning it won’t break your dietary tactics.
And if you’re still stuck for something with a sweet taste, most of Starbucks’ classic Frappuccinos have between 25 and 45g of carbohydrates. But whereas a regular Frappuccino can spike your sugar levels, some of the high-protein Frappucinos like the Mocha Protein Blended Crème contain a mere 5 grams of carbs – perfect for a guilt-free afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’d rather opt for a super smooth, rich and creamy option, then you could try Starbucks Cold Brew, which usually only contains 3-5g of carbohydrates. Depending on the size of your cup, however, you might see numbers as high as 15g.
What Else Should You Know?
When it comes to carbohydrates on the Starbucks menu, it is important to understand that there are numerous options available. There are size options ranging from tall to grande to venti and even trenta, meaning that the carb content can easily change when ordering larger portions of your favorite caffeine fix.
Though caffeine is mostly known for its ability to help you stay awake, it can also temporarily increase your blood glucose levels, making it not always the ideal option for those with diabetes. If you’re among this group, be sure to consult a physician before energizing but also to pay close attention to the carb content of the beverage you order.
Take Home Message
When ordering coffee from Starbucks, the number of carbs in your coffee will vary depending upon what type you order. But generally, coffee drinks without extra syrups or milks will typically have only 1-2 grams at most. If you’re looking for something with a kick and fewer carbs, a Flat White usually contains just 7 grams of carbs. And variants of the classic Frappuccinos usually contain anywhere between 25 and 45g of carbohydrates.
Selection of Sugar-free Alternatives
Starbuck’s menu also offers a range of sugar-free alternates to satisfy the sweet tooth. These include sugar-free syrups and milks like almond, soy, and skim milk. With the use of these sugar-free alternates, carbs from your coffee can be kept under 5g since these sugar-free versions contain no sugar or calories. Try sugar-free classic or flavored iced coffee for an extra kick of caffeine with minimal carbs.
Also, you can get sugar-free versions of some of the classic Frappuccinos like Vanilla Bean Crème or Coffee Frappuccinos which contain no sugar and are packed with more proteins and fibers for those looking for more nutritional value. For example, the Sugar-Free Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Blended Crème with almond milk has only 2g of carbohydrates.
Choice of Milk Alternatives
Starbucks offers a variety of dairy-free milk alternating choices in order to cater to vegan, vegetarian and lactose-intolerant customers. Some of these options include almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk. As mentioned earlier, these milk alternatives contain no carbs and the almond milk is cholesterol and gluten-free. So you can enjoy your daily pick-me-up without worrying about your carbs or lifestyle.
Soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk all contain significantly fewer calories than whole milk – about a third, two-thirds, and one-third less respectively, depending on the size. So, if you are watching your weight, these milk alternatives are better options to opt for when it comes to your Starbucks Coffee intake. The flavorful beverages can be enjoyed guilt-free as they have substantially lesser carbs than the regular drinks.
Health Conscious Drinks
Starbucks has also recently added a selection of health-conscious drinks on their menu. These include the Protein boxes and their Espresso Protein & Veggies box. The Protein & Veggies box contains organic, roasted egg white bites with all the important nutrients, protein, vitamins, and other minerals, along with the added bonus of zero carbs. The boxes are a perfect choice for on-the-go and come in two different varieties – a classic bacon-style and a vegetarian version.
Starbucks also has a variety of smoothies and bottled drinks that are packed with fruits and other healthy ingredients and yet contain negligible carbs. Try their Spinach, Feta & Cage-Free Egg White Wrap, or a Blended Apricot & Yogurt snack box for an extra carb-absent protein boost and that refreshing Starbucks kick.
Should You Drink Starbucks Coffee?
As with all things, moderation is key. Don’t forget that espresso, when prepared without added syrups, has minimal carbohydrate content. On the other hand, some of the fancier drinks may contain a significant amount of added sugar, or high-fat ingredients like cream. Therefore it is important to be aware of the carb content of the drinks you order from Starbucks.
In conclusion, Starbucks coffee offers a great range of carb possibilities, allowing you to decide which drinks are best for your lifestyle. Some caffeinated choices are carb conscious, with no added sugar, while others may contain up to 50g of carbohydrates. By having this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions about what goes into your coffee.
