A Comprehensive List Of The Best Starbucks Iced Drinks To Help Quench That Summer Thirst
With summer weather fast approaching, a cold refreshing beverage is a must have and Starbucks is one of many big names out there to quench that hankering thirst. However, if you’re not an Sbux aficionado, the extensive and ever changing menu can be very daunting. Luckily for you, the students at Uhart have complied a list of the best Starbucks iced beverages ranked by their taste.
For the sake of organization we’ve broken down the answers into the following categories:
What Makes This Recipe So Good
I shared my internet-famous, reader-favorite homemade chai tea latte recipe in 2014. The recipe starts with a homemade chai tea concentrate thats made from simple pantry spices, black tea bags, and water. Warm milk is added to the concentrate to make a classic latte. Its the perfect drink for fall and winter.
By summer, Im all about iced everything: iced coffee, iced tea, and homemade popsicles. Summer time in Florida is no joke when a warm day reaches 100+ degrees.
A couple of years ago, I took my famous hot latte and turned it into a new recipe: a refreshing iced chai. Its super easy to make either a hot or iced drink. Its just a matter of chilling or warming the homemade chai concentrate, which Ill show you how to make today, and then adding cold or hot milk and ice cubes.
What makes this iced chai latte AMAZINGis the from-scratch chai concentrate.
Pre-made concentrates or pre-mixed chai tea bags from grocery store never have the same great flavor as a fresh concentrate. By making the homemade version, which takes just 10 minutes and lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge, youre guaranteed to make a delicious drink every time!
Complete List Of Starbucks Iced Latte Drinks
The Iced Caffè Latte is a Starbucks classic and contains espresso shots, milk, and ice, with a layer of frothed milk on top.
When ordered, this drink is almost always made with 2% milk to keep the calorie count low. This beverage will give you an energy boost and tastes best when ordered in the afternoon or evening.
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Iced Coffee Vs Iced Latte Caffeine Difference
Before getting to the difference in caffeine between the iced coffee and iced latte, its important to know which coffee youll be using for the iced coffee.
You can make iced coffee with various brewing techniques, including a French press, Hario V60, or even a Chemex. Each brewing technique has a different amount of caffeine:
| Brewing technique used: |
The amounts of caffeine differ from technique and are based on using one cup of coffee per serving of iced coffee.
On the other hand, an iced latte uses two espresso shots, which comes to 136 mg of caffeine. This is calculated by doubling the amount of caffeine from a single shot of espresso, which comes in at 68 mg.
If you want to lower your caffeine intake, your best pick will be making or ordering an iced latte over an iced coffee, as it has much less caffeine per serving.
You could even use a single shot of espresso instead of a double if you want to lower your intake even further.
Iced Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
An iced peppermint mocha is one of my favorite Christmas drinks. If you cant resist anything peppermint-flavored, be warned. Youre going to love this!
Ingredients: Ice, milk, white chocolate mocha sauce, brewed espresso, peppermint syrup, whipped cream, dark chocolate curls
Caffeine: 150 mg
Sugars: 68
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Iced Golden Ginger Drink
Tall: 100 Calories
This slightly spicy low-calorie Starbucks drink, iced and cold, starts with a blend of ginger and turmeric essence combined with flavors of pineapple and coconut. The default combination includes 3 pumps of pineapple ginger syrup and two scoops of the ginger blend. If the zesty ginger flavor is too strong for you, ask for fewer pumps.
Quick Picks: 6 Best Iced Coffees Customized For You
Before we get into the three varieties of cold Starbucks coffee options, lets familiarize ourselves with the most popular choices based on common preferences.
Starbucks Staff Pick: Iced White Chocolate Mocha
Sweetest Iced Coffee: Java Chip Frappuccino
Vanilla Iced Coffee: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Most Caffeine: Iced Peppermint Mocha
Best According to TikTok: Hot Cocoa Cold Brew
Best According to Reddit: Iced Caramel Macchiato
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Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
For all the caffeine lovers out there, it’s no secret that nitro cold brew is the cream of the crop when it comes to drinks that will give you plenty of energy. Just a warning: Those who aren’t used to caffeine may be a bit overwhelmed by the amount of it in any nitro cold brews found at Starbucks . Cold brew is more caffeinated than your average iced coffee, and nitro cold brew contains tiny bubbles of nitrogen, which produces a lovely foam on the top layer of your drink. Add in the Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew, and it’s clear why this drink is closer to the top of our list.
This drink is definitely sweet, which we don’t totally love, but that sweetness is relatively well-balanced with the flavor of the cold brew. The creaminess and the nitrogen bubbles come together to create something special that you can’t get at just any coffee shop. While there are other coffees at Starbucks that we like more, this one is a great option for those who are new to the world of nitro cold brew. Give it a try if you want to expand your coffee horizons.
How To Make Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte
Stir together 2 cups milk, 2 chai tea bags, 2 tablespoon pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan.
Note If you like stronger tea flavor, then double up the tea bags!
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes.
Discard the tea bags and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the pan and stir well.
Froth the mixture using an electric frother, a handheld electric or manual frother, or a French press.
Pour into two cups and serve hot.
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Why Is Almond Milk So High In Calories
Almond milk is high in calories mainly due to its content of fat and carbohydrates. Many almond milk brands contain added sugars and other types of sweeteners, which increases its calorie count. Unsweetened almond milk still contains around 30-50 calories per cup, mainly from fat and carbohydrates.
These calories come from the nuts themselves and the production process, which involve grinding the almonds into a milk-like consistency. Additionally, some added ingredients like coconut milk, dates, and sea salt can also contribute to the calorie count of almond milk.
Generally, compared to cows milk, almond milk offers decreased levels of protein, but can provide many health benefits, as it is rich in minerals, vitamins, and monounsaturated fats.
Lets Move To A Detailed Step
Sift your matcha using a mesh strainer. This will remove impurities and lumps from the powder.
Use a matcha whisk and whisk the powder a little before adding any liquid into it.
Add a little hot or cold water to the powder and whisk it. This will give a smooth and velvety consistency to the latte.
Take a tall glass and pour in the matcha solution, milk, and sweetener of your choice.
Once done, give it a gentle stir so that all the elements mix well.
Now, add ice cubes, and voila! Your iced matcha latte is ready.
Scroll down and see a detailed recipe card for the same:
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Faqs About This Iced Chai Latte Starbucks Copycat Recipe
-What brand of tea do you use?
I use the Tazo chai tea brand tea bags. You can use any type of chai tea that you prefer. If youd like you can also buy the Tazo chai concentrate and just add milk for an easier recipe.
-Is this sweetened?
No, its unsweet. Feel free to add sugar or vanilla syrup to your drink. I used a sweetened vanilla almond milk.
-Is this a coffee drink?
Nope! Its black tea! In fact chai means tea.
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Is An Oatmilk Latte Healthier Than A Regular Latte
Whether or not an oatmilk latte is healthier than a regular latte depends on many factors, including the type of milk you choose for your latte. Generally speaking, oatmilk has a few advantages that make it a potentially healthier option than cows milk.
Oatmilk is naturally lactose-free, makes for a delicious alternative to traditional dairy, and is rich in fibre and antioxidants. In addition, oatmilk can be made with fewer additives than cows milk and has a much lower environmental impact due to its lower water consumption.
However, traditional cows milk is typically a significantly better source of calcium, so an oatmilk latte will not provide the same calcium benefits. Additionally, some varieties of oatmilk may contain added sugar, making them a less healthy option depending on the amount of sugar included.
Ultimately, the healthiest option for your latte is a matter of personal preference, and you should consider the specific nutrients your body needs.
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How To Order A Skinny Drink At Starbuck
To order a skinny drink at Starbucks, simply ask the barista for your favorite drink but remember to say skinny! For example, you could say Id like a Skinny Latte please.
You can also plainly ask for a coffee made with non-fat milk and sugar-free syrups. You can customize it further with whipped cream or lower-calorie sweeteners.
Iced Coffee Vs Iced Latte: Get To Know All The Differences
If youre a coffee-lover, then you must have heard of both iced coffee and iced latte.
Even though iced coffee and iced lattes both look like smooth, tasty, and refreshing drinks, they have some major differences.
Both are popular cold coffee drinks, but which one is better? You may be confused between these two at some point.
In this article, Ill give you the rundown on these two cold coffee drinks to help you choose the one that suits your taste buds.
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Low Calorie Hot Starbucks Drinks
Now that those tips are covered, let’s get into how to order low calorie at Starbucks!
We will be covering hot and cold drinks on the list.
And since the list is fire, we will be starting with the hot drink options first!
1. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte is an absolute treat any time of year. It’s just so warm, comforting, and delicious.
Now, if you order this drink the way it come, it will have 340 calories. But you can make it low calorie by ordering it like this…
- Tall Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- With almond milk instead of 2% milk
- Sugar free cinnamon dolce syrup instead of the regular cinnamon dolce syrup
- & get NO whipped cream
With those adjustments, the calorie count will come out to only 75 calories! And to bring the calories even lower, order it with no cinnamon dolce sprinkles.
Oh, and if you want the full experience with the whipped cream, you can add your own low calorie whipped cream at home! If you do, I highly recommend pairing this drink with my protein waffles. They’re a match made in heaven!
2. Blonde Vanilla Latte
You can order the Blonde Vanilla Latte with all the vanilla flavor but without all the calories.
To do that, order…
- A Tall Blonde Vanilla Latte
- With almond milk instead of 2% milk
- & sugar free vanilla syrup instead of regular vanilla syrup
And if you order it like that, this vanilla drink will have only 30 calories.
By the way, this low calorie blonde vanilla latte pairs perfectly with these low calorie cookies.
3. Café Latte
Panera Iced Caffe Latte
Who doesn’t love the delicious creaminess of an iced latte? This Panera Bread version features freshly brewed espresso with foamed milk over ice. But the bigger portion of milk in this drink means higher calorie and fat content. Plus, it has more sodium than plain, iced coffee options.
This iced latte macchiato keeps things simple: espresso, milk, and ice. Rounder says regular milk is OK to have in here, too.
“It can be more beneficial in promoting satiety and satisfaction. The fat from regular milk helps keep blood sugar levels more stable,” she says.
If you’re in the mood for an Original Glazed Donut from Krispy Kreme, if you’re sipping on this plain iced coffee, go ahead and get the treat. Here, the chain’s freshly brewed iced coffee blend is served over ice with a splash of 2% milk.
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What Goes With An Iced Vanilla Latte Starbucks Beverage
- Biscotti is the perfect light biscuit to snack on with an iced latte.
And, heres a link to an interesting article that talks about coffee and food pairings.
I hope you give this recipe a try! You are going to love the natural flavors of vanilla for this coffee treat. Best of all you have options to make this with an instant coffee , instant espresso, or you can make a rich coffee with your own coffee grounds. You can get your caffeine fix when you prepare coffee at home.
Iced Shaken Blonde Espresso
The Iced Shaken Espresso is a delightfully refreshing drink for summer. But we take it one step further and swap the traditional espresso for Starbucks Blonde Espresso.
We find the blonde espresso less bitter than the regular espresso, making it particularly delicious over ice. We also love the subtle fruity notes of the roast.
The shaken espresso is essentially a few shots of espresso mixed with a bit of syrup and a splash of milk. Just about perfect if you ask me.
But if you prefer it less sweet or without milk, simply customize it to your liking. As served, the Iced Shaken Blonde Espresso has 225 mg of caffeine and 14 g of sugar.
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Iced Coffee With Milk
Almost as simple as it gets, this menu item is nothing more than double-strength hot-brewed coffee, ice, classic syrup, and the milk of your choice.
Starbucks brews its classic iced coffees at double strength to compensate for the diluting effects of ice to ensure that you get a full flavor from the first to the last sip.
Its possible to get this drink made without syrup if youd prefer it unsweetened, but the default for this menu item is the Starbucks Classic syrup, which is just a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water.
For a Grande size, with the default option of 2% milk, the nutritional values stack up very reasonably:
- Caffeine: 125 mg
Its almost as simple as it gets, and that is a big part of what makes it one of our favorites.
Faqs About This Low Calorie Starbucks List
What are some of the lowest calorie drinks at Starbucks?
Some of the lowest calorie Starbucks drinks are going to be the traditional coffee based drinks with nothing added to them.
For instance, the classic black coffee, espresso macchiato, Cafe Americano are all super low in calories. Also, any of the unsweetened teas – like the green tea, black tea, and peach tranquility – are all really great low calorie Starbucks drinks as well.
Can any Starbucks drink be skinny?
Yes, you can make any Starbucks drink skinny. When you order your drink of choice, just ask for it to be made skinny. This means that your drink will be made with nonfat milk, sugar free syrup, and no cream.
That said, not all of the drinks made this way will be the lowest calories they can be. So you’ll still want to follow the tips and suggestions that are on this low calorie Starbucks drinks list.
How do I make my Starbucks drink less calories?
To make your low calorie Starbucks drinks have less calories, there are a few main tweaks that you can make.
The first one is to order it with a low calorie milk option like almond milk and nonfat milk. I always order my drinks with the almond milk since it’s the lowest in calories.
Another adjustment to make is to swap the syrup with a sugar free syrup or zero calorie sweetener. My favorite thing to order in pretty much every drink is the sugar free vanilla syrup since it always adds not only a ton of extra sweetness but flavor as well.
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Starbucks Reserve Iced Hazelnut Bianco Latte
If you’re looking for something different, this is one to try. Unlike other cold coffee beverages, it’s made with hazelnut and praline infused milk.
This gives the drink a more complex flavor enhanced by the nuttiness. It also contains Starbucks Reserve espresso, made from special Starbucks beans.
All of this gives it a pleasantly smooth but intense taste which you won’t find in many other Starbucks espresso drinks.
Its made by combining Starbucks praline and hazelnut infused milk and Reserve espresso, which is then poured over ice. There are 280 calories, 26 grams of sugar, and 14 grams of fat in a serving.
If you love coffee, this will get your taste buds going more than other drinks, and it’s something you definitely need to try this summer.