Barista Hints to Lighten Up Starbucks Beverages
It’s the most wonderful and possibly the most indulgent time of the year. From cookie parties and office celebrations to festive meals around the table with family and friends, the calories can add up.
Along with handcrafting Starbucks time-honored holiday beverages, (welcome back eggnog) and new culinary traditions (nice to meet you Chestnut Praline Latte), baristas offer a few simple ways to customize and “lighten up” holiday beverages.
Have Yourself a Skinny Little Latte
Smoothly steamed non-fat milk meets rich espresso and is topped off with a layer of foam and any sugar-free syrup. A Tall (12. fl. oz.) Skinny Latte also meets 30% of daily calcium needs.
Ask for fewer or no pumps of classic syrup, which maintains the great flavor while reducing calories. While 2% milk is standard, nonfat, whole and soy may are available.
Skinny Chestnut Praline Latte
Starbucks is bringing a new holiday favorite to the party. The beverage includes espresso, steamed milk and flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. A Tall (12 fl. oz.) has 230 calories, or 160 calories without whipped cream. Either way, the bow on top is 9 grams of protein.
Skinny Peppermint Mocha
Fans of this Starbucks® classic seasonal beverage may enjoy a lighter interpretation of their favorite holiday treat. Prepared with sugar-free peppermint syrup, nonfat milk and skinny mocha sauce, the Skinny Peppermint Mocha is just 100 calories for a Tall (12 fl oz.) beverage.
A Light and Bright Tradition
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Starbucks® Christmas Blend is a beloved tradition. Starbucks® Christmas Blend is a full-bodied, dark roast blend of Latin American and Asia Pacific coffees with the addition of rare Aged Sumatra beans to give a distinct cedary spice note. A Tall (12 fl oz) serving has only five calories.
Customization Tips to Lighten up Any Beverage:
Request nonfat milk
Select a sugar-free syrup for great flavor without added calories or sugar
Ask for less syrup or fewer pumps to reduce the sweetness and calories in any beverage
Ask for less whip or no whip to save anywhere from 80-110 calories depending on the size and type of drink
Choose a size that matches your calorie budget; remember the short size option (8 fl. oz)
