Tips from Starbucks Baristas to Lighten up Beverages


Starbucks handcrafts every beverage to fit customer needs. Here are some barista tips to lighten up Starbucks beverages:

Frappuccino® Blended Beverage

  • Swap out the milk for nonfat milk or a non-dairy alternative such as soymilk, coconutmilk, almondmilk or oatmilk.
  • Ask for fewer pumps of syrup or select sugar-free Vanilla syrup.
  • Ask for less whip or no whip to save anywhere from 80-110 calories depending on the size and type of drink.

Cold Coffee

  • Request nonfat milk or a non-dairy alternative such as soymilk, coconutmilk, almondmilk or oatmilk.
  • Try a sweetener substitute such as SPLENDA® or Stevia.  
  • Try a cold foam with sugar-free vanilla syrup.

Plant-Based Beverages

  • Choose from milk alternatives such as soymilk, coconutmilk, almondmilk and oatmilk.
  • Select vanilla, caramel or hazelnut syrup, which do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
  • Hold the following ingredients, which contain dairy: Pumpkin Spice Sauce (seasonal), White Mocha Sauce, Caramel Sauce, Caramel Brulée Sauce (seasonal), whipped cream and Java Chips (Pro tip: Caramel Sauce is different from Caramel Syrup).

Starbucks® Iced Coffee & Tea

  • Quick, easy, and refreshing.
  • Try a sweetener substitute: request or Splenda® or Stevia.

Barista Pick: Tall (12 fl. oz.) Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso

Starbucks® Blonde espresso meets cocoa and notes of malt, shaken together and topped with almondmilk and ice for an invigorating and light treat to power you through your day. Bonus: 80 calories and dairy-free!