Lighten up your holiday beverage with these tips from Starbucks baristas

It’s that time of year again. Starbucks beloved holiday beverages are back in stores. Here are five tips from Starbucks baristas to lighten up your favorite handcrafted beverages. It’s easy to do – just ask your barista or customize your drink on the Starbucks® app.

Choose your milk

Request nonfat milk when ordering any classic seasonal beverage. While 2 percent milk is standard, beverages can be made with nonfat milk or dairy-free options including almondmilk, coconutmilk, oatmilk and soymilk.

Swap your syrup

Select sugar-free syrup, like sugar-free vanilla, in your holiday beverage for great festive flavor without added calories or sugar.

Fewer pumps

Ask for less syrup to reduce the sweetness and calories in any holiday beverage.  

Skip the whip

Ask for just a little whip or no whip to save between 80 and 110 calories, depending on the size and type of drink – a great way to still enjoy a Peppermint Mocha or seasonal Frappuccino® blended beverage. Or for iced coffee beverages, request a dollop of unsweetened cold foam (which is made with nonfat milk) for a creamy treat.

Select your size

Choose the beverage size that best supports your personal taste preference and lifestyle. Even the short (8-ounce) option packs plenty of cheer.