26 Best Starbucks Keto Drinks
When you think of getting a drink at Starbucks, what first comes to mind? If you're like a lot of people, you'll think of syrupy sweet drinks that are borderline overwhelming on the palate. Caramel macchiatos, Frappuccinos, and pumpkin spice lattes aren't exactly known for being subtle when it comes to flavor, after all. But if you're cutting back on sugar and carbs or are currently on a keto diet, it may feel like Starbucks is a no-go spot entirely. What drinks will you be able to order from there other than black coffee?
Well, if you're well-acquainted with Starbucks' sweeter offerings, it may come as a surprise that the chain actually offers quite a few keto options. You may have to make some slight adjustments to your order, but the staff will be happy to accommodate in most cases. But before you go, you need to know what to order so you don't accidentally end up with several scoops worth of sugar in your first drink of the day.
That's why we've compiled a list of some of the best keto drinks available at Starbucks. Follow this guide, and you'll never have trouble ordering a keto drink at Starbucks again.
Brewed coffee
Sometimes, you just have to keep things simple, and that's why we love that you can simply opt for a brewed coffee the next time you find yourself at a Starbucks. This menu item may seem too obvious or too simple, but that's far from the truth. While there's not a lot that goes into it, Starbucks offers generally high-quality beans that make for an excellent cup of plain coffee. Sure, you could always make it at home, but something about it being served in a Starbucks cup makes it taste better to us.
Of course, you're going to want to avoid adding anything to your brewed coffee. You're best off just drinking it plain, but definitely don't add sugar or milk — that'll up the carb content by a lot. We know that plain black coffee isn't right for everyone, but it's a great option if you're looking for something quick, easy, and simple from Starbucks. It'll be easy on your wallet too.
Keto White Drink
Perhaps you're looking for something a little more interesting than a brewed coffee. That's totally understandable. If that's how you're feeling, then you may want to turn your attention to the keto White Drink. Can't find it on the menu? It's not there, but ask for it at the drive thru, and the employee taking your order should know just what to make you. If not, tell them that you want unsweetened peach citrus iced tea and to add in some heavy cream. If you like things on the sweeter side, you can also ask for two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
So, what does it taste like? Imagine a peach cobbler but cold and in drink form. It is rather sweet but not overwhelmingly so. While artificial sweeteners aren't always the way to go, sometimes you just need something that appeals to your sweet tooth, and the keto White Drink will get the job done without you having to worry about falling off your meal plan.
Green Drink
Now depending on how you order it, Starbucks' Green Drink can be a bit of a splurge on your carbs. But hey, we all need to treat ourselves now and then, and this one is still relatively keto-friendly. Plus, you can make a swap to make it align even more closely with your diet. Wondering what it is? The Green Drink starts with unsweetened iced black tea, matcha powder, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and coconut milk, according to Spoon University. Of course, coconut milk may be a bit higher in carbs than you want to deal with, so you can always swap it out for heavy cream instead.
We love this drink best during the summer months because it's nice and cooling. At the same time, it's going to give you plenty of energy from the tea and matcha together. And with the sugar-free vanilla syrup, you get just a touch of sweetness to make this drink even better. What's not to love? If you're looking for something a bit different than your average coffee, this green drink has you covered.
Espresso shot
When you opt for a classic, basic drink from Starbucks, you know you're probably on the right track. And that's certainly the case when it comes to espresso. Espresso is concentrated coffee that's often served in small portions, called shots. You probably know that you can add espresso shots to certain drinks on the menu, but you can also have them all on their own for a quick (but strong) treat. Luckily, for all those who are following a keto diet, espresso has essentially no carbs, meaning you can indulge in this classic coffee drink all you want. And since it's so small, it's easy to drink in a flash — perfect for when you need to get your energy up quickly.
An espresso not enough for you? You're not alone, which is why the doppio exists. It's just a double shot of espresso, and it'll certainly get you up and moving fast. If you really need to get your caffeine fix before a busy day at the office, a doppio is the way to go.
Keto double shot on ice
If you love how strong espressos are but you don't want to have to drink hot coffee when it's warm out, we've got you covered with the keto double shot on ice. It's nice and cold but still simple enough to appeal to even the biggest coffee snobs out there. And best of all? It's keto friendly as well, as long as you make sure not to include real sugar. Basically, this drink is just two espresso shots along with milk, ice, and a sugar substitute. When you're ordering your keto double shot in ice, make sure you get almond milk instead of the normal 2%. That's because almond milk packs fewer carbs, making it a clear option for keto followers.
While you can always use an artificial sweetener to add just the right touch of sweetness to this drink, it's totally optional. If you prefer your coffee to be more bitter and less sweet, you can just omit it entirely.
Unsweetened iced tea
If you ask us, iced tea is a totally underrated beverage. It generally has some caffeine, but it's much easier on your stomach (and your anxiety) than a coffee. And when it comes to tea at Starbucks, you're certainly not lacking for options. The obvious choice is to go for a black tea if you want to pack in as much caffeine as possible or a green tea if you're looking for something that's on the slightly milder side. When you don't want a drink that's going to keep you up half the night, opt for the mint citrus or the hibiscus.
However, there's something important to remember when you order an iced tea from Starbucks. If you want to keep things keto-friendly, you're going to want to skip the sugar altogether. You can ask for a sugar substitute if that's your thing, but we really think that iced tea can stand on its own without a sweetener. Give it a try if you haven't yet. While this may be a simpler drink than many of the items you'll find on the Starbucks menu, we think it's a fantastic option at any time of year.
Unsweetened iced coffee
Yes, you can always order hot brewed coffee when you don't know what else to get at Starbucks that's keto-friendly and delicious. But what about when the weather is scorching outside? Or what if you're just not a huge fan of hot coffee? We totally get it. That's why you'll be pleased to learn that you can simply order unsweetened iced coffee as well. It's basically the same thing as the brewed coffee, but it's been chilled to just the right temperature, and you'll have to contend with a little ice.
It's best not to add anything to this drink if you want to keep it as low-carb as possible. However, if you prefer drinks that are on the milkier side, you can always opt for some heavy cream or almond milk to lighten it up. Who knew ordering a coffee that works for your keto diet could be this simple?
Cold brew
If you prefer your coffee cold instead of hot, then you may be used to ordering an iced coffee whenever you go to Starbucks — or any other coffee shop, for that matter. But did you know that a plain iced coffee isn't your only option at the coffee chain? If you're looking for something a little stronger and a little less harsh on your taste buds, then cold brew is probably right up your alley. Smooth, slightly sweet cold brew is actually steeped in cold water, not hot, which yields a different flavor than the stuff from your drip coffee maker that you put in the fridge overnight.
We prefer our cold brew plain, without anything else added in. If you choose this option, you're barely getting any carbs at all. However, you can also add in almond milk or heavy cream and a sugar substitute if you want to give your coffee a milder flavor.
Keto cinnamon dolce latte
During the winter months, there's nothing like ordering a cinnamon dolce latte from Starbucks. It's flavorful, it's sweet, and it'll get you through the coldest days of the year. But if you look up the ingredients for the normal cinnamon dolce latte, you may notice that it's not exactly keto-friendly. It's packed full of carbs, which can be a big bummer if this is one of your favorites on the menu. Luckily, there is a way to take this popular drink and make it perfect for any keto dieter out there.
First of all, ask for a skinny cinnamon dolce latte, which uses sugar-free syrup. You'll want to skip on both the whipped cream and the cinnamon dolce sprinkles. Then, instead of regular milk, go with almond milk or heavy cream. With these few swaps, you can once again enjoy one of your favorite Starbucks drinks.
Low-carb Pink Drink
Of course, there are plenty of simple, practical drinks that you can grab at Starbucks that help you adhere to your keto diet. But what about those pretty Instagrammable numbers you know you have to try at least once? Well, at least on one count, all your keto dreams can come true. That's because it's not difficult to throw together a low-carb Pink Drink that tastes just as good as it looks. And like a lot of the other drinks on this list, you don't have to make too many swaps.
Instead of opting for normal 2% milk, choose heavy cream instead — this will help you cut down on some of your carbs. Additionally, ask for sugar-free syrup here as well. We actually wouldn't recommend skipping the syrup in this case, as the drink really doesn't taste the same without it.
And just like that, you have the keto Pink Drink of your dreams.
Keto iced caramel macchiato
When you think of the sweetest drinks at Starbucks, what first comes to mind? If you're like a lot of people, you'll think of the iced caramel macchiato. Not only is the coffee itself super sweet, but it's also drizzled with a caramel sauce that just takes things over the edge. Even if you're not usually into sweet drinks, you have to admit that it looks pretty appetizing. But because of its sugar content, you may automatically assume that this is never something you could order if you wanted to stick to your keto diet.
But we're here to tell you that we're wrong. Hip2Keto notes that creating a keto iced caramel macchiato is actually a lot easier than it might seem. Just tell them that you want an iced, unsweetened Americano, with three parts water and one part heavy cream. You can then add a few pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup to your liking. Sure, it doesn't have the caramel sauce, but you won't miss it too much once you get a taste.
Keto chai latte
When you're not feeling a coffee but want something that feels a bit more substantial than a light herbal tea, a chai latte may be just what you're looking for. And though it may seem like it wouldn't be possible to make this drink keto-friendly, that's actually far from the truth. On the contrary, you can order a keto chai latte at your local Starbucks without too many issues at all.
The Keto Minimalist writes that, first of all, you should make sure you ask for the tea bag (two for a tall), not the chai syrup. This makes a significant difference when it comes to the carb count, so make sure you don't skip it. Add heavy whipping cream, a couple of pumps of sugar-free cinnamon dulce syrup, and two packets of Stevia plus monkfruit. Now you've got the keto chai latte of your dreams. Pro tip? Make it a dirty chai by asking for a shot of espresso in the mix. You'll be glad you did — trust us.
Low-carb flat white
A flat white is a popular option for those who want to switch up their usual coffee order and try something different. However, you may be worried that they won't meet the guidelines of your keto diet. This is a really simple drink, though, so with just a few swaps, you can easily make this beverage keto-friendly. So, what exactly is a flat white? It's shots of espresso mixed with steamed milk. The milk is poured into the hot coffee, resulting in a signature white spot in the middle of your cup.
But if you follow a keto diet, you probably already know that milk isn't the best option if you're trying to keep your carb count low. Taste of Home suggests asking for half hot water, half heavy cream in place of the milk. And with a swap this simple, it'll be easy to order a flat white any time you want one.
Keto espresso macchiato
If you like the idea of an espresso but can't handle anything that strong or bitter, we feel you. Espressos aren't for everyone. However, that kick of caffeine delivered in a cute little package that will help you get through the day is sometimes much-needed. That's where an espresso macchiato comes in. It all starts with your basic shot of espresso, but then you add in some steamed milk to keep the flavor from being too intense. It's still a small drink, but it won't alienate those who aren't into supremely bitter flavors.
For those on a keto diet, steamed milk may not be the way to go. Rather, like so many other drinks on this list, you can ask for heavy cream instead of steamed milk. This will cut down on the carbs while still giving you that same taste you love. Our suggestion? Order a doppio macchiato for an extra kick.
Cappuccino with heavy cream
What's not to love about a cappuccino? It's a classic coffee drink from Europe that utilizes a shot of espresso but makes it lighter and more easily drinkable with the addition of hot milk. Foamed milk then graces the top of the drink, giving it its signature look. Pretty much any coffee shop you go to, you'll see a cappuccino on the menu, but we have to admit that Starbucks' cappuccino is solid. But don't think you have to sacrifice this drink just if you're trying to eat keto. There's just one swap you need to make if you want to opt for a lower-carb version: heavy cream instead of milk. That's it. Who knew it could be that simple?
Of course, with such a milky beverage, some drinkers prefer a touch of sweetness to their cappuccino. If you fall into that camp, we recommend using Stevia or another type of non-sugar sweetener. However, it's always delicious to enjoy a cappuccino on its own.
Americano
A lot of people assume that an Americano is just basic brewed coffee, but that's simply not the truth. While it does have a similar strength to your average cup of Joe, this drink is actually created in a different way. An espresso shot is diluted in hot water for a slightly different flavor than your typical brewed coffee. It's a lovely way to get your morning caffeine in, and it's a welcome change if you're looking for something that's as simple as can be but still different from what you usually order.
You should be happy to learn that Americanos are naturally low-carb as is. Therefore, you don't even need to make any swaps to make this drink keto-friendly. Of course, if you want to add extras, be sure to opt for heavy cream or almond milk instead of 2%. Non-sugar sweeteners are the way to go here.
Earl Grey tea
We already mentioned that you can always opt for an iced tea when you're at Starbucks. But what if you prefer a warm drink with that same energy? While there are plenty of tea options to choose from, we like Earl Grey tea the best. It has a distinct flavor of bergamot that you won't get with other varieties of tea, which is what makes it such a big hit. It's perfect for sipping in the morning when you want something warm and delicious but aren't feeling keen on a coffee.
When you order an Earl Grey tea from Starbucks, you're just going to get water and the contents of the tea bag — that's it. Therefore, you don't have to worry about consuming any carbs when you choose this option. With zero calories and zero carbs, a cup of Earl Grey tea is going to fall in line with pretty much any diet out there, including keto.
Low-carb London Fog Latte
While Earl Grey tea is delicious on its own, that doesn't mean it can't handle a bit of added taste and texture from time to time. Enter the London Fog Latte. This drink takes plain Earl Grey tea and adds a splash of steamed milk to balance out the flavor and add a bit of creaminess. The result is a "foggy" tea that earned its name from London's notoriously dreary weather. And let us just tell you: It's a fantastic drink. If you haven't tried it for yourself, you have to head to your nearest Starbucks and order yourself one ASAP.
Worried that it won't be keto? No problem. By adding heavy cream to the tea instead of steamed milk, you'll get the same taste but in a lower-carb version. And with such a simple substitution, why wouldn't you order this drink on the regular? Starbucks' most underrated menu item is definitely one of our favorites, and we actually think it tastes even better with the heavy cream than it does with the milk.
Keto iced blonde vanilla latte
We love a latte. There are so many different latte options to choose from, but somehow, they all end up coming out tasting amazing. That's certainly the case for the iced blonde vanilla latte, which may just be our favorite of the bunch available at Starbucks. Yes, this drink is super-sweet, but sometimes that's just what you want from your coffee — especially when you decide you want to treat yourself. We fully support that, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on your keto diet.
Order a keto iced blonde vanilla latte by asking for the real deal and then subbing in almond milk or heavy cream in place of the 2% milk that usually comes with this order. Then, ask for three pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. (You can add more or less depending on your taste preferences.) There you have it: A sweet, dessert-like drink you can enjoy without the carbs.
Keto caffè misto
Ever heard of a caffè misto before? If not, you're not alone. You may be more familiar with the French version of the drink, called a café au lait. And no, this one doesn't have any espresso in it. Rather, it's equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. In fact, you may have been making caffè mistos at home without even realizing it. For those who prefer brewed coffee over an espresso, this is a clear choice that offers something different than a typical latte, which is why we love it so much.
Like you may already suspect, this one is also really easy to take from carb-filled to nearly carb-free just by switching out the steamed milk with heavy cream. We think that tastes the best, but you can also opt for almond milk if you want something that tastes a bit lighter. Add the non-sugar sweetener of your choice if you're into that kind of thing, and you've got a keto caffè misto ready to help you take on your day.
Skinny mocha
A mocha feels extra-special because it is. Why just have coffee when you could have coffee and chocolate all in one cup? It sounds perfect to us, especially on those days when it's so cold out you simply need a cup of something warm in your hands to keep you from freezing on the spot. But when you hear that they add chocolate to this drink, you might immediately assume that it'll never work for someone who's trying to eat keto ... wrong. You can make this drink into a keto dieter's dream come true with just a few simple swaps.
Of course, you'll want to ask for almond milk or heavy cream in place of the steamed milk in this case, but you already knew that, right? Additionally, you won't want to opt for the regular mocha sauce. Instead, ask for the skinny mocha sauce. It basically tastes the same but will help you cut down on the carbs. Easy, right?
Keto Frappuccino
If there's one drink at Starbucks you probably assume you can't have if you're on a keto kick, it's a Frappuccino. There are several different Frappuccinos on the Starbucks menu, but they all have one thing in common: They're super indulgent. They're often packed with sugar, which means they pack in the carbs as well — obviously, not what any keto follower wants. You're probably going to be surprised, then, when we tell you that you can absolutely order a keto Frappuccino without much effort at all.
Hip2Keto tells us how to do it: Order a "tall, unsweetened iced coffee with extra ice, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and two shots of heavy cream, blended Frappuccino-style, but with NO Frappuccino base and NO Frappuccino syrups?" You can also ask for the same thing but with an espresso Frappuccino instead. Then go ahead and enjoy your icy, creamy drink without worrying how many carbs you're consuming in every single sip.
Keto Thai iced tea
First of all, you should know that you're not going to see this drink anywhere on the menu. Second of all, if you're looking for legit Thai iced tea, Starbucks probably isn't the best place to go. But for a quick Thai iced tea fix at your local Starbucks, this trick relayed by Hip2Keto gets the job done just right. You're going to order half iced coffee and half black tea. Make sure that both drinks are unsweetened. Then, ask for a splash of heavy cream. You won't be able to ask for this online or on the app, so you'll have to order this one in person.
Thai iced tea tends to be sweet, so if you want to keep as close as possible to the real thing, you can ask for a non-sugar sweetener or just add it in yourself. While it may not be Thai iced tea to a, well, tee, it's pretty close — and you'll be amazed at how good it tastes.
Iced cinnamon refresher
Who said that cinnamon was just for the warmest months of the year? If you're looking for a deliciously flavored cold drink in the early fall months (or at any other time of the year, really), you have to turn to the iced cinnamon refresher. Spoon University tells us how to order it: Ask for cold brew (or unsweetened iced coffee if you prefer something with a little less caffeine) with heavy cream, no water, and two to three pumps of sugar-free cinnamon dolce and sugar-free vanilla syrups. We prefer getting this drink with light ice as well.
And if you really want to up the flavor ante, make sure you request some extra cinnamon powder on top. It adds a layer of complexity that you don't get from the syrups alone. Overall, this is a creative and unique drink from Starbucks that offers you something a little different than your usual order.
Keto vanilla sweet cream cold brew
Regular cold brew is great and everything, but what if you're the kind of person who likes a stronger, smoother coffee and plenty of sweetness and flavor in their Starbucks drinks? You're in luck. You can order one of your favorite cold brew drinks — the vanilla sweet cream cold brew — in a keto form that won't ruin your diet. We were surprised that this one came out tasting almost exactly like the real thing.
You're going to have to sacrifice the vanilla sweet cream, as it is full of carbs. That's unfortunate because the stuff is delicious, but the flavor is made up almost entirely with heavy cream instead. You'll still get that rich, creamy texture you love. But what about the sweetness factor? Don't worry — that's taken care of too. Just get three pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and you'll have a keto version of the vanilla sweet cream cold brew in no time, according to Hip2Keto.
Espresso con panna
And finally: What would happen if you took an average, everyday shot of espresso and took it to a completely new level? Well, that's just what happens when you order an espresso con panna from Starbucks, and we're totally into it. First, it all starts with the espresso — we recommend getting a doppio, or a double shot — if you want to get the most energy out of your drink as possible. Then, they add a dollop of whipped cream to the drink, per Coffee at Three, which adds creaminess and texture to the beverage. It's delicious, and it's totally worth checking out.
Now, is this drink carb-free? No. You're still going to get some carbs from the whipped cream, but considering that this drink uses such a small amount of it, you won't have to worry about it too much. In fact, you're looking at just about two grams of carbs per serving. Not too bad, right?