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Keto-Friendly Starbucks Guide: What to Order

January 10, 2024
7 min read

Keto-Friendly Starbucks Guide: What to Order

Following a ketogenic diet doesn't mean you have to give up Starbucks. With the right modifications, you can enjoy delicious, low-carb drinks that fit your macros.

Understanding Keto at Starbucks

The ketogenic diet requires keeping carbs extremely low (typically under 20-50g per day). Most Starbucks drinks are high in carbs due to milk, syrups, and sweeteners. However, with smart modifications, you can create keto-friendly options.

Best Keto-Friendly Base Drinks

1. Black Coffee or Espresso

  • Carbs: 0-2g
  • Calories: 5-15
  • Perfect as-is or with heavy cream

2. Cold Brew

  • Carbs: 0g
  • Calories: 5-10
  • Smooth and naturally low-carb

3. Iced Coffee (Unsweetened)

  • Carbs: 0-2g
  • Calories: 5-10
  • Great base for keto customizations

4. Americano

  • Carbs: 0-2g
  • Calories: 10-25
  • Espresso and water - keto perfection

Keto-Friendly Modifications

Milk Options (Lowest to Highest Carbs)

  1. Heavy Cream - ~0-1g carbs per serving
  2. Almond Milk - ~2-3g carbs per serving
  3. Coconut Milk - ~2-3g carbs per serving
  4. Soy Milk - ~4-6g carbs per serving

Sweeteners

  • Sugar-Free Syrups: 0g carbs (Vanilla, Cinnamon Dolce, etc.)
  • Stevia: 0g carbs
  • Splenda: 0g carbs
  • Avoid: Regular syrups, classic syrup, caramel sauce

Keto Drink Recipes

Keto Iced Coffee

  • Iced Coffee
  • Heavy Cream (2-4oz)
  • Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup (2 pumps)
  • Carbs: ~2-3g

Keto Latte

  • Espresso Shots
  • Heavy Cream
  • Sugar-Free Cinnamon Dolce
  • Carbs: ~3-4g

Keto Cold Brew

  • Cold Brew
  • Heavy Cream
  • Sugar-Free Vanilla
  • Carbs: ~2-3g

What to Avoid

<li> ❌ Frappuccinos - High in carbs and sugar</li> <li>❌ Regular Lattes - Milk contains lactose (sugar)</li> <li>❌ Mocha Sauce - Contains sugar</li> <li>❌ Caramel Drizzle - High in sugar</li> <li>❌ Classic Syrup - Pure sugar</li> <li>❌ Oat Milk - Higher in carbs than other plant milks </li>

Pro Tips

  1. Order "Heavy Cream" instead of milk - it's low-carb and adds richness
  2. Ask for "Sugar-Free" versions of syrups
  3. Skip the whip - it often contains sugar
  4. Use the app - easier to customize and see nutrition info
  5. Double-check - some "sugar-free" items may still have carbs

Calculating Your Macros

Use our Starbucks Calorie Calculator to see the exact carb count for your customized keto drink. Remember to account for:

  • Base drink carbs
  • Milk/cream carbs
  • Any syrups or add-ons

With these tips, you can enjoy Starbucks while staying in ketosis!