The Starbucks Holiday Menu is back and bringing festive cheer to your coffee routine! This year’s lineup features cozy winter flavors like peppermint, caramel brulee, and sugar cookie—mixed with classic Starbucks offerings for plenty of seasonal sipping options the next time you drive through.
MyFitnessPal asked Joanna Gregg, a registered dietitian at MyFitnessPal, for her tips for changing the menu to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals while enjoying the many great options Starbucks has to offer.
It’s important to remember that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy your favorite holiday drink in its original form, especially for occasional treats. These modifications are simply options for those who want to enjoy these seasonal flavors more often while staying in line with their nutritional goals. There’s no need to change every single drink – balance is what matters most.
Tips for changing Starbucks’ holiday menu drinks
These seasonal drinks are only available for a limited time, so enjoy them! But if you drink them more often than not, find your drink of choice below and consider Gregg’s suggested changes, all of which can reduce the total calories, sugar and fat in your drink!
Peppermint Mocha
For a tall size, you drink 350 calories, 13g of fat and 42g of sugar.
“Order a Tall, with fat-free or soy milk to reduce calories and fat but maintain protein, 1 pump of peppermint syrup and 1 pump of mocha sauce versus 3 each, and keep the whipped cream and chocolate curl topping as these contribute fewer calories and sugar,” suggests Gregg.
Caramel Brulee Latte
For a tall size, you drink 310 calories, 11g of fat and 36g of sugar.
Gregg’s tip? “Order a Tall, with fat-free or soy milk to reduce calories and fat but maintain protein and 1 pump of caramel brulee sauce versus 3. You can also ask for light whipped cream and caramel brulee topping to reduce the sugar but still enjoy the taste of this drink!”
Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
For a large size, you drink 210 calories, 4g of fat and 31g of sugar.
“This drink starts a little lighter than others, and the ice reduces the amount of liquid in the cup. So feel free to order a size up,” says Gregg. “Order a Grande with fat-free or soy milk to reduce calories and fat but keep the protein, 2 pumps of sugar cookie syrup and keep the sprinkles for a little extra!”
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy festive flavors, whether you order your favorite drink as is or try one of these lighter modifications. Simple swaps like opting for fat-free or soy milk, reducing syrup pumps or asking for light toppings can help you enjoy the season’s specialty drinks more often while staying on track with your goals. Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Starbucks Holiday Drinks
Do I have to change my holiday drinks every time I order?
Not at all. Enjoying your favorite seasonal drink in its full-flavored, original form is perfectly fine, especially if you have it once in a while. These changes are simply options for those who want to enjoy holiday drinks more often while staying in line with their nutritional goals.
Will reducing syrup pumps really make a difference?
Yes. Each pump of syrup adds calories and sugar to your drink. For example, reducing from 3 pumps to 1 or 2 pumps can significantly reduce the sugar content while still getting the festive flavor you crave.
Is fat-free milk or soy milk a better choice for modifications?
Both are good options depending on your goals. Skimmed milk reduces calories and fat while maintaining protein content, which helps with satiety. Soy milk offers a similar benefit for those who prefer or need a non-dairy option due to lactose intolerance, while still providing protein.
The post A Dietitian Shares How She Would Change Starbucks’ Holiday Menu Drinks appeared first on the MyFitnessPal Blog.