The Starbucks Holiday Menu is back to bring some festive cheer to your coffee routine! This year’s offering includes cozy winter flavors like Peppermint, Caramel Brûlée, and Sugar Cookie—mixed with classic Starbucks offerings for plenty of seasonal sipping options the next time you’re in transit.
MyFitnessPal asked Joanna Gregg, a MyFitnessPal registered dietitian, for tips on changing the menu so you can stay on top of your health and wellness goals while enjoying the many great options Starbucks has to offer.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay 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 keeping their nutritional goals in mind. There’s no need to modify every single drink – balance is the most important thing.
Tips for changing Starbucks’ holiday drink menu
These seasonal drinks are only available for a limited time, so enjoy them! However, if you drink them more often, find your drink of choice below and consider Gregg’s suggested modifications, all of which can reduce the total amount of calories, sugar and fat in your drink!
Peppermint Mocha
If you are tall, you will consume 350 calories, 13g of fat and 42g of sugar.
“Order a tall with non-fat milk or soy milk to cut calories and fat but keep the protein, 1 pump of peppermint syrup and 1 pump of mocha sauce instead of 3 each, and keep the whipped cream and chocolate chips as these are lower in calories and sugar,” suggests Gregg.
Caramel Brulée Latte
If you are tall, you will consume 310 calories, 11g of fat and 36g of sugar.
Gregg’s tip? “Order a tall with non-fat milk or soy milk to cut calories and fat but keep the protein, and 1 splash of caramel brûlée sauce instead of 3. You can also ask for light whipped cream and caramel brûlée topping to cut down on the sugar and still enjoy the taste of this drink!”
Iced sugar cookie latte
For a large size drink 210 calories, 4g fat and 31g sugar.
“This drink starts off a little lighter than others and the ice reduces the amount of liquid in the cup, so feel free to order a size larger,” says Gregg. “Order a Grande with non-fat milk or soy milk to cut calories and fat but keep the protein, 2 pumps of sugar cookie syrup and save the sprinkles for that 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 changes like choosing fat-free milk or soy milk, cutting back on syrup pumps, or requesting light toppings can help you enjoy the season’s special drinks more often while staying on top of your goals. Remember, it’s all about finding what suits you and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Starbucks Christmas Drinks
Should I change my holiday drinks every time I order?
Not at all. It’s perfectly fine to enjoy your favorite seasonal beverage in its full, original form, especially if you drink it occasionally. These modifications are simply options for those who want to enjoy holiday drinks more often while keeping their nutritional goals in mind.
Will reducing syrup pumps really make a difference?
Yes. Each pump of syrup adds calories and sugar to your drink. For example, reducing the sugar content from 3 pumps to 1 or 2 pumps can significantly reduce the sugar content and still get the festive flavor you crave.
Is nonfat milk or soy milk a better choice for modifications?
Depending on your goals, both are good options. Low-fat milk reduces calories and fat while maintaining protein content, which promotes satiety. Soy milk offers a similar benefit for those who prefer or need a dairy-free option due to lactose intolerance while still providing protein.
The post A nutritionist reveals how she would tweak Starbucks’ holiday drinks menu appeared first MyFitnessPal Blog.
