The Starbucks Holiday Menu is back, bringing festive cheer to your coffee routine! This year’s lineup features cozy winter flavors like peppermint, caramel brulée, and sugar cookie—mixed with classic Starbucks offerings for plenty of seasonal sipping options next time you hit the drive-thru.
MyFitnessPal asked Joanna Gregg, a registered dietitian with MyFitnessPal, for her tips on modifying the menu to help keep you on track with your health and wellness goals while enjoying the many great options Starbucks has to offer.
It’s important to remember that enjoying your favorite holiday drink in its original form is perfectly fine, especially for occasional treats. These modifications are simply options for those who want to enjoy these seasonal flavors more frequently while staying aligned with their nutrition goals. There’s no need to modify every single drink—balance is what matters most.
Tips To Modify Starbucks’ Holiday Menu Drinks
These seasonal drinks are only available for a limited time, so enjoy them! But if you’re drinking them more often than not, 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
For a tall size, you’re drinking 350 calories, 13 g fat, and 42 g sugar.
“Order a Tall, with non-fat or soy milk to reduce calories and fat but retain 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 Brulée Latte
For a tall size, you’re drinking 310 calories, 11 g fat, and 36 g sugar.
Gregg’s tip? “Order a Tall, with non-fat or soy milk to reduce calories and fat but retain protein and 1 pump of caramel brulée sauce versus 3. You can also ask for light whipped cream and caramel brulée topping to reduce the sugar but still enjoy the flavors of this beverage!”
Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
For a grande size, you’re drinking 210 calories, 4 g fat, and 31 g 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 up,” says Gregg. “Order a Grande with non-fat or soy milk to reduce calories and fat but retain protein, 2 pumps sugar cookie syrup and keep the sprinkles for a little something 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 choosing non-fat or soy milk, reducing syrup pumps, or asking for light toppings can help you savor the season’s special 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
Should I modify my holiday drinks every time I order?
Not at all. Enjoying your favorite seasonal drink in its full-flavor, original form is perfectly fine, especially if you’re having it occasionally. These modifications are simply options for those who want to enjoy holiday drinks more frequently while staying aligned with their nutrition 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 cut sugar content significantly while still giving you that festive flavor you’re craving.
Is non-fat milk or soy milk a better choice for modifications?
Both are good options depending on your goals. Non-fat milk reduces calories and fat while keeping the 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’d Modify Starbucks’ Holiday Menu Drinks appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.
