One of the best Starbucks summer drinks under 200 calories is the Iced Shaken Espresso with almond milk or nonfat milk. It's naturally lower in calories—about 100 to 120 depending on what milk you choose—and provides a great shot of caffeine without the heavy syrups. To make this even healthier, I recommend using fewer pumps of syrup or even sugar-free vanilla if you do still want that sweet flavor. Another great option is the Iced Passion Tango Tea, which technically has zero calories if you get it unsweetened. It's refreshing, caffeine-free, and a wonderful option for a sweltering summer day. For a touch of sweetness, I suggest topping it with a dash of lemonade or simply a pump or two of classic syrup in lieu of the standard amount, keeping the drink under 100 calories without skimping on flavor. For those who like a creamy version, the Cold Brew with a sprinkle of oat milk or nonfat milk is a satisfying choice that typically is under 50 calories. It's already smooth, and less bitter than straight iced coffee. If you want a sweeter version, I suggest ordering only one pump of sweet cream cold foam on top instead of the full version—this adds a touch of richness without going over the 200-calorie limit.
I often recommend my clients choose options that are great for balanced blood sugars and health, not just focus on the calories. The best option is a cow's milk or soy milk latte with 1-2 pumps of any sweetener you'd like. Cow's milk and soy milk, unlike the other milk alternative options, contain protein that can help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Having protein along with the carbohydrates (like the sugars) actually lessens the impact it has on your blood sugars, which matters no matter who you are. Drinks that are 200 calories of sugar, like refreshers or shaken espressos, can contain up to 50g of sugar, which is above the daily recommended amount of sugar. Making your own drink at home is super easy and you can use high protein milk options, like Fairlife Milk, so you're getting more nutrition in while still enjoying your drink. You can even add a tablespoon of honey to an 8oz glass of milk and espresso & still be under 200 calories.
As someone with a ton of food allergies—including dairy—my go-to summer drink at Starbucks is the Iced Oat Latte. It's creamy, refreshing, and totally satisfying on a hot day. A tall (12 oz) version clocks in around 150 calories, thanks to the naturally sweet oatmilk and no added syrups. I personally like to add 1-2 packets of Stevia, but if you're a fan of regular sugar, you can still keep the drink under 200 calories with a teaspoon or so. I love recommending this drink because it's a nice balance of flavor, energy, and refreshment—especially if you're looking for a dairy-free or vegan option that doesn't feel like a compromise. You can also try it with a blonde espresso roast for a smoother, less bitter flavor that might not need any sweetener at all. -Beth Conlon, PhD, RDN, Pediatric and Family Nutrition Expert, adjunct professor and owner of From the Start Nutrition, LLC (www.fromthestartnutrition.com)
I suggest the Iced Green Tea (Grande, 0 calories). It is refreshing and full of healthy stuff that boosts your body. Get it without sugar and add a bit of coconut milk for sweetness. The Summer Berry Refreshers Beverage (Grande, about 90 calories) is fruity and light. Ask for less lemonade to cut sugar. The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (Grande, 120 calories) tastes rich and uses plant based milk. Ask for two pumps of syrup to lower sugar. These drinks keep you hydrated and energized without extra calories. Use nonfat milk or less syrup to make them healthier. Regards, Rimas Geiga
While I'm not a dietitian, as the owner of Vampire Penguin Marietta, I've become obsessed with creating desserts that balance indulgence and health-consciousness - our shaved snow treats range from 140-370 calories while still delivering maximum flavor satisfaction. For Starbucks summer drinks under 200 calories, I'd recommend a Grande Iced Coffee with sugar-free vanilla and a splash of almond milk (~30 calories). The refreshing flavor profile mimics our popular Polar Affogato (260 cal) but with significant calorie savings while still providing that caffeine boost. Another great option is their Iced Green Tea Lemonade with half the sweetener (~100 calories). The bright citrus profile reminds me of our Orange Dream shaved snow but at about 1/3 the calories, plus green tea provides antioxidants and a gentle energy lift. To make any Starbucks drink healthier, apply the philosophy we use with our shaved snow: focus on natural flavors rather than exvessive sweeteners. Ask for just one pump of syrup instead of the standard amount and consider cinnamon as a zero-calorie flavor improver - a trick we use in our dessert shop to add dimension without calories.
Ah, Starbucks in the summer can be a real treat without wrecking your calorie count. One of my go-tos is the Iced Coffee with just milk. If you keep it simple, no added sugar, it's around 20-30 calories which is amazing. The coffee itself is a great energy booster, and just a splash of milk smooths out the bitterness without piling on the calories. Another good choice is the Iced Passion Tango Tea. It’s naturally caffeine-free, so you won’t get that jittery feeling, and it's pretty refreshing on a hot day. It has zero calories on its own, but if you like it a bit sweet, asking for just a pump or two of their sugar-free syrup keeps it low-cal while adding some flavor. Remember, just enjoying what you drink is key, so these tweaks shouldn't take away from that — they’re just there to keep things on the healthier side while you cool off!
Working with weight management clients, I often recommend the Cold Brew with Cold Foam (35 calories), which gives you that creamy coffee experience without excess calories. Last week, I discovered asking for sugar-free vanilla syrup and light cold foam makes it even lighter while maintaining the rich taste. For extra protein without many calories, you can request nonfat milk in your cold foam instead of regular milk.
I've spent years helping patients find healthier alternatives, and the Starbucks Passion Tango Iced Tea (0 calories unsweetened) is a fantastic summer option I personally enjoy. For added flavor without many calories, I ask for a splash of lemonade and fresh strawberry pieces, which brings it to around 35-40 calories total. When patients ask for something sweeter, I suggest adding 1-2 stevia packets rather than liquid cane sugar.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety, perfectionism, and building healthier relationships with ourselves. While I'm not a dietitian, I've worked with many high-achieving clients who struggle with balancing busy schedules and self-care, including nutrition choices. From a mental health perspective, I recommend the Iced Passion Tango Tea (0 calories unsweetened, around 60 with light sweetener) which provides hydration without caffeine anxiety. The Cold Brew with Cold Foam (~70 calories) gives energy without the sugar crash that affects mood stability. For those watching both calories and mental wellbeing, try a Caffè Misto with almond milk (~80 calories) which provides protein and sustained energy. If you need something more substantial, a Tall Cappuccino with non-fat milk (~80 calories) offers protein and calcium while feeling indulgent. When clients feel deprived, they often overcompensate later. I encourage mindful enjoyment of these moderate options rather than extreme restriction. Consider what your body truly needs - sometimes the 120-calorie drink that satisfies you is healthier than the 60-calorie one that leaves you craving more.
"As a Registered Dietitian, for Starbucks summer drinks under 200 calories, I'd recommend: Iced Coffee (unsweetened): Around 5 calories. It's a classic for a reason—refreshing and customizable. Make it healthier by adding a splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) instead of cream and using a sugar-free sweetener or enjoying it black. Teavana Shaken Iced Tea (unsweetened): Typically 0 calories. Options like Black, Green, or Passion Tango offer flavor without sugar. Healthier tip: Skip any added liquid cane sugar; ask for it unsweetened. Cold Brew Coffee: Around 5 calories. Smoother and less acidic than iced coffee. Healthier tip: Similar to iced coffee, add a splash of milk and avoid sugary syrups. Strawberry Acai Starbucks Refreshers(r) Beverage (Tall): Around 80 calories. Fruity and light. Healthier tip: Ask for it with less or no liquid cane sugar if possible, or enjoy as is for a treat. Prioritize unsweetened options and control added sugars/fats for the healthiest choices.