I will have to admit, I visit my local Starbucks location so frequently when I’m at home that most of the morning baristas know my entire family’s typical orders by heart. In fact, as soon as my mom and I stroll in after a gym session, they’re already getting things out to make my mom’s drink. Because I am a basic human being who’s proud to say I’m obsessed with the coffee chain, it can be difficult to navigate the various menu options while wanting to make healthy choices. Here are my top picks for delicious menu items that don’t break your health plan:
Spinach, Feta, and Cage Free Egg White Wrap
When I say that I absolutely love this breakfast option, I mean it. I tried it on a whim one morning after seeing it sitting in the bakery display case, and now I’m hooked. According to the official Starbucks menu nutrition facts, this wrap packs in 20 grams of protein with 0 grams of trans fat. Although it has 5 grams of sugar, the positives outway the negatives in my book. Especially since the protein count is so high, I’m left feeling full and don’t have the urge to mindlessly snack all morning long before lunch.
Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon and Cage Free Egg White Sandwich
Now, if you’re a person who is craving an actual sandwich, this is the best one to select from the group. With 18 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat (and no trans fats), as well as only 2 grams of sugar, the egg white and turkey bacon provide a satisfying food option that tastes so good, you may forget that it’s one of the healthiest items.
Sous Vide Egg Bites: Egg White and Red Pepper
Another one of my favorites, I sometimes have these in the middle of the day as a snack. Two egg bites come in an order, and I like these out of the three kinds because of the egg whites and the red pepper. They’re flavorful and the perfect size for not worrying about over-indulging. These have 12 grams of protein and only 3 grams of sugar, and only sit at 170 calories. However, the other egg bite options (Ham, Cheddar and Peppers as well as Bacon Gruyere) are also great options. It just depends on your mood!
Teavana Shaken Teas (Unsweetened)
Personally, I like getting either an iced black tea or iced green tea. Both do a good job of giving me energy for the day while also being light enough that I don’t feel like I’ve completely blown all of my calories or sugar for the day. I started getting both without the sweetner because I like them better that way. However, if you are someone who still needs some sugar, put in your own Stevia or do what I do in my black tea: add your own syrup. I use a small amount of the mango sweetener from the brand Monin because it is vegan, but also for the benefit of controlling how much goes into my drink. Both options give you a boost of caffeine without all of the unhealthy fats, sugars, and calories. Green tea is also said to boost your metabolism!
Iced Coffee (But Without All The Extras)
There are actually a lot of health benefits to having your daily cup of joe, but it’s all of the sugary and creamy extras that we all typically add that end up turning the beverage into a health-conscious person’s worst nightmare.
Strawberry Acai Refresher
Personally, I get my order of this internet famous beverage without the lemonade in order to cut back on my sugar intake. I typically either get only a grande or a tall for this one, just because the sugar and caffeine count can be high. The Pink Drink is also very popular (and I will admit, very yummy!), but I usually order this when I’m craving something different. It shouldn’t be your daily choice, but I love filling up the cup with water after I’m done so I can use the fruit still left to have infused water: it’s like you’re getting two drinks for one price!
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee
Although I’m not the biggest coffee person, this one is another more health-conscious option on the menu. Although getting a grande gives you 205 milligrams of caffeine, its smoothness and the fact that it’s not extremely bitter means that you can drink it on its own without all of the crazy amounts of sugar.
Skinny Vanilla Latte
During the winter, I become obsessed with lattes. When it’s cold and snowy, I need something a little sweet to warm me up. This “skinny” version cuts back on the sugar and carbs, leaving you with a treat you don’t feel bad indulging on.
Overall, the key points I’ve drawn from making my way through some of the Starbucks menu is that sugar is a huge factor that makes an item bad for your health. As long as you become aware of how frequently you’re consuming such items can help you make more of a self-aware decision next time you step foot in the coffee chain. But, of course, there are times when you just have to treat yourself to that frappuccino and that cake pop because you deserve it!