The holiday season is here, and with it comes the festive drinks that make Starbucks a must-stop during errand runs, school drop-offs, or a rare solo moment of quiet when you want to #treatyoself. If you’re trying to stay mindful of your wellness goals while still enjoying the seasonal magic, you might wonder how to sip smartly.
Good news: you can have your holiday cheer and still be aligned with your wellness goals and not feel sluggish from an overload of sugar. Here are the top five Starbucks holiday drinks that let you indulge without overdoing it.
1. Peppermint Mocha (Skinny, Tall) – 160 Calories
The Peppermint Mocha is a holiday classic, but the standard version can pack a calorie punch. Ordering it "skinny" swaps whole milk for nonfat milk and uses sugar-free peppermint syrup, giving you all the minty chocolate flavor you love without the extra calories.
Pro Tip: Want a little whipped cream? Ask for a light dollop—it won’t add much but gives that festive feel.
2. Chestnut Praline Latte (Nonfat, Tall) – 180 Calories
Nutty, toasty, and perfectly cozy, the Chestnut Praline Latte is a favorite for good reason. To keep it under 200 calories, opt for nonfat milk and skip the whipped cream. You’ll still get that praline crunch topping for a little holiday flair.
Pro Tip: Reduce the sweetness by asking for fewer pumps of syrup—half the syrup can be just as delicious.
3. Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte (Tall) – 150 Calories
This new holiday drink has quickly become a favorite! Made with almond milk and featuring subtle sugar cookie flavors, this iced latte is dairy-free and stays comfortably under 200 calories.
Pro Tip:Â Prefer it hot? The calorie count remains the same when you order the hot version, so go with whichever matches your mood.
4. Holiday Spice Flat White (Almond Milk, Short) – 120 Calories
The Holiday Spice Flat White is the understated hero of the Starbucks holiday lineup. With a creamy texture and subtle spices, this drink is satisfying yet light. Opt for almond milk for the best calorie count.
Pro Tip: The "short" size isn’t always on the menu, but it’s perfect when you want just enough of something delicious without overindulging.
5. Hot Chocolate (Nonfat Milk, Tall) – 190 Calories
Yes, even hot chocolate can fit into your holiday sipping! Ordering it with nonfat milk and skipping the whipped cream keeps this cozy drink under 200 calories. It’s the perfect treat for chilly afternoons or sharing a sweet moment with your little ones.
Pro Tip:Â Want to add a holiday twist? Ask for a pump of sugar-free peppermint syrup to turn it into a festive peppermint hot chocolate.
How to Customize Your Drink to Stay on Track
Starbucks drinks can quickly go from a treat to a calorie overload, but with a few easy swaps, you can enjoy your favorites guilt-free.
Choose smaller sizes:Â Tall or short sizes are perfectly satisfying without overdoing it.
Opt for lower-calorie milk:Â Almond, oat, and nonfat milk are great options to cut calories.
Skip the extras:Â Whipped cream and caramel drizzle add calories fast. If you really want them, ask for a light version.
Adjust the syrup:Â Most drinks have 3-4 pumps of flavored syrup which Is usually just too sweet or syrupy anyway, by asking for 1-2 pumps you'll still get the flavor but I bet you won't even notice it's less sweet.
If you're running around and need some extra energy with the kiddos in the car, you don’t have to skip the Starbucks holiday menu to stay mindful of your wellness goals. With these low-calorie options and a few customizations, you can savor the season while staying on track. So, grab your festive cup, enjoy the magic of the moment, and keep crushing your goals.
Which holiday drink is your favorite? Share with me, and let’s keep the holiday cheer flowing! 🎄☕
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