How to Make a Healthy Coffee Order

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Deep down, you know that it’s time to say goodbye to those daily Frappuccino orders and boy does that make me miss my metabolism back in the day. It doesn’t mean however that you have to give up your caffeine fix. Making healthier choices can start in the coffee shop line when you know what to order.

I’m not necessarily a coffee addict but I do have at least one cup of coffee a day. It’s how I start my day and just a feel good moment when I can sip on a hot drink while waking myself up in the morning. I personally have always for the most part made my own coffee at home since its healthier and well a lot cheaper, but I know when I’m on the go I will almost always stop at a coffee shop for a little caffeine pick-me-up.

Just switching your usual Starbucks pick from regular to skinny alone can slash calories in half. Try one of these little tips on how to make a healthy coffee order next time you head to your favorite shop so you can avoid those sneaky sugar traps.

Go As Plain As Possible

Of course, the easiest way to make a healthy coffee order is to order black coffee, which comes in at about 5 calories for 12 ounces. However, black coffee is an acquired taste. I have not acquired this taste. So in that case…

Choose Milk Wisely

Many coffee shops (including Starbucks) will automatically use 2% milk for your drinks, even whole milk sometimes. Speak up and ask for a splash of nonfat milk instead to save about 50 calories. It may seem like a small amount, but if you drink a few cups of coffee a day, it adds up.

Another trick? Ask for steamed soy or almond milk on top of your hot coffee (or add soy/almond milk to your iced coffee). A tall iced coffee with nonfat milk is 20 calories, and a tall iced coffee with soy milk is only 25 calories (both unsweetened). This basically transforms your iced coffee into a cheaper, lower calorie iced vanilla latte, and with the flavored milk, you don’t need the extra sweeteners you might normally add.

Ask for the “Skinny” Version

When in doubt, just ask your friendly barista if there’s a way to make your favorite drink lower in calories. With a few of the simple tweaks mentioned above, almost any drink can be made slightly healthier- your barista should know what to do.

Get the smallest size.

If you aren’t willing to make a flavor sacrifice, try sticking to a small portion size (aka, order the small). All good things in moderation, ya know? 

Skip the Syrup.

Unfortunately, every time you add syrup to a coffee beverage, you’re adding a whole lot of calories. Sure it tastes good, but at what cost to your waistline? If you must go with syrup, order the sugar-free version if it’s available. Or better yet, skip it altogether and simply sprinkle a little cinnamon, vanilla or chocolate powder or nutmeg for added flavor. 

…and the Whipped Cream.

I think whipped cream should simply be left on dessert and not even come close to a cup of coffee. Why would you want to waste an extra 80 calories or so on a beverage when you could have three Hershey Kisses instead for only 66 calories? I don’t know about you but, I’d choose the chocolate any day.