15 Deliciously Sweet Starbucks Drinks Worth Trying

15 Sweet Starbucks Drinks to Try

Ever find yourself craving a sweet treat to brighten your day? A little sugar in your coffee or tea can feel like a comforting hug. At Starbucks, you have plenty of delicious options – and luckily, not every drink is packed full of sugar. Let’s dive into 15 sweet Starbucks treats you might want to try, along with some handy tips to help you enjoy them while keeping your sugar in check.

Understanding Added Sugar

It’s perfectly okay to indulge in a sweet drink once in a while. Still, it’s important to know that many of these drinks include added sugars – which also go by names like honey, cane sugar, or brown sugar. Have you ever wondered how these sugars sneak into your drink? They’re mixed in during the cooking and manufacturing processes. Studies even show that too much added sugar might increase health risks, such as unwanted fat buildup or even cancer. Health experts including the World Health Organization suggest that no more than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugars – that’s about 50 grams if you’re on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Hot Coffee Creations

When you order a hot, sweet coffee at Starbucks, you’re typically looking at around 30–35 grams of sugar for a grande (16 oz). Here are a few favorites:

Caramel Macchiato: A classic blend of steamed milk, espresso, and vanilla syrup with a drizzle of caramel.
Dark Chocolate Mocha: Perfect if you prefer the distinct taste of cocoa and ground dark chocolate over extra sweetness.
Blonde Vanilla Latte: A creamy delight accentuated with vanilla syrup – you can even add a twist of caramel or raspberry if you’re feeling adventurous!

Cool and Refreshing Cold Coffee Drinks

Not a fan of hot drinks all the time? Starbucks offers a range of cold coffee beverages that are still sweet but often contain much less sugar. Consider these options:

Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: This refreshing option uses brown sugar syrup paired with cinnamon-spiced espresso – a little sweetness without overdoing it.
Honey Almondmilk Flat White: Enjoy a nutty, subtly sweet drink where the honey blend replaces the regular syrup.
Iced Hazelnut Bianco Latte: With a hint of hazelnut and praline-infused milk over espresso, this option brings warmth in every sip.

Other Hot and Cold Sweet Treats

Starbucks doesn’t limit its sweet sensations to coffee alone. You can also explore sweetened teas and steamy beverages:

Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte: Sweetened with cane sugar syrup for a refined twist on your morning tea.
Honey Citrus Mint Tea: A blend of steamed lemonade and tea with hints of lemongrass, pineapple, and chamomile sweetened naturally with honey.
Hot Chocolate: A delightful mix of mocha sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle – note, this is on the sweeter side.
Iced Peach Green Tea: A naturally sweet tea infused with peach juice that skips extra sugars.
Kiwi Starfruit Refresher: A vibrant, fruit-based option that comes with a touch of extra sugar for an extra punch of flavor.
Iced Matcha Tea Latte: Simple and refreshing with matcha, milk, and sugar well blended together.

Low-Calorie Sweet Options

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want something sweet, these drinks pack flavor with less sugar:

Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew: This drink offers a subtle sweetness with minimal sugar – a great pick if you prefer less bitterness.
Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade: A fruity, zesty option that mixes lemonade with a blend of hibiscus and lemongrass flavors.
Iced Shaken Espresso: Traditionally sweetened with a few pumps of simple syrup – ask for fewer pumps if you want to cut down on sugar.

Tips for Healthier Sweet Choices at Starbucks

There’s no harm in enjoying a sweet Starbucks drink every once in a while, as long as you’re mindful of your sugar consumption. Here are some practical tips:

Ask your barista for 1–2 fewer pumps of syrup in your drink.
Consider switching to a sugar-free or stevia-based syrup instead of the classic version.
Skip the whipped cream to lower the sugar and calorie count.
Try ordering a smaller size – a tall or short drink might hit the spot without overloading on sugar.

Remember, Starbucks has something for every sweet tooth – whether you’re in the mood for a hot comfort drink or a refreshing iced beverage. The next time you visit, why not ask your barista to adjust your drink to reduce the sugar? You might find you enjoy a lighter version just as much. Have you ever experimented with customizing your drink to make it a bit healthier?