There's nothing better than a grande Starbucks Frappuccino pick-me-up on a hot day, but those iced coffees come with an unhealthy amount of sugar and fat. Luckily, you can make your favorite Frappuccino drinks better for your health - and your waistline - by making a few modifications.
What's In a Frappuccino, Anyway?
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At a glance, your baseline tall Coffee Frappuccino is an excellent choice. At 160 calories, it's not that bad, considering it's 12 generous ounces of ice-blended deliciousness. The standard Coffee Frappuccino contains ice, whole milk, syrup, sweetener, and Frappuccino roast coffee. Strong coffee is best!
While the Coffee Frappuccino is not the worst drink you could order from Starbucks health-wise, it could definitely be better. This beverage contains syrup and sweetener, which accounts for 31 grams of sugar. In addition, whole milk adds unnecessary fat and doesn't work for anyone who's lactose intolerant or vegan.
Creating a Healthier Frappuccino
First and foremost, it must be said that a tall Coffee Frappuccino (160 calories) is your best Frappuccino choice. For example, you could order a tall Java Chip Frappuccino (320 calories) or a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino (430 calories). But with more calories, saturated fat, and a high sugar content, it's hard to enjoy these drinks without guilt.
By now, you're probably aware that Starbucks lets you modify your drink however you want. You can use this to your advantage by making a Frappuccino that gives you a caffeine kick, satisfies your sweet tooth, and meets your health requirements.
Follow the "Light"
Ask for the "light" version of your favorite Frappuccinos. These options come with 33 fewer calories than the standard Frappuccino drink. Best of all, this option extends to all your other original Starbucks drinks, too!
You can even ask a Starbucks barista to blend your favorite drink into your own kind of Frappuccino. Simply order an iced version of your coffee drink and ask them to blend it to a Frappuccino-like consistency. Same ingredients, but now you have your personalized Frappuccino!
Skip the Toppings
Toppings are the "bling" to your Frappuccino. The extras add pizazz, but your Frappuccino will still be scrumptious without them. Additions like caramel drizzle, cookie crumbs, and whipped cream add sugar and calories to your drink. Instead, ask to go without.
The whipped cream at Starbucks tastes superior to others for a reason. Not only is it made fresh, but there's added vanilla syrup flavoring mixed in. So, their whipped cream comes with extra calories!
Choose Another Milk Option
Choose lighter options instead of the whole or 2% milk that comes in the original Frappuccinos. Cut fat and calories by asking for skim or plant-based coconut milk or almond milk. Vegan-friendly almond, oat, or soy milk are delicious replacements for any of the usual Starbucks drinks - Frappuccinos included.
Oat milk makes for an easy substitute in coffee drinks because of its creamy texture. Oat milk is also rich in protein and fiber and is perfect for people allergic to soy or dairy. On the other hand, almond milk and soy are great for people seeking something low in carbohydrates.
Opt for a Sugar-Free Frappuccino
When it comes to Starbucks Frappuccinos, the main health-buster is sugar. Sugar accounts for the bulk of the calories, whether mixed into the drink or added as toppings. According to Harvard Health, a diet high in sugar can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Want to reduce the sugar in your drink? Inquire with the barista about finding a sugar-free option for your Frappuccino. Starbucks carries sugar-free syrups like vanilla and caramel. These flavorings can serve as replacements for the sugar-laden Frappuccino syrups.
Go Ahead! Order Your Starbucks Frappuccino
Sometimes, it's the little things in life that brighten your day. If a Starbucks Frappuccino makes you happy, go ahead and enjoy it guilt-free. With a few tweaks, you can have your Frappuccino and drink it, too!
Making a Homemade Frappucino
I don't typically spend a lot of money at Starbucks on cold brew coffee, so when I want a frappuccino, I make this healthy copycat version. Making a healthier frappuccino at home is not that hard.
All you need is a few simple ingredients; ice, strong coffee like espresso, milk of choice (almond, soy, coconut, oat, or other plant-based milk), sweetener of choice (sugar, honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, or stevia), and of course toppings!
I always use Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. It's low in calories and has a delicious vanilla flavor, making it taste sweet. Regular unsweetened almond milk is also delicious.
Yes, you can also use instant coffee, but the result will not be as rich. I love using strong coffee in these for the best taste.
The toppings can really add sugar and calories, so go easy on those. Try a lighter whipped cream or make your own coconut cream. You also add flavors and sweeteners made with stevia that are lower in calories. I love the Trader Joe's liquid sweetener made from stevia. A little goes a long way!
If chocolate syrup or caramel syrup is a must, just don't overdo it. A sprinkle of cocoa powder makes it look pretty and doesn't add many calories.
Make some coffee ice cubes if you want to make it extra fun. You can use any ice cube tray and just pour in some leftover coffee. Let it freeze, and add these to your frappuccino. No watered-down taste to these sweet treats!
If you want to drink this delicious drink to be a hearty breakfast, you can easily add some vanilla or chocolate protein powder. You'll have to blend it in the blender to get the protein powder mixed in, but it's still delicious and keeps you full longer.
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