There’s nothing better than a grande Starbucks Frappuccino pick-me-up on a hot day, but those frosty beverages 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.
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
Instead of the whole or 2% milk that comes in the original Frappuccinos, choose lighter options. Cut fat and calories by asking for skim or plant-based 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. Almond milk and soy, on the other hand, 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. Whether mixed into the drink or added as toppings, sugar accounts for the bulk of the calories. 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!
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