Best Low-Calorie Options at Caribou Coffee

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Caribou Coffee's own recent announcement, several new sugar-free energy drinks contain fewer than 30 calories, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing lighter choices for customers. This guide will detail some of the best low-calorie options at Caribou, from hot and iced coffee to lighter food choices, to help you navigate the menu without sacrificing flavor.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of tasty beverages and food items from Caribou's menu that are lower in calories. It highlights how to customize your order to reduce calories and identifies flavorful, lighter drinks and snacks.

Key Points

Northern Lite Lattes: These come in sugar-free vanilla and caramel flavors and are a creamy, low-calorie choice, with a medium having just 70 calories.
Basic Brews: Simple black coffee, iced coffee, and Americanos are the lowest-calorie options available, with the large Americano having just 5 calories.
Smart Customizations: Opting for skim or almond milk, sugar-free syrups, and skipping whipped cream are simple ways to reduce calories on almost any drink.
Healthy Snacks: For a low-cal bite, consider the Mushroom, Spinach & Swiss Soufflé or the Turkey Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Mini breakfast sandwich.
Best Blended: The Northern Lite Coolers offer a blended drink experience with fewer calories than the regular versions, like the small Northern Lite Caramel Cooler at 130 calories.
New Energy Drinks: Caribou recently introduced new Sugar-Free Energy drinks, such as Salted Watermelon and Passionfruit Yuzu, which contain fewer than 30 calories.

Navigating the Menu for Lower-Calorie Drinks

Many of Caribou Coffee's most popular drinks can be enjoyed with a lower calorie count by making simple modifications. For example, opting for skim or almond milk and choosing sugar-free syrups can significantly reduce the caloric impact of a latte without sacrificing the signature taste. Iced beverages also tend to have fewer calories than their hot counterparts because less liquid is used to accommodate the ice. The secret to enjoying a lighter drink is knowing what to ask for and where to look on the menu.

Flavorful Coffee and Espresso-Based Drinks

Northern Lite Latte (70-95 calories for a medium): This is a standout option, available in sugar-free vanilla or caramel. A medium, for instance, has just 70 calories. You can also add half the normal amount of a flavor like pumpkin to keep the calorie count around 95.
Iced Coffee (20 calories for a medium): This simple classic is one of the lowest-calorie ways to get your caffeine fix. Add a splash of skim milk and a sugar-free syrup if you want to add flavor without excess calories.
Americano (5 calories for a large): A robust, espresso-based drink made with hot water, this is an excellent zero or near-zero calorie choice.
Matcha Vanilla Tea Latte (customized for lower calories): While the standard drink isn't always low-cal, you can make it healthier. Order with almond or oat milk and ask for sugar-free vanilla to significantly lower the sugar and calorie count.
Iced Honey Oatmilk Crafted Press (100 calories): This beverage strikes a great balance, offering a unique flavor profile with a reasonable calorie count for a blended drink.

Refreshing Low-Calorie Drinks

For a boost of energy or a cool refreshment without the heaviness, Caribou offers a few excellent choices that don't rely on coffee.

Sugar-Free Energy Drinks (<30 calories): Caribou introduced new sugar-free sparkling energy drinks in flavors like Salted Watermelon and Passionfruit Yuzu in 2025, providing a vibrant, low-calorie lift.
Rooibos Iced Tea (0 calories): This herbal tea is naturally calorie-free and a great choice for a refreshing sip.
Original Lemonade (customized): While the standard lemonade can be high in sugar, you can ask for it with sugar-free syrup or simply get the kids' peach fruit shaker version, which is only 80 calories.
Small Northern Lite Caramel Cooler (130 calories): The Northern Lite coolers use real caramel and have about 40% fewer calories than their regular counterparts, making them a more indulgent but mindful choice.

Healthy Food Options

Finding a lower-calorie snack or meal at a coffee shop can be tricky, but Caribou has some options that fit the bill.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal (280 calories): This warm, seasonal-flavored oatmeal is a filling and comforting option for breakfast or a snack.
Mixed Berry Parfait (190 calories): A nutritious and delicious snack packed with fruit and protein.
Mushroom, Spinach & Swiss Soufflé (270 calories): One of the lightest and most savory breakfast options, this soufflé is packed with flavor.
Turkey Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Mini (280 calories): For those craving a classic breakfast sandwich, this mini version offers a satisfying portion size with fewer calories.

Comparison of Low-Calorie Drinks


Drink Name	Calories (Approx.)	Type	Notes
Americano (Large)	5	Espresso	Minimalist, zero-sugar option.
Sugar-Free Energy Drink	<30	Refreshment	Sparkling, fruity, and sugar-free.
Iced Coffee	20	Coffee	Customize with sugar-free syrup and skim milk.
Rooibos Iced Tea	0	Tea	Naturally calorie-free herbal tea.
Northern Lite Latte (Medium)	70	Espresso	Creamy latte with sugar-free flavoring.
Iced Honey Oatmilk Crafted Press	100	Blended	A moderately low-calorie blended drink.

Tips for Customizing Your Order

To make any Caribou order more diet-friendly, remember these simple tips:

Opt for skim, almond, or oat milk: These have fewer calories than whole milk or half-and-half.
Request sugar-free syrups: Caribou has a variety of sugar-free options to add flavor without the sugar.
Skip the whip: Whipped cream is a high-calorie topping that can easily be omitted.
Order iced versions: When it comes to lattes, iced versions use less milk than hot ones, lowering the calorie count.
Go for a smaller size: A small or medium will always have fewer calories than a large or extra-large.
Limit blended drinks: Blended beverages often pack the highest calorie counts due to extra ingredients like ice cream mix and syrups. The Northern Lite options are a good compromise.

Conclusion

Enjoying a satisfying and delicious treat at Caribou Coffee doesn't have to sabotage your dietary goals. By making informed decisions, customizing your order with simple modifications like sugar-free syrups or alternative milks, and exploring the dedicated Northern Lite and healthier snack menus, you can find a wide range of options to fit your needs. Whether you're seeking a simple, low-cal coffee or a flavorful, guilt-free blended drink, these suggestions will help you stay on track while enjoying your favorite coffee shop. For the most current nutritional information, it's always best to check with Caribou Coffee's official resources directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest-calorie drink is plain black coffee or a large iced Americano, which both contain very few calories (near zero to five calories).

Yes, you can order a Northern Lite Latte with sugar-free caramel or vanilla syrup, which keeps the calorie count low while adding flavor. A medium is approximately 70 calories.

For the lowest calorie option, ask for skim milk. Almond or oat milk are also good choices that significantly reduce calories compared to whole milk.

Yes, Caribou Coffee offers sugar-free syrups, most notably vanilla and caramel, which are used in their Northern Lite lattes.

Not necessarily. The Northern Lite Coolers are a lower-calorie alternative to the standard blended drinks, with a small Northern Lite Caramel Cooler containing 130 calories.

Yes, Caribou offers lower-calorie food options like the Mushroom, Spinach & Swiss Soufflé (270 calories) and the Turkey Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Mini (280 calories).

Start with a plain iced coffee, which has only 20 calories. Add a splash of skim milk and sugar-free syrup instead of cream and standard flavored syrups to keep the calorie count minimal.