Does Starbucks Have Unsweetened? Your Guide to Sugar-Free Options

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Starbucks made its standard iced teas unsweetened by default since 2021. This change helps customers choose drinks with less or no sugar.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers many naturally unsweetened drinks, such as brewed coffees, some iced teas, and espresso-based beverages. Customers can also ask for modifications like no syrups, sugar-free syrups, or zero-calorie sweeteners for a personalized drink.

Key Points

Iced Teas are Unsweetened: Standard iced teas are now unsweetened at Starbucks.
Start with Brewed Coffee or Cold Brew: Brewed hot coffee, unsweetened iced coffee, cold brew, and Nitro Cold Brew contain no added sugar.
Customize with Sugar-Free Syrups: Use sugar-free vanilla or cinnamon dulce syrup to add flavor without sugar.
Specify 'No Classic Syrup': Ask your barista to leave out the classic syrup.
Use Condiment Bar Sweeteners: Add Splenda or Stevia from the condiment bar.
Ask About Unsweetened Matcha: Ask if your store has the newer unsweetened matcha powder.
Opt for Plain Espresso Drinks: Simple drinks like a Caffè Americano or a plain latte are unsweetened.

Navigating the Starbucks Menu for Unsweetened Beverages

Finding an unsweetened drink at Starbucks is easier due to recent menu changes and customizable options. Many signature drinks have a lot of sugar, but many choices exist for those limiting sugar.

Naturally Unsweetened and Low-Sugar Starbucks Drinks

Some menu items are unsweetened, making them perfect for sugar-free orders.

Brewed Coffee: Hot or iced, contains no added sugar.
Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew: Prepared and served unsweetened, providing coffee flavor without sugary syrups.
Iced Teas: Since 2021, Starbucks' black, green, and Passion Tango iced teas are unsweetened by default.
Teavana Hot Teas: Teavana hot teas, such as Mint Majesty and Earl Grey, are served as teabags with hot water, making them unsweetened.
Caffè Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water creates this sugar-free option.
Espresso Shots: A plain shot of espresso is unsweetened and can be used for low-sugar creations.

Customizing Any Drink to Be Unsweetened

You can customize drinks that don't come unsweetened. Communicate preferences to the barista. For most drinks, specify "no classic syrup."

Here’s how to order some popular unsweetened drinks:

Lattes and Cappuccinos: Order without any flavored syrup. Made with espresso and milk (or a non-dairy alternative). Non-dairy milk can reduce natural milk sugars.
Iced Coffee: Say "unsweetened" or "no classic syrup," as the default includes sweetened syrup.
Iced Shaken Espresso: Specify "no classic syrup" and request a sugar-free alternative like sugar-free vanilla or a no-calorie sweetener.
Matcha Drinks: Starbucks recently introduced a new unsweetened matcha powder in some locations. Ask the barista to be sure. Request "unsweetened matcha with no classic syrup" or choose sugar-free options, such as the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha.

Comparison Table: Unsweetened vs. Standard Drinks


Drink Type	Unsweetened Version	Standard Preparation	Notes
Iced Coffee	Order "unsweetened iced coffee" or "no Classic syrup."	Prepared with Classic syrup unless specified otherwise.	Easy to customize. Use sugar-free syrup.
Iced Tea (Black, Green, Passion Tango)	Made unsweetened by default.	Served unsweetened.	Add sweetness by asking for liquid cane sugar pumps.
Caffè Latte	Order a standard `Caffè Latte`.	Uses milk and espresso; no added syrup.	Add sugar-free vanilla or cinnamon dulce syrup for flavor.
Espresso-Based Flavored Lattes (e.g., Vanilla Latte)	Order with "sugar-free vanilla syrup" instead of regular vanilla.	Made with standard flavored syrups, which are full of sugar.	Only sugar-free syrups are vanilla and cinnamon dulce.
Cold Brew	Served unsweetened by default.	Served unsweetened.	Add milk or cream as desired.

Utilizing Sugar-Free Syrups and Sweeteners

The key to an unsweetened beverage is using sugar-free syrups and no-calorie sweeteners. Starbucks has zero-sugar options:

Sugar-Free Syrups: Vanilla and cinnamon dulce are standard. Ask to substitute regular syrup with these.
Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: Splenda and Stevia packets are available to sweeten your drink.
Sugar-Free Cold Foam: Some locations offer sugar-free protein cold foam for cold beverages. Always check availability.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Starbucks Unsweetened

Starbucks provides options for unsweetened beverages. By choosing naturally unsweetened items, like brewed coffee and iced teas, or customizing drinks, you can control your sugar intake without changing your routine. Communicate with your barista to ensure your drink is made as you want it. This flexibility allows customers to enjoy their Starbucks experience, regardless of dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unsweetened Starbucks Drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Starbucks offers sugar-free vanilla and sugar-free cinnamon dulce syrups. Always confirm with your barista what options are available.

No, Starbucks Refreshers are made with a pre-sweetened base and cannot be ordered unsweetened. Try unsweetened iced Passion Tango Tea with a sugar-free sweetener instead.

The simplest options are plain brewed hot coffee, unsweetened iced coffee, and cold brew. For an espresso-based drink, a Caffè Americano is a sugar-free choice.

Yes. Order a base unsweetened iced tea and ask for a pump or two of a sugar-free syrup, such as sugar-free vanilla. You can also add Stevia or Splenda.

Starbucks' Protein Cold Foam is available in a variety of flavors, including a plain, no added sugar option. Always check with your barista to ensure you get the unsweetened version.

Order a Caffè Latte and ask to substitute the regular vanilla syrup with the sugar-free vanilla syrup. Use non-dairy milk to reduce sugar.

Yes, all Starbucks Teavana hot teas are brewed fresh from teabags and are unsweetened. Sweeteners are available to add as you please.