Navigating Costa's menu for a low-calorie option can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can enjoy a delicious drink without compromising your health goals. The key is understanding which drinks are naturally low in calories and how simple customisations can make a big difference. Black coffees and teas are the foundation for the lowest-calorie choices, but milk-based drinks can also be adjusted to fit a lower-calorie diet.
The Best Low-Calorie Hot Drinks
For those who prefer a warm beverage, there are several excellent choices. The simplest options are always the best for controlling calories. The Americano, which is just espresso and hot water, is a perfect example, typically containing under 25 calories regardless of size. A double espresso or ristretto is an even more potent and minimalist option with a very low calorie count. Beyond coffee, standard teas are also excellent choices. Costa's Earl Grey or Jasmine teas contain just 1 calorie per cup, offering flavour without the excess calories.
For milk-based drinks, a bit of customisation is required. By opting for skimmed milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk, you can dramatically reduce the calorie content of popular choices like lattes and cappuccinos. For instance, a medium skimmed latte is around 109 kcal, whereas a small coconut latte is even lower at 68 kcal. Requesting your barista to hold any added syrups or toppings is also a crucial step in keeping the calories down.
Refreshing Low-Calorie Cold Drinks
When the weather calls for a cold drink, Costa has several refreshing low-calorie choices that don't rely on sugary syrups. An Iced Americano, served black over ice, is a top choice, as it is simply a cooled version of the hot equivalent. For those who prefer a creamy iced coffee, a small Iced Latte with skimmed or coconut milk can be as low as 81 calories.
Beyond coffee, Costa offers several excellent non-coffee iced options. Their Refreshers, available in flavours like Watermelon and Mint or Blood Orange and Yuzu, are a great alternative. A small Refresher contains under 30 calories, providing a flavourful, invigorating boost. Similarly, Fuze Iced Tea, available in Peach Hibiscus, is another good choice, with a small size coming in at just 34-47 calories. As with all drinks, specifying no added syrups will help maintain the lowest possible calorie count.
How to Order a Custom Low-Calorie Drink at Costa
Customising your drink is the most effective way to manage its calorie content. Start with a simple base, and then use these steps:
- Choose your milk wisely: Swapping to skimmed milk is the most direct way to cut fat and calories from your latte or cappuccino. Coconut and almond milks are also good dairy-free, lower-calorie alternatives.
- Request sugar-free syrup: If you crave sweetness, ask for a sugar-free syrup. Costa offers several options, allowing you to add flavour without the high-calorie sugar hit.
- Say no to whipped cream and toppings: Whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and other sugary additions can significantly increase a drink's calorie count. Always ask for these to be omitted.
- Opt for a smaller size: A smaller drink naturally contains fewer calories. Choosing a mini or small size over a medium or large can be an easy way to save calories.
The Low-Calorie Drinker's Comparison Table
| Drink Type | Standard Order (Semi-Skimmed, Medium) | Low-Calorie Option (Skimmed/Alternative Milk, Small) |
|---|---|---|
| Latte | 151 kcal | 63 kcal (Small Skimmed) |
| Cappuccino | 154 kcal | 62 kcal (Mini Skimmed) |
| Flat White | 98 kcal (Skimmed Milk) | 66 kcal (Mini Coconut Milk) |
| Chai Latte | 197 kcal (Small, Full Fat) | 98 kcal (Mini Coconut Milk) |
| Iced Latte | 145 kcal (250ml) | 81 kcal (Small Skimmed/Coconut) |
| Frappé | 298 kcal (Medium, Semi-Skimmed) | 87 kcal (Small Coffee, Almond Milk) |
Beyond Coffee: Healthier Non-Coffee Alternatives
Costa's menu extends beyond coffee, offering several hot and cold options that are naturally lower in calories. Their hot and iced teas, for instance, offer hydrating and flavourful refreshment with very little caloric impact. For a fruity kick, the Refreshers are a great choice.
For hot drinks, herbal teas are the safest bet, as they contain no milk or sugar and are virtually calorie-free. The Superfuzion Tea range, with flavours like Mellow Mango with Zinc, adds a nutritional bonus while remaining low-calorie.
Conclusion
Finding a low-calorie drink from Costa is achievable by prioritising black coffee and tea options, or by customising milk-based beverages. Key strategies involve swapping to skimmed or dairy-free milks, requesting sugar-free syrups, and omitting whipped cream and other high-sugar toppings. For those seeking refreshing alternatives, iced americanos, cold brew, and fruit refreshers are excellent choices. By keeping these simple principles in mind, you can continue to enjoy your Costa favourites while staying on track with your health and wellness goals. For the most accurate nutritional details, always check the official Costa website.
Key Takeaways: Concise takeaway.
Finding a low calorie drink from Costa is easy with a few simple steps.
Black coffee is lowest in calories: An Americano or espresso is your best option, often containing fewer than 25 calories.
Customise milk-based drinks: Opt for skimmed, coconut, or almond milk over semi-skimmed or whole milk to reduce calories in lattes and cappuccinos.
Avoid sugary additions: Pass on whipped cream and syrups, or ask for a sugar-free version to keep your drink low in calories.
Try iced alternatives: Iced Americanos and Refreshers are delicious, low-calorie options for staying cool.
Teas are a great option: Herbal teas and cold brews offer flavour with minimal to no calories.
Portion size matters: Ordering a smaller drink will naturally lower the overall calorie count.
Frequently Asked Questions
question: Which Costa drink has the fewest calories? answer: A regular black tea or a small espresso typically has the fewest calories, often containing just 1 to 6 calories respectively.
question: How can I reduce the calories in a Costa latte? answer: To reduce the calories in a latte, order it with skimmed or coconut milk and ask for it to be made without any added syrups.
question: Is an Americano from Costa low calorie? answer: Yes, a standard Americano from Costa is very low in calories, usually ranging from 6 to 23 kcal depending on the size.
question: Are Costa's sugar-free syrups really calorie-free? answer: Costa's sugar-free syrups are designed to add flavour without the calories of their regular, sugar-based counterparts. Always double-check the nutritional information if you are unsure.
question: What is a low-calorie iced coffee option at Costa? answer: A small iced latte made with skimmed or coconut milk is a great low-calorie option, coming in at around 81 calories. An iced Americano is also a great choice.
question: How many calories are in a Costa Refresher? answer: A small Costa Refresher is a low-calorie choice, typically containing between 24 and 29 calories depending on the flavour.
question: What milk alternative is best for a low-calorie Costa drink? answer: Skimmed milk, followed by coconut or almond milk, generally offers the lowest calorie counts when added to coffee drinks at Costa.
question: Can I get a low-calorie Frappé at Costa? answer: Yes, you can. While Frappés are generally higher in calories, you can opt for a small Coffee Frostino made with almond milk for around 87 calories.
question: Does Costa offer low-calorie hot chocolate? answer: Costa has worked to reduce the sugar in their hot chocolate powder, and a version made with semi-skimmed milk is a possibility. However, it is not as low in calories as coffee or tea options.
question: Are Costa's teas low in calories? answer: Yes, most standard Costa teas like Earl Grey and Jasmine are very low in calories, with some containing as little as 1 calorie.
question: Can I order a low-calorie version of a flavoured drink? answer: Yes, ask for your drink with a sugar-free syrup instead of the regular kind and ensure there are no other high-calorie additions like whipped cream.
question: How do I find the most accurate calorie information for a Costa drink? answer: For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information, it is best to check the official Costa Coffee website.
