What is the 100 calorie drink at Starbucks? A Guide to Low-Calorie Options

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition information, several menu items at Starbucks can be ordered for right around 100 calories, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite coffee shop beverages. The quest for a delicious, low-calorie drink is common, and knowing what is the 100 calorie drink at Starbucks can be a game-changer for those watching their intake.

Quick Summary

Several Starbucks drinks can be ordered for 100 calories or less, with options ranging from espresso-based classics to fruity refreshers. Smart customizations like milk alternatives and sugar-free syrups are key to managing the calorie count of many popular beverages. This guide explores the best low-calorie choices available on the menu.

Key Points

Skinny Vanilla Latte: A tall size made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup contains just 100 calories.
Dragon Drink: The tall size of this tropical refresher, which includes coconut milk, is 100 calories.
Iced Shaken Espresso: A grande size with 2% milk and 4 pumps of classic syrup is exactly 100 calories.
Custimization is Key: Reduce calories by using sugar-free syrups, almond or nonfat milk, and skipping the whipped cream.
Refresher Options: Mango Dragonfruit and Strawberry Açaí Refreshers can be ordered under 100 calories in a grande size.
Classic Low-Cal: Plain brewed coffee, Caffè Americanos, and unsweetened teas are the lowest-calorie bases available.

Your Guide to 100-Calorie Starbucks Drinks

For many health-conscious coffee lovers, a trip to Starbucks can feel like a minefield of sugary, high-calorie options. However, with the right knowledge, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying beverage that fits your dietary goals. The truth is, there isn't just one 100-calorie drink at Starbucks; there are several, and many more can be customized to fit your needs. By making simple substitutions like opting for almond milk or sugar-free syrups, you can significantly reduce the calorie count of many fan favorites.

Classic Coffee Drinks Under 100 Calories

For those who love the classic coffee experience, several options naturally fall into the low-calorie category. Many of these rely on the inherent low-calorie nature of espresso and coffee, with milk and flavorings added mindfully.

Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte: This classic is a solid contender at exactly 100 calories for a tall size. It is made with espresso, nonfat milk, and sugar-free vanilla syrup, offering a creamy, sweet coffee fix without the excess calories.
Tall Nonfat Latte: A standard tall latte with nonfat milk, without any added syrups, clocks in at just 100 calories, proving that sometimes, simplicity is best.
Grande Iced Shaken Espresso: Ordered with its standard recipe of 2% milk and 4 pumps of classic syrup, this grande-sized drink is right at 100 calories, offering a refreshing and energized experience.
Tall Iced Honey Almond Milk Flat White: Made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast, this honey-sweetened flat white is another excellent choice at precisely 100 calories.

Refreshers and Teas That Fit the Bill

If you prefer a non-coffee beverage, Starbucks offers a variety of teas and refreshers that are naturally low in calories and can be enjoyed for well under 100 calories.

Tall Dragon Drink: The Tall-sized version of this tropical favorite, which is the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher shaken with coconut milk, is 100 calories.
Grande Mango Dragonfruit Refresher: If you prefer it without the coconut milk, a grande size of this refresher is only 90 calories.
Iced Passion Tango Tea (Unsweetened): For a completely zero-calorie option, this flavorful tea is a great base. You can add a calorie-free sweetener or just enjoy it as is for a refreshing drink.

How to Order Your Own Custom 100-Calorie Drink

One of the best ways to enjoy Starbucks while managing calories is to master the art of customization. By being specific with your order, you can control the ingredients and get exactly what you want.

Start with a Low-Calorie Base: Your best bets are plain brewed coffee, a Caffè Americano, or unsweetened iced tea. These options have minimal calories to start.
Choose a Dairy Alternative: Skip the high-calorie 2% and whole milk. Almond milk is a low-calorie favorite, while nonfat milk adds a bit of protein for minimal calories.
Use Sugar-Free Syrups: Starbucks offers sugar-free vanilla and cinnamon dolce syrups. Each pump of these adds flavor without calories.
Go Light on Syrups: If you prefer a full-sugar syrup, ask for fewer pumps. Each pump of standard syrup adds approximately 20 calories.
Skip the Whipped Cream: This simple choice can save you a significant number of calories, sometimes as much as 100 calories on its own.

Comparison of Popular 100-Calorie Drinks


Drink Name	Size	Calories	Milk Type	Notes
Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte	Tall (12 oz)	100	Nonfat milk	Uses sugar-free vanilla syrup
Tall Dragon Drink	Tall (12 oz)	100	Coconut milk	Made with mango dragonfruit refresher
Tall Nonfat Latte	Tall (12 oz)	100	Nonfat milk	No added syrups
Grande Iced Shaken Espresso	Grande (16 oz)	100	2% milk	Standard recipe with 4 classic syrup pumps
Tall Iced Honey Almond Milk Flat White	Tall (12 oz)	100	Almond milk	Uses Blonde Espresso and a hint of honey

Creating a Low-Calorie Fall Favorite: The Iced Pumpkin Chai Hack

During the autumn season, you don't have to miss out on the festive flavors. A Grande Iced Pumpkin Chai can be made to be around 100 calories with a few adjustments.

Order a Grande Iced Chai with Almond Milk.
Ask for 2 pumps of chai and 2 pumps of pumpkin spice sauce.
This modification reduces the sugar and calories significantly compared to the standard version, which can be much higher.

Conclusion

Starbucks offers a surprisingly wide array of options for those seeking a 100-calorie drink. Whether you prefer a creamy latte, a fruity refresher, or a classic coffee, a perfect choice is available with a little menu navigation. Customizing your drink is the most powerful tool for managing calories, allowing you to enjoy flavorful beverages without compromising your health goals. By following simple hacks, you can stay refreshed and energized while sticking to a low-calorie diet. For official nutritional information and a full list of menu items, always consult the Starbucks website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Refreshers are under 100 calories, as the calorie count can vary by size and type. For instance, a Grande Mango Dragonfruit Refresher is 90 calories, while the taller 'Dragon Drink' with coconut milk can be 100 calories in a tall size.

Starbucks once offered 'Light' Frappuccinos, but this option has been discontinued, and standard Frappuccinos are much higher in calories. However, some custom orders using coffee, sugar-free syrup, and milk can get close but will not have the same creamy texture.

To reduce calories in a flavored latte, ask for nonfat or almond milk, and substitute the standard syrup with a sugar-free alternative like sugar-free vanilla or cinnamon dolce.

Yes, reducing the number of syrup pumps significantly lowers calories. Each pump of standard flavored syrup typically adds about 20 calories, so asking for fewer pumps or a sugar-free version is very effective.

Almond milk is one of the lowest-calorie milk choices, but it's also low in protein. Nonfat milk is a good alternative that offers more protein for a minimal calorie increase.

Yes, a Caffè Americano is an excellent low-calorie option, consisting of just espresso and hot water. A grande has only 10 calories, and you can add a splash of low-calorie milk or a sugar-free syrup without significantly increasing the count.

It is extremely difficult to get a 100-calorie drink with whipped cream, as the whipped cream alone can add up to 100 calories or more depending on the size. It is best to skip the whipped cream entirely to keep the calorie count low.