How to Order: Keto Starbucks Drinks and Food Guide

Wondering how to stay keto at Starbucks? You’re not alone. Thousands of people hit search every day trying to find low-carb drinks and snacks that won’t wreck their macros — and it mostly comes down to knowing how to order.

This guide strips out the guesswork with step-by-step tips for ordering, smart drink swaps, food suggestions, and real answers to common questions like “Is the Pink Drink keto?” or “Which milk has the fewest carbs?” Whether you’re at the counter or tapping through the Starbucks app, you’ll learn how to build your go-to keto drinks — from hot lattes to iced cold brews — and what foods you can actually eat.

Here’s the complete, no-nonsense playbook for ordering keto at Starbucks so you can skip the sugar and still enjoy what you love.

Jump to:

• How to Order Keto at Starbucks (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Keto Starbucks Guide: What to Avoid
• What Is Keto Friendly at Starbucks?
• Best Keto Starbucks Drinks
• Keto Iced Coffee at Starbucks
• Keto Starbucks Frappuccinos (How to Order Low-Carb Blended Drinks)
• Secret Menu & Custom Keto Starbucks Drinks
• How to Order Keto Starbucks Pink Drink
• Keto Starbucks Food Orders (that won't kick you out of ketosis)
• Starbucks Copycat Recipes
• Frequently Asked Questions
•  

How to Order Keto at Starbucks (Step-by-Step Guide)

Ordering keto at Starbucks isn't about sacrifice — it’s about knowing how to tweak the basics. From espresso to cold brew, most drinks can be made keto with a few smart swaps. Here's exactly how to do it, step by step.

1. Choose a Keto-Friendly Base (Espresso, Brewed Coffee, Tea)

Your drink starts with the base, and this is the easiest place to stay low carb.

Stick to these options:

• Espresso – zero carbs, rich flavor. Great for lattes or Americanos.
• Brewed Coffee – both hot and iced brewed coffee are carb-free.
• Cold Brew & Nitro Cold Brew – smooth, strong, and no carbs.
• Teas (unsweetened) – go for black, green, or herbal tea options like Passion Tango (unsweetened).

Avoid any drink labeled as "latte," "macchiato," or "mocha" by default unless you're customizing it heavily — they usually come with milk and sugar.

2. Avoid Sugar and Classic Syrups

Starbucks syrups might taste great, but they're sugar bombs — even a single pump of the classic syrup has about 5 grams of sugar.

What to do instead:

• Say “no classic syrup” when ordering iced coffee or shaken espresso — it's added by default.
• Skip caramel drizzle, mocha sauce, whipped cream, and any “sweet cream” unless customized.

Pro tip: Confirm no sugar was added to tea bases or cold foam, even if the drink appears keto-friendly.

3. Choose Low-Carb Milk (Heavy Cream, Almond, Coconut)

Milk is sneaky — even a splash of 2% milk adds carbs you don’t want.

Your keto-safe options:

Milk Option	Net Carbs (per 2 oz)	Notes
Heavy Cream	2g	Rich, creamy, and lowest in carbs. Use sparingly.
Unsweetened Almond Milk	1g	Light and nutty, great in iced drinks.
Coconut Milk (unsweetened)	1g	Mildly sweet, pairs well with tea.

Avoid oat milk (high-carb), soy milk (varies), and regular dairy unless it’s just a splash.

4. Add Sugar-Free Syrups (with Caution)

Starbucks offers sugar-free options, but each pump still has 1g net carb, mostly from sucralose and preservatives.

Available sugar-free syrup flavors:

Tips:

• Limit to 1–2 pumps max to avoid creeping over your carb limit.
• If you're sensitive to sucralose, bring your own stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

5. Pick the Right Size & App Customizations

Bigger drinks mean more milk and more room for carbs — even if you're making the right swaps.

Keep it tight with these strategies:

• Stick to Tall (12 oz) or Grande (16 oz) — avoid Venti or Trenta.
• When using the Starbucks app, deselect default options like "classic syrup" or "2% milk."
• Use “customize” to add sugar-free syrup, heavy cream, and no whip.

Quick tip: If you love foam, ask for it made with unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream (instead of sweet cream or cold foam).

6. Example Orders You Can Copy

Here are some ready-to-order, keto-friendly Starbucks drinks you can ask for with no guesswork:

• “Grande Cold Brew with 2 pumps sugar-free vanilla, splash of heavy cream.”
• “Tall Americano with 1 pump sugar-free cinnamon dolce, topped with steamed almond milk.”
• “Grande Iced Coffee, no classic syrup, 1 pump sugar-free hazelnut, splash of coconut milk.”
• “Double shot on ice with heavy cream and 1 packet of stevia.”
• “Grande hot tea (green or black) with a splash of almond milk and 1 pump sugar-free vanilla.”

Keto Starbucks Guide: What to Avoid

Navigating the world of keto-friendly food at Starbucks is simpler than you might think. Say no to these things, and you are sorted:

1. Say no to sugar

Steering clear of sugar is crucial for a keto. Skip the sweeteners, syrups, and any added sugars that can quickly increase the carb content of your drink and opt for sugar-free alternatives.

2. Say no to whipped creams

Whipped cream might be a delightful addition, but it's best left out of your order. The extra sugars in whipped cream add unwanted carbs to your beverage. 

3. Bypass flavored toppings

Flavored toppings, such as chocolate or caramel drizzles, can turn a seemingly innocent drink into a high-carb indulgence. Exercise caution and skip these extras to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. Request your drink without any flavored toppings.

4. Avoid these food options at Starbucks

Focus on ingredients like meat, eggs, cheese, and avocado for a keto-approved meal. However, steer clear of sandwiches, pastries, and sweet snacks due to their carb content.

Determining what's keto-friendly can be a bit tricky, as there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Ketosis varies from person to person, but generally, keeping net carbs under 20-50 grams per day is a good target.

What Is Keto Friendly at Starbucks?

Starbucks on a keto diet is more achievable than you might think. You can indulge in your favorite coffee treats while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle by choosing wisely and customizing your orders. So, the next time you crave a caffeine fix, rest assured that Starbucks has covered your keto needs.

Keto Drinks vs. Non-Keto Drinks

The difference between keto-friendly drinks and non-keto drinks comes down to carb content. Keto drinks are low in carbs and sugar, while non-keto drinks are loaded with both. For example, a black coffee or plain tea is naturally keto-friendly, while a Frappuccino or a caramel macchiato isn’t.

To keep your drink keto, start with a base that’s low in carbs, like an Americano, cold brew, or unsweetened iced tea. Then, add keto-friendly ingredients like heavy cream and sugar-free syrup. Avoid milk, regular syrups, and whipped cream, as they quickly add carbs.

Tip: Always choose sugar-free options when available. Regular syrups and flavorings can turn an otherwise keto drink into a sugar bomb.

Identifying Hidden Carbs in Starbucks Offerings

Even if a drink seems keto-friendly, hidden carbs can sneak in if you’re not careful. For instance, milk and whipped cream are common culprits, adding unnecessary carbs to your drink. Also, watch out for pre-sweetened teas and drinks with flavored syrups.

One easy way to spot hidden carbs is by asking for nutritional information or checking online before you order. Starbucks’ website and app provide details on ingredients and nutritional content, making it easier to choose the right drink.

Another tip: Customize your order to avoid hidden sugars. Opt for heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk, and always go for sugar-free syrups. If you’re adding anything extra, like foam or a flavor shot, make sure it’s carb-free.

Best Keto Starbucks Drinks

Finding keto drinks at Starbucks is easier than it sounds. Whether you like your coffee hot, iced, or cold brewed, you’ve got options — if you order it right. These picks keep carbs low without killing the flavor.

1. Espresso (0g net carb)

2. Americano (0g net carbs)

3. Espresso Con Panna (2g net carbs)

4. Espresso Macchiato (1g net carb)

5. Low-carb Caffè Misto (2g net carbs)

6. Almond Flat White (2g net carbs)

7. Low-Carb Caramel Macchiato (4g net carbs)

8. Low-Carb Cappuccino (2g net carbs)

9. Low-Carb Latte (2g net carbs)

10. Low-Carb Gingerbread Latte (5g net carbs)

11. Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte (7g net carbs)

12. Oleato Caffe Latte (2-5g net carbs)

13. Peppermint Latte (1-2-g net carbs)

Keto Iced Coffee at Starbucks

Know how to order ice coffee and relish every sip without compromising your commitment to a keto lifestyle.

1. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte (6g net carbs)

2. Iced Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte (3g net carbs)

3. Double Shot on Ice (0g net carbs)

4. Iced Shaken Espresso (4g net carbs)

5. Cold Brew (0g net carb)

6. Nitro Cold Brew (0g net carbs)

7. Keto Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew (2-4g net carbs)

8. Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew (2-5g net carbs)

9. Keto Iced Mocha (5g net carbs)

10. Iced Toasted Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (5g net carbs)

Keto Starbucks Frappuccinos (How to Order Low-Carb Blended Drinks)

These revamped Frappuccinos let you relish the sweetness without the carb overload. Customize your orders, follow these keto-friendly recipes, and treat yourself to a refreshing Starbucks experience tailored to your low-carb lifestyle.

Basic Keto Frappe Formula

Here’s how to build a keto-friendly Frappuccino from scratch:

Start with iced coffee or cold brew

Frappuccinos are usually made with a coffee base, but the default comes with the “Frappuccino Roast” which includes sugar. Skip that and ask for iced coffee instead.

Ask for “double blended”

Blending twice gives it the thick, icy texture of a regular Frappe — without the high-carb ingredients.

Choose your milk

Go with heavy cream (richest and lowest carb), or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter feel. You can also ask for half heavy cream, half water.

Add sugar-free syrup (1–2 pumps)

Stick with sugar-free vanilla — it’s currently the only flavor Starbucks consistently offers. Each pump has around 1g net carbs.

Ask for no Frappuccino base or whipped cream

The base is full of sugar, and whipped cream adds unnecessary carbs.

Optional sweetener

Bring your own stevia or monk fruit packet, or ask if they carry them behind the counter.

Use this base order example:

Grande iced coffee, 2 pumps sugar-free vanilla, splash of heavy cream, double-blended. Then customize with flavors like peppermint, cinnamon dolce, or cocoa

Custom Frappuccino Recipes to Try

Here are some low-carb Starbucks Frappuccino orders you can copy or tweak:

1. Keto Vanilla Bean Frappe (~3g net carbs)

2. Chocolate Mocha Frappe (Modified, ~4g net carbs)

Note: Since skinny mocha sauce is discontinued, use this workaround:

3. Cinnamon “Dolce” Frappe (~3g net carbs)

4. Matcha-Style Frappe (~5–6g net carbs)

Note: Starbucks matcha mix contains sugar, so this is a DIY-style order:

5. Peppermint Mocha Frappe (~4g net carbs)

Secret Menu & Custom Keto Starbucks Drinks

Let's unravel the secrets to crafting keto-friendly tea delights at Starbucks.

1. Keto White Drink (2g net carbs)

2. Keto Horchata (2g net carbs)

3. Iced Black Tea (0g net carb)

4. Iced Green Tea (0g net carb)

5. Iced Matcha Tea Latte (7g net carbs)

6. Keto London Fog (4g net carbs)

7. Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte (4g net carbs)

8. Chai Tea (0g net carb)

How to Order Keto Starbucks Pink Drink

The original Starbucks Pink Drink, White Drink, and London Fog are packed with sugar — but you can order versions that keep you in ketosis without giving up flavor. All it takes is knowing how to ask.

Keto Pink Drink Customization

The original Pink Drink contains coconut milk and sweetened strawberry açaí juice — not keto. But with some tweaks, you can keep the flavor without the sugar spike.

How to order the Keto Pink Drink:

Order Template: “Grande iced Passion Tango Tea, no liquid cane, splash of heavy cream, 1 pump sugar-free vanilla, light ice.”

Keto Starbucks Food Orders (that won't kick you out of ketosis)

Check out keto food at Starbucks that won't kick you out of ketosis. From savory Sous Vide Egg Bites to a transformed Turkey Bacon and Egg White Breakfast Sandwich, we've got your low-carb cravings covered. If you're looking for other restaurant tips, make sure you read our keto fast food options guide. But, for now let's dive into a world of deliciousness without compromising your goals.

1. Sous Vide Egg Bites (9g net carbs)

Satisfy your hunger with these egg bites featuring bacon and Gruyère cheese. Packed with flavor and protein, they make for a perfect low-carb breakfast or snack.

2. Turkey Bacon & Egg White Breakfast Sandwich (2g net carbs)

Transform your morning routine with this bunless sandwich. Imagine savory turkey bacon and fluffy egg whites creating a visually pleasing and delicious morning indulgence. Skip the bread or have it wrapped in lettuce for a keto-friendly start to your day.

3. Chicken Wrap Protein Box (3-5g net carbs)

A regular Chicken Wrap Protein Box features grilled chicken, whole wheat wrap, cheddar, apples, and almond butter. To make it keto-friendly, ditch the wrap and say no to apples and almond butter. You can even ask for it on a bed of greens for that keto-friendly twist.

4. Smoked Turkey Protein Box (3-5g net carbs)

Craving the Smoked Turkey Protein Box? Swap the bread for a lettuce wrap and skip the grapes to cut down on carbs. It's a tasty and satisfying option with reduced net carbs. Chat with your barista about your preferences.

5. Cauliflower Tabbouleh Side Salad (7g net carbs)

Picture a lively mix of cauliflower, fresh herbs, and zesty dressing—it's a keto-friendly delight for your taste buds. Bursting with vibrant flavors and crisp textures, it's a perfect choice for those seeking a low-carb option.

6. Herbed Chicken & Fig Spread Small Sandwich (7.3g net carbs)

Delight in a ketofied version of this sandwich. Imagine juicy chicken, that sweet fig spread, and all those tasty herbs coming together. Plus, it's perfect for keeping it keto, Order without the bread or ask for it to be served as a lettuce wrap.

Starbucks Copycat Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions