Are you a keto dieter looking to indulge in a delicious and refreshing iced coffee at Starbucks? With the numerous options and modifications available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the menu and ensure that your drink fits within your ketogenic diet. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to order a keto iced coffee at Starbucks, including tips and tricks to make your drink not only keto-friendly but also tailored to your taste preferences.
Understanding the Keto Diet and Its Requirements
Before we dive into the world of Starbucks iced coffee, it’s essential to understand the basics of the keto diet and its requirements. The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve this, keto dieters typically aim to consume:
- Fat: 70-80% of daily calories
- Protein: 15-20% of daily calories
- Carbohydrates: 5-10% of daily calories
When it comes to iced coffee, the primary concern is the carbohydrate content, particularly from added sugars and milk. To make a keto iced coffee at Starbucks, we will focus on selecting low-carb ingredients and modifications.
Choosing Your Coffee Base
The first step in ordering a keto iced coffee at Starbucks is to choose your coffee base. Starbucks offers a variety of coffee options, including:
- Brewed coffee
- Americano
- Espresso
- Cold brew
For a keto iced coffee, we recommend opting for the brewed coffee or cold brew. Both options are low in carbohydrates and can be paired with keto-friendly ingredients.
Brewed Coffee
Starbucks’ brewed coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans and contains 0 grams of carbohydrates per 8 oz serving. This makes it an excellent choice for keto dieters.
Cold Brew
Starbucks’ cold brew is also made from 100% Arabica beans and contains 0 grams of carbohydrates per 8 oz serving. However, keep in mind that cold brew is typically served over ice, which can increase the carbohydrate content if you’re not careful.
Selecting Your Milk and Creamer Options
When it comes to milk and creamer options, keto dieters need to be mindful of the carbohydrate content. Starbucks offers a variety of milk and creamer options, including:
- Whole milk
- 2% milk
- Nonfat milk
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
- Heavy cream
For a keto iced coffee, we recommend opting for heavy cream or a non-dairy creamer. Heavy cream contains 0 grams of carbohydrates per 1 oz serving, making it an excellent choice for keto dieters. Non-dairy creamers, such as almond milk or coconut milk, can also be used, but be mindful of the carbohydrate content.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is an excellent choice for keto dieters, as it contains 0 grams of carbohydrates per 1 oz serving. However, keep in mind that heavy cream is high in calories, so be mindful of your overall calorie intake.
Non-Dairy Creamers
Non-dairy creamers, such as almond milk or coconut milk, can be used as a substitute for heavy cream. However, be mindful of the carbohydrate content, as some non-dairy creamers can be high in carbs.
Adding Flavor and Sweetness
Once you’ve chosen your coffee base and milk or creamer option, it’s time to add flavor and sweetness. Starbucks offers a variety of flavorings and sweeteners, including:
- Vanilla syrup
- Caramel syrup
- Hazelnut syrup
- Cinnamon dolce syrup
- Stevia
- Erythritol
- Monk fruit sweetener
For a keto iced coffee, we recommend opting for sugar-free flavorings and sweeteners. Stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit sweetener are all keto-friendly options.
Sugar-Free Flavorings
Starbucks offers a variety of sugar-free flavorings, including vanilla, hazelnut, and cinnamon dolce. These flavorings are all keto-friendly and can be used to add flavor to your iced coffee.
Keto-Friendly Sweeteners
Stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit sweetener are all keto-friendly options. These sweeteners are low in carbohydrates and can be used to add sweetness to your iced coffee.
Customizing Your Drink
Now that we’ve covered the basics of ordering a keto iced coffee at Starbucks, it’s time to customize your drink. Here are some tips and tricks to make your drink not only keto-friendly but also tailored to your taste preferences:
- Ask for no whipped cream: Whipped cream is high in carbohydrates and can kick you out of ketosis. Ask for no whipped cream to keep your drink keto-friendly.
- Choose a sugar-free flavoring: Sugar-free flavorings, such as vanilla or hazelnut, can add flavor to your iced coffee without adding carbohydrates.
- Opt for a keto-friendly sweetener: Stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit sweetener are all keto-friendly options. Ask for one of these sweeteners to add sweetness to your iced coffee.
- Be mindful of the ice: Ice can increase the carbohydrate content of your drink if you’re not careful. Ask for a small amount of ice or opt for a drink that’s served over a small amount of ice.
Example Orders
Here are some example orders to help you get started:
- Keto Iced Coffee: “I’ll have a grande iced coffee with heavy cream and a splash of vanilla syrup, please.”
- Keto Cold Brew: “I’ll have a grande cold brew with heavy cream and a packet of stevia, please.”
- Keto Iced Latte: “I’ll have a grande iced latte with heavy cream and a splash of hazelnut syrup, please. Can you hold the whipped cream?”
Conclusion
Ordering a keto iced coffee at Starbucks can seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s easy to create a delicious and refreshing drink that fits within your ketogenic diet. By choosing a low-carb coffee base, selecting a keto-friendly milk or creamer option, and adding flavor and sweetness with sugar-free flavorings and sweeteners, you can create a keto iced coffee that’s not only delicious but also tailored to your taste preferences.
What is a keto iced coffee, and how does it fit into a ketogenic diet?
A keto iced coffee is a low-carb, high-fat version of iced coffee that is designed to fit within the guidelines of a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. A keto iced coffee typically consists of brewed coffee, heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative, and a sweetener such as stevia or erythritol.
When ordering a keto iced coffee at Starbucks, it’s essential to be mindful of the ingredients and their quantities to ensure that the drink fits within your daily carb and fat needs. A standard iced coffee at Starbucks can be modified to be keto-friendly by asking for heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative, and a sugar-free sweetener. Additionally, be sure to ask for no added sugars or whipped cream, which can quickly add up in carbs.
What are the best keto-friendly sweeteners to ask for at Starbucks?
When ordering a keto iced coffee at Starbucks, it’s crucial to choose a sweetener that is low in carbs and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. The best keto-friendly sweeteners to ask for at Starbucks are stevia, erythritol, and sucralose. Stevia is a natural sweetener that is zero-calorie and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. Erythritol is a sugar substitute that has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels and contains almost no calories. Sucralose is another popular sugar substitute that is commonly used in keto diets.
When asking for a sweetener, be specific and let the barista know that you want a sugar-free sweetener. You can say something like, “Can I get a keto iced coffee with stevia, please?” or “Can you add erythritol to my iced coffee?” This will ensure that the barista uses the correct sweetener and doesn’t add any sugar or honey to your drink.
How do I order a keto iced coffee at Starbucks?
To order a keto iced coffee at Starbucks, start by asking for a brewed coffee over ice. Then, specify the type of milk you want, such as heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Next, ask for a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Finally, ask for no added sugars or whipped cream. You can also customize your drink by asking for a specific amount of cream or sweetener.
Here’s an example of how to order a keto iced coffee at Starbucks: “Can I get a grande brewed coffee over ice with heavy cream and stevia, please? Can you make sure there’s no added sugar or whipped cream?” This will ensure that your drink is made with the correct ingredients and is within your daily carb and fat needs.
Can I customize my keto iced coffee at Starbucks?
Yes, you can customize your keto iced coffee at Starbucks to fit your specific needs and preferences. If you want a stronger or weaker coffee, you can ask for a specific roast or brewing method. If you prefer a creamier drink, you can ask for more heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative. You can also ask for a specific amount of sweetener or flavorings like vanilla or hazelnut.
When customizing your drink, be sure to communicate clearly with the barista. Let them know exactly what you want and how you want it made. For example, you can say, “Can I get a keto iced coffee with extra heavy cream and a pump of vanilla, please?” or “Can you make my keto iced coffee with a stronger brew and less sweetener?” This will ensure that your drink is made to your liking and fits within your daily carb and fat needs.
Are there any keto-friendly creamers or milks available at Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks offers several keto-friendly creamers and milks that you can use in your iced coffee. Heavy cream is a popular choice for keto dieters, as it is high in fat and low in carbs. Starbucks also offers non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk, which can be used as a substitute for heavy cream.
When choosing a creamer or milk, be sure to check the ingredients and nutrition label to ensure that it fits within your daily carb and fat needs. Some creamers and milks may contain added sugars or carbohydrates, so it’s essential to choose a plain, unflavored option. You can also ask the barista for a specific type of creamer or milk, such as “Can I get a keto iced coffee with coconut milk, please?”
How many carbs are in a typical keto iced coffee at Starbucks?
The number of carbs in a typical keto iced coffee at Starbucks will depend on the ingredients and their quantities. A standard keto iced coffee made with brewed coffee, heavy cream, and a sugar-free sweetener will typically contain around 5-10 grams of carbs. However, this can vary depending on the type of creamer or milk used and the amount of sweetener added.
To give you a better idea, here is the nutrition information for a typical keto iced coffee at Starbucks: a grande brewed coffee with heavy cream and stevia contains around 5 grams of carbs, 30 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein. A grande iced coffee with coconut milk and erythritol contains around 10 grams of carbs, 20 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein. Be sure to check the nutrition label or ask the barista for specific nutrition information to ensure that your drink fits within your daily carb and fat needs.
Can I get a keto iced coffee at Starbucks if I’m lactose intolerant or prefer a non-dairy diet?
Yes, you can get a keto iced coffee at Starbucks even if you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a non-dairy diet. Starbucks offers several non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk that can be used as a substitute for heavy cream. You can also ask for a non-dairy whipped cream or creamer if you want a creamier drink.
When ordering a non-dairy keto iced coffee, be sure to specify the type of milk you want and ask for no added sugars or whipped cream. You can say something like, “Can I get a keto iced coffee with coconut milk and stevia, please?” or “Can you make my keto iced coffee with almond milk and erythritol?” This will ensure that your drink is made with the correct ingredients and is within your daily carb and fat needs.