The OPTAVIA Starbucks list features drinks approved for the Optimal Weight 5 and 1 plan. While coffee is allowed on all of the OPTAVIA diet plans, we recommend watching your calorie intake for optimal results. So, what can you order at Starbucks on OPTAVIA? Any beverage with fewer than 15 calories per serving and no added toppings, creamers, or flavors is acceptable. Whether you crave a creamy latte made with low-fat milk, or a fruity Iced Passion Tango tea, we have great suggestions. Each item on our list is low in calories and full of flavor, so you can indulge without worry.
This list shows what Starbucks drinks you can order on the OPTAVIA 5 and 1 plan.
- Cold Brew
- Caffè Americano
- Espresso
- Chai Tea
- Iced Green Tea
- Espresso Macchiato
- Earl Grey Tea
- Royal English Breakfast Tea
- Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
1. Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee, made by steeping grounds in cold water for an extended period, has a less acidic and smoother taste than traditionally brewed coffee. It is OPTAVIA-approved when consumed black or with unsweetened, non-dairy additions. Whether you choose tall, grande, or venti, each serving has only 5 calories. Starbucks cold brew not only tastes great but also has high caffeine levels to help keep you energized throughout the day. More importantly, it is a good value, as one cup can provide several hours of energy without added sweeteners or creams.
2. Caffè Americano
A Starbucks Caffè Americano, made with espresso shots topped with hot water, is approved for the OPTAVIA diet when ordered black with no sugar or milk. It can be used as an OPTAVIA Fueling alternative when mixed with a protein shake or for OPTAVIA coffee hacks with Fuelings. The Caffè Americano has a bold flavor and a nice balance of sweetness, acidity, and aromatics. One cup of Americano has 15 calories, regardless of size.
3. Espresso
Starbucks espresso is an OPTAVIA-approved dark roast coffee blend crafted from Latin American and Asia/Pacific beans. It serves as the base for their handcrafted espresso beverages and is a great pick-me-up when you need an afternoon kick without resorting to unhealthy energy drinks. One Starbucks doppio (1.5 fl oz) has 10 calories. You can also mix it with your favorite OPTAVIA fuelings like caramel macchiato shake mix or mocha shake mix to add more caffeine and intense flavor.
4. Chai Tea
Starbucks Chai Tea is a black tea infused with spices, often served with milk and sweetener. However, the unsweetened version is allowed on OPTAVIA. Herbal teas like unsweetened chai can be a great way to reduce calorie intake on OPTAVIA. Despite having zero sugar and zero calories, it has a wonderfully complex aroma, both spicy and fruity.
5. Iced Green Tea
Starbucks Iced Green Tea is a refreshing beverage made with green tea and ice, customizable with sweetener and/or lemonade. The unsweetened version is allowed on the OPTAVIA diet. Starbucks offers other green tea options like Matcha Tea Latte or Honey Citrus Mint Tea, but these contain 130 to 240 calories depending on size. Unsweetened iced green tea has zero calories and may even aid weight loss goals. A 2016 randomized controlled trial published in the Clinical Nutrition Journal found that women who took a high dose of green tea extract experienced weight loss, reduced waist size, and lower cholesterol levels without adverse effects.
6. Espresso Macchiato
A Starbucks Espresso Macchiato is allowed on the OPTAVIA plan, even though it contains milk and is often sweetened. When you crave something sweet but low in calories, an Espresso Macchiato can be a satisfying option. It offers a similar taste to cappuccino or latte, but with fewer calories. A grande Cappuccino has 140 calories, while a grande latte has about 230 calories. In contrast, an Espresso Macchiato, similar to a doppio but with a touch of steamed milk or creamer, has only 15 calories.
7. Earl Grey Tea
Starbucks Earl Grey Tea is a black tea infused with bergamot, a citrus fruit with a flavor somewhere between an orange and a lemon. This refreshing beverage is allowed on the OPTAVIA diet as it is one of the approved OPTAVIA low-calorie drinks with no added sugar. A 2019 study by Zafar Rasheed, published in the International Journal of Health Sciences, found that "Earl Grey tea provides several health benefits as it contains powerful groups of polyphenols." Regardless of whether you choose tall, grande, or venti, Starbucks Earl Grey Tea has zero calories.
8. Royal English Breakfast Tea
Starbucks Royal English Breakfast Tea is a black tea blend allowed on the OPTAVIA diet. This full-bodied blend is made with no added sugar or calories, making it a great option for those seeking an all-natural weight loss aid. With mildly sweet notes, it can be enjoyed hot or iced.
9. Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew is a nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee approved for the OPTAVIA diet. The combination of cold brewing and nitro infusion creates a smooth, creamy drink with a perfect balance of rich flavors. It has a milder taste and far less acidity than regular cold brew. It has a thick, velvety texture, similar to a Guinness-style beer with a foamy top. One Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew has 5 calories.
What Types of Starbucks Drinks Can You Get on OPTAVIA?
The following list shows types of drinks allowed on OPTAVIA at Starbucks.
- Hot Coffees
- Cold Coffees
- Starbucks Refreshers
- Iced Teas
- Lemonades
- Hot Teas
- Milk, Juice and More
- Bottled Beverages
Steer clear of sugary Frappuccinos and flavored lattes, as these are often high in calories and carbohydrates, which can hinder progress on the OPTAVIA diet. Instead, opt for plain coffee, unsweetened tea, or the Nitro Cold Brew to stay on track with your health goals.
What Starbucks Drinks Are Not Allowed on OPTAVIA?
These are the drinks to avoid on OPTAVIA as they have too much sugar and can hinder weight loss results.
- Cappuccino
- Lattes
- Mochas
- Hot Chocolates
- Juices
- Steamers
- Coffee Frappuccino
- Cream Cold Brews
Avoid high-calorie Starbucks drinks like Frappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, which can contain 200-400 calories per serving and derail your OPTAVIA plan. Even the Oleato Coffee, despite being olive oil-infused, packs around 400 calories. Opt for lower-calorie options like plain coffee or unsweetened tea. Need help creating a meal plan that works for you? Optimal Weight Plan coaches can personalize a plan to meet your unique needs and goals. Contact us today to get started.
