Starbucks

daniellealys
daniellealys Posts: 301 Member
in Recipes
Lately I have become obsessed with flavored coffees! But, just as I had mastered the guilt free version of the pumpkin spiced latte, I see the sign this morning for their new winter flavors! They are Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. OH MY!
Now, I dont do dairy so I have to substitute Soy and never do the whipped topping. But, even then, the nutrition stats are still outstanding (in a bad way!)

I would love to hear your recommendations!

Here is what I do for the pumpkin spice latte:
1. If I order from Starbucks: Grande Blonde (or your fav blend) with 1 pump pumpkin spice syrup and soy steam. This runs about 100 calories and some sugar but much better stats then the PSL and just as good! plus cheaper :D

2. Making it at home: Brew a pot of your favorite pumpkin blend (I get the pumpkin blend at Aldi. Cheap, good, gluten and lactose free and zero sugar or calories) add some extra pumpkin spice (From Trader joes) to the coffee before brew. Warm some coconut (or other non dairy preferred milk) in the microwave for 1 minute and add to coffee! This is literally 20 calories and sugar free if you use unsweet non dairy milk (which I recommend).
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Replies

  • Pohudet
    Pohudet Posts: 179 Member
    Bump
  • geekpryncess
    geekpryncess Posts: 118 Member
    I love flavored coffee too, esp pumpkin spice! However I can't justify the cost (money or calories) of Starbucks any more. I can make my own and know exactly the calorie count, use the type of milk I want, and splenda, etc. I often just have regular coffee with a couple tablespoons of sugarfree flavored creamer, so it's about 60-70 calories max. There are always seasonal flavors in the grocery store, I've been through two bottles of pumpkin spice and one bottle of peppermint mocha so far this fall. The last couple weeks I have taken a break from coffee and using the sugar free apple cider mix that is only 15 calories.

    But I know every so often I do like to have an authentic Starbucks, so just order it skinny with no whipped cream, and small.
  • geekpryncess
    geekpryncess Posts: 118 Member
    I will have to get some of the Aldi's pumpkin spice coffee you mentioned, that sounds good! I like coffee but I don't often brew it myself. I usually just get it at work! When i make iced coffee I use instant coffee. But this sounds good, so I will have to try it.

    Also, you can just add regular pumpkin pie spice (from the spices section) to any coffee and it tastes good too.
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    Would love to see the suggestions...I LOVE the winter flavors (especially caramel brulee and eggnog) so I'll be interested to see if there's a calorie saving shortcut. I usually get an iced soy chai which (for a grande) has a whopping 240 calories!
  • amonroe1343
    amonroe1343 Posts: 206 Member
    If you need more of a caffeine boost I usually get an americano with the syrups. That is just espresso with hot water and it's delicious :) I add some cream in there too if you like that and it cuts down on the calories from the milk or you can get it without. I can't go the season without getting a gingerbread americano because it's by far my favorite. I also will do any of the sugar free syrups and it's 25cal without the cream in a venti. Delicious :)
  • TinaLosesIt
    TinaLosesIt Posts: 17
    Just a tip from a former Starbucks employee, espresso actually has LESS caffeine then drip coffee. For the biggest caffeine jolt pick the lightest roast drip coffee. The longer the bean is roasted the more of the oils/caffeine to leech out. A lot of people assume the stronger the taste the strong the caffeine but it's actually the opposite :)


    My fav coffee right now is a venti pike roast misto with 1 pump pumpkin spice and 1 pump white mocha!!
  • Aureilie
    Aureilie Posts: 213 Member
    I typically get the flavoured coffee for the Keurig (pumpkin spice, etc) and put a couple of tablespoons of nonfat vanilla creamer in it, I'm sure you can find some non-dairy. It gives me enough sweetness and flavour.

    Usually when I go to Starbucks it's a treat so I get whatever drink I want in the smallest size and make room for the calories in my diary. I tried some of the "skinny" options and I just can't over the taste of the syrups they use for them.
    My fav coffee right now is a venti pike roast misto with 1 pump pumpkin spice and 1 pump white mocha!!

    That sounds amazing!
  • daniellealys
    daniellealys Posts: 301 Member
    thanks everyone for sharing!!!

    I have some options now!
  • daniellealys
    daniellealys Posts: 301 Member
    oh, and I just wanted to add one thing.
    some of you stated that you dont go to starbucks often or its only a treat thing cause of cost. I had never been to starbucks utnil 2012 and i just started really going in the past 2 weeks. I have no idea why but for some reason I want that in the AM. I skip breakfast and it keeps me in check the rest of the day, I have no idea why. but, it is crazy expensive. i have gone like 5 days in a row!
  • jg627
    jg627 Posts: 1,221 Member
    I try to fit in a hot chocolate from Starbucks on a daily basis. I haven't tried the pumpkin spice. I've been tempted though.
  • jaclyndanette
    jaclyndanette Posts: 46
    I loooove Starbucks and it is expensive, but if you use a gift card, you can register it and then you start getting rewards. I now have a Gold card (yea, I'm that addicted) and get a free drink after every 12 drinks. I try to limit my Starbucks trips to once a week because even though it's so good, it's also high in calories even when it's "light" or with skim. I might try some of these suggestions though.
  • marie_2454
    marie_2454 Posts: 881 Member
    Lately I've been adding hot cocoa mix to my coffee, along with a splash of milk. It's really good and under 100 calories. My favorite ones are Ghiradelli white chocolate peppermint and Private Selection caramel sea salt hot cocoa. So good with mixed with coffee :D
  • LeenaRuns
    LeenaRuns Posts: 1,309 Member
    Lately I've been adding hot cocoa mix to my coffee, along with a splash of milk. It's really good and under 100 calories. My favorite ones are Ghiradelli white chocolate peppermint and Private Selection caramel sea salt hot cocoa. So good with mixed with coffee :D

    Hahahaha...I've been doing this too!
  • demonlullaby
    demonlullaby Posts: 499 Member
    i think a tall peppermint mocha skinny is only like 100 calories. and it's delicious.
  • MelisMusing
    MelisMusing Posts: 421 Member
    bump
  • NikkiSmo
    NikkiSmo Posts: 180 Member
    i always get so stressed out when ordering from Starbucks. I don't know what half the things are and if I want it soy, skinny, iced, hot, grande, tall, etc... my head starts spinning and I just order whatever the person with me gets! Needless to say I don't go often but it is always very tempting when I go shopping.
  • amytag
    amytag Posts: 206 Member
    Peppermint Mocha at home: 8 oz strong coffee, 1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder, 1-2 packets of Stevia or other sweetener, 1/3 cup skim milk or light soy milk, and 1 Tsp peppermint extract. This is also very good iced or blended with ice!

    Sub the peppermint extract for vanilla extract and sub the skim milk for coconut milk for a tasty coconut mocha.

    Each of these has about 50-60 calories depending on brand/type of milk
  • ToughTulip
    ToughTulip Posts: 1,118 Member
    I work at starbucks, and get food/coffee from there all the time. Yay discount and free meals heh

    I jsut work it into my cals. Sometimes I go for the skinny no whip, and sometimes I go full fat :D
  • rudegyal_b
    rudegyal_b Posts: 593 Member
    i use a tassimo and i get the sugarfree syrups from starbucks (got some sf peppermint right now) and add 1/2 cup almond milk, so creamy and yum, 20 cals
  • mrsmustgetmuscles1
    mrsmustgetmuscles1 Posts: 57 Member
    Lately I've been adding hot cocoa mix to my coffee, along with a splash of milk. It's really good and under 100 calories. My favorite ones are Ghiradelli white chocolate peppermint and Private Selection caramel sea salt hot cocoa. So good with mixed with coffee :D

    OMG that Ghiradelli white chocolate peppermint sounds delicious! Might just have to go out and get some to try for myself. When I do indulge in a Starbucks, I always go for the skinny white chocolate mocha with no whip...for a whopping 350 calories it's just not worth it as an all the time thing.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Soy Misto!!!...with a little sprinkle of cinnamon:drinker:
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    They offer a skinny version of the Peppermint Mocha. 100 cals in a tall, 130 in a grande.


    It's marvelous.
  • TuesdayLucero
    TuesdayLucero Posts: 86 Member
    I am a Starbucks junkie, but am also trying to loose weight. My favorite alternative is the Iced Coffee with a few pumps of the Gingerbread syrup, and then I add 3 Tbsp fat free half and half when I get to work, and a packet of Splenda/Equal. This tastes similar to an Iced Latte, but with half the calories, coming out to 110 calories.
  • getyourshittogetherJ
    getyourshittogetherJ Posts: 1
    Similar to many of you - nonfat cafe misto with one pump of pumpkin sauce. Or I make it at home with pumpkin flavored coffee- heat up either skim milk or almond milk and use my little milk frother to froth the milk and add to the coffee with some sweetener - sprinkle with some pumpkin pie spice!
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    You can get any frappachino as a light coffee version and have them put one pump of flavor in it (only adds 33 calories).

    You can also do the same with iced or regular hot coffee...
  • MelisMusing
    MelisMusing Posts: 421 Member
    Peppermint Mocha at home: 8 oz strong coffee, 1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder, 1-2 packets of Stevia or other sweetener, 1/3 cup skim milk or light soy milk, and 1 Tsp peppermint extract. This is also very good iced or blended with ice!

    Sub the peppermint extract for vanilla extract and sub the skim milk for coconut milk for a tasty coconut mocha.

    Each of these has about 50-60 calories depending on brand/type of milk

    YUM!!!
  • HarleyQuinn_12
    HarleyQuinn_12 Posts: 363 Member
    They offer a skinny version of the Peppermint Mocha. 100 cals in a tall, 130 in a grande.


    It's marvelous.

    ABSOLUTELY!!!
  • ccburn5
    ccburn5 Posts: 473 Member
    Just a tip from a former Starbucks employee, espresso actually has LESS caffeine then drip coffee. For the biggest caffeine jolt pick the lightest roast drip coffee. The longer the bean is roasted the more of the oils/caffeine to leech out. A lot of people assume the stronger the taste the strong the caffeine but it's actually the opposite :)


    My fav coffee right now is a venti pike roast misto with 1 pump pumpkin spice and 1 pump white mocha!!


    Really?!?! I have been a daily iced venti cafe americano for the last 6-7 months and assumed it was the other way around. That and with just a splash of half/half, its only about 40 calories or so. Thanks for sharing.
  • pitapocket
    pitapocket Posts: 287 Member
    Copy cat recipes for seasonal drinks

    Gingerbread Latte

    Gingerbread Syrup
    2 cups water
    1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    2 teaspoons ground ginger
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    1/2 cup fresh espresso
    8 ounces milk, steamed (with a little foam)

    Garnish
    whipped cream
    ground nutmeg


    Directions

    1. Make the gingerbread syrup by combining the water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Be sure the pan is not too small or the mixture could easily bubble over.

    2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the syrup uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat when it's done and slap a lid on it.

    3. Make a double shot of espresso (1/2 cup) using an espresso machine. Use the machine to steam 8 ounces of milk, or heat up the milk in the microwave if your machine does not foam and steam milk.

    4. Make your latte by first adding 1/2 cup espresso to a 16-ounce cup. Add 1/4 cup gingerbread syrup, followed by the steamed milk. Stir.

    5. Top off the drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

    Makes 1 grande latte (16 ounces).


    Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
    Ingredients:
    milk
    espresso
    Starbucks pumpkin spice syrup (recipe below)
    Directions:
    1. Add pumpkin spice syrup to the bottom of your mug.
    2. Steam your milk. Pour a little milk into your mug and stir to combine with syrup.
    3. Pull a shot or two (depending) and immediately add to your milk/syrup.
    4. Top with the rest of your steamed milk and froth. Stir together

    Pumpkin Spice Syrup

    Ingredients:
    1 1/2 cups water
    1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
    4 cinnamon sticks
    1/2 tsp ground cloves
    1/2 tsp ground ginger
    1 tsp ground nutmeg
    2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

    Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan.
    Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
    Add the spices and the pumpkin and continue to simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not boil.
    Remove from heat and strain the syrup through cheesecloth, tea towel, or strainer. Depending on the type of strainer you use, you may need to strain the syrup twice.
    Allow the syrup to cool, then refrigerate the syrup in a tightly closed jar for up to a month.
  • LCBinGA
    LCBinGA Posts: 102 Member
    Love this thread! Thanks for making it! Thanks for adding your fantastic tips to it!

    I've turned to skipping the flavored creamers (usually high in calories) using the Vanilla Almond Milk, and you can use 1/2 cup for 45 calories!

    Get an old salt/pepper shaker, put in 1 park granulated sugar (or substitute) and 2 parts powdered coco. Also try one with 1 part cinnimon, 1 part nutmeg, 1 part pumpkin spice. Another yum is granulated sugar or substitute and adding a little vanilla. with a fork mix it all in. Now you have vanilla sugar (need to be kept in zippy bag or sugar bowl doesn't work in shaker form (also good on tea).

    Have you ever taken a peep (marshmellow formed goodness) and placed it in your mug and then pouring the coffee over it! whaaaa-laaa instant fun and treat!!

    HOLIDAY RED CUPS are out at STARBUCK'S -- -- makes the experience all the better :bigsmile: cheers peeps!

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