Skip to content

Every Starbucks Coffee Drink—Ranked by Sugar Content

Some of these Starbucks drinks have more sugar than you should consume in three days!
FACT CHECKED BY Olivia Tarantino

Starbucks is a solid choice if you need a cup of quick and delicious coffee. You can rely on there most likely always being a store somewhere near you, and although their coffee isn't up to par with that of a freshly roasted cup of coffee from a local cafe, it can get the job done. Starbucks is also a good choice for coffee drinkers who love sugary treats over a black cup of coffee, and there are over 100 different flavors and types of drinks to choose from on their menu. Sugary coffee lovers beware, though. Some of the worst Starbucks drinks have over 70 grams of sugar in one Grande size!

Treating yourself to an extra-sweet coffee from time to time is perfectly harmless, but getting in the habit of consuming sugary drinks (think coffee, soda, juice with added sugars, etc.), has been linked to potential health concerns. Research shows that regular consumption of sugary beverages can contribute to insulin resistance, gut problems, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disorders, as well as an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

To alleviate some of these potential risks, the American Heart Association suggests that women limit their consumption of added sugars to 25 grams per day (6 teaspoons or 100 calories) and that men limit their intake to 36 grams (9 teaspoons and 150 calories).

Now, going back to Starbucks. The suggested added sugar limit is between 25-36 grams in an entire day, but many Starbucks drinks far surpass that, with some of them even doubling or tripling that amount in one order. Again, this isn't to say that you can't ever enjoy your favorite coffee treat, but regular consumption of this amount of sugar may not be the best choice for your health.

To help you feel a bit more prepared when you're choosing your drink, we created a guide of every single beverage on the Starbucks menu, ranked by the amount of sugar in a Grande (16 ounces) size. We've divided the drinks into major categories (Frappuccinos, cold coffees, hot teas, etc.) and highlighted the top three most sugary drinks in each category.

Read on, and then check out the 15 Best & Worst Drinks to Order at Starbucks to get some ideas on healthier choices, too.

The Top Low-Sugar Starbucks Drinks

Frappuccinos

  • Espresso Frappuccino (42 g sugar)
  • Chai Crème (45 g sugar)
  • Coffee Frappuccino (45 g sugar)

Hot Coffees

  • Americano (0 g sugar)
  • Brewed Coffee (0 g sugar)
  • Espresso (0 g sugar)

Hot Drinks

  • Hot Chocolate (37 g sugar)
  • Chestnut Praline Steamer (41 g sugar)
  • Vanilla Creme (43 g sugar)

Cold Coffees

  • Cold Brew (0 g sugar)
  • Nitro Cold Brew (0 g sugar)
  • Iced Americano (0 g sugar)

Iced Teas

  • Iced Passion Tango Tea (0 g sugar)
  • Iced Green Tea (0 g sugar)
  • Iced Black Tea (0 g sugar)

    Refreshers

    • Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher (19 g sugar)
    • Mango Dragonfruit Refresher (19 g sugar)
    • Strawberry Acai Refresher (21 g sugar)

      Frappuccinos

      Starbucks Fraps
      Photos: Starbucks, Design: Eat This, Not That

      The trademark Starbucks Frappuccino is a blended cup of sweetness and satisfying flavors, but with all of this goodness comes a ton of added sugars. The lowest amount of sugar in a frappuccino is 42 grams in the regular Espresso Frap, which is still higher than what is recommended you get in a whole day. The most sugary option—the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino—has 65 grams.

      1. Espresso Frappuccino (42 g sugar)
      2. Chai Crème (45 g sugar)
      3. Coffee Frappuccino (45 g sugar)
      4. Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème (46 g sugar)
      5. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Crème (46 g sugar)
      6. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème (46 g sugar)
      7. Double Chocolaty Chip Crème (47 g sugar)
      8. Pumpkin Spice Crème (47 g sugar)
      9. White Chocolate Crème (49 g sugar)
      10. Mocha Frappuccino (51 g sugar)
      11. Strawberry Crème (51 g sugar)
      12. Vanilla Bean Crème (52 g sugar)
      13. Caramel Frappuccino (54 g sugar)
      14. Mocha Cookie Crumble (55 g sugar)
      15. Java Chip Frappuccino (59 g sugar)
      16. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frappuccino (60 g sugar)
      17. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino (60 g sugar)
      18. Matcha Crème (61 g sugar)
      19. White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino (61 g sugar)
      20. Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino (63 g sugar)
      21. Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino (65 g sugar)

      Here is a closer look at the two Frappuccinos that contain the most sugar—ranked from least to most.

      Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino: 63 grams

      vanilla frappuccino
      Starbucks

      You might think something as classic as vanilla would be lower on the list compared to the more complex and festive flavors offered, but the Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino comes in at 63 grams of sugar, making it the third most sugary frappuccino on the menu, tied with the Peppermint Mocha.

      Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: 65 grams

      pumpkin spice frappuccino
      Starbucks

      Pumpkin Spice is tasty enough to drink year-round, but these cheerful fall flavors unfortunately come packed with added sugars. In a 16-ounce frappuccino, you'll get 65 grams of added sugar, which is well over what the American Heart Association says we should have in a single day.

       11 Healthiest Starbucks Food Options, According to a Dietitian

      Hot Coffees

      Starbucks Hot coffees
      Photos: Starbucks, Design: Eat This, Not That

      Starbucks has more than 20 different hot coffee drinks to choose from, ranging from americanos and brewed coffee to cappuccinos and flavored lattes. You can avoid sugar entirely by choosing a black coffee or keeping your levels lower with a Caffe Misto or Flat White. But when you get into the flavored latte territory, you'll start to see shocking amounts of added sugar.

      1. Americano (0 g sugar)
      2. Brewed Coffee (0 g sugar)
      3. Espresso (0 g sugar)
      4. Espresso Con Panna (0 g sugar)
      5. Espresso Macchiato (0 g sugar)
      6. Caffè Misto (10 g sugar)
      7. Cappuccino (12 g sugar)
      8. Flat White (13 g sugar)
      9. Caffe Latte (18 g sugar)
      10. Honey Almondmilk Flat White (18 g sugar)
      11. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato (29 g sugar)
      12. Caramel Macchiato (33 g sugar)
      13. Caffè Mocha (35 g sugar)
      14. Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte (35 g sugar)
      15. Cinnamon Dolce Latte (40 g sugar)
      16. White Chocolate Mocha (46 g sugar)
      17. Pumpkin Spice (50 g sugar)

      Here is a closer look at the hot coffee that contains the most sugar:

      White Chocolate Mocha: 46 grams

      starbucks white chocolate mocha
      Starbucks

      Espresso with steamed milk and flavored syrup can be so gratifying during the cold winter months, but drinks like the White Chocolate Mocha come with so much sugar that it ends up giving you more than most people need in a matter of two days.

       11 Coffee Orders That Make Baristas Roll Their Eyes

      Hot Drinks

      Starbucks hot drinks
      Photos: Starbucks, Design: Eat This, Not That

      For the non-coffee drinkers or the people who are looking for a warm treat without caffeine, Starbucks has a selection of hot drinks like hot chocolate, steamers, and apple juice-based drinks to choose from. However, just because these drinks don't contain caffeine, doesn't make them healthier than the coffee options.

      1. Hot Chocolate (37 g sugar)
      2. Vanilla Creme (43 g sugar)
      3. Steamed Apple Juice (50 g sugar)
      4. Pumpkin Spice Creme (52 g sugar)
      5. White Hot Chocolate (48 g sugar)
      6. Caramel Apple Spice (70 g sugar)

      Here is a closer look at the two hot drinks that contain the most sugar—ranked from least to most.

      White Hot Chocolate: 48 grams

      Starbucks White Hot Chocolate
      Starbucks

      This drink has a total of four pumps of White Chocolate Mocha Sauce, bringing the sugar count up to 48 grams.

      The Highest-Sugar Hot Drink is…Caramel Apple Spice: 70 grams

      Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice
      Starbucks

      Warming up to a Caramel Apple Spice can be the best way to end a cold weather day, but this steamed apple juice with cinnamon syrup and whipped cream topped with caramel drizzle delivers 70 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce size. You can cut your sugar count a bit by ordering the Steamed Apple Juice, but even then you're still getting 50 grams per cup.

       I Tried 12 Canned Coffees & the Best Is Perfectly Frothy & Lightly Sweet

      Hot Teas

      Starbucks hot tea
      Photos: Starbucks, Design: Eat This, Not That

      Tea lovers can also find something they enjoy at Starbucks, whether that's a hot herbal, black, or green tea, or something a bit on the sweeter side like the English Breakfast Tea Latte or Chai Tea Latte. Even though these drinks contain less caffeine than most coffee drinks, the sugar in a few of these choices is way too high.

      1. Herbal Tea (0 g sugar)
      2. Black Tea (0 g sugar)
      3. Chai Tea (0 g sugar)
      4. Green Tea (0 g sugar)
      5. English Breakfast Tea Latte (21 g sugar)
      6. London Fog Tea Latte (29 g sugar)
      7. Matcha Tea Latte (32 g sugar)
      8. Chai Tea Latte (42 g sugar)

      Here is a closer look at the three hot teas that contain the most sugar—ranked from least to most.

      Matcha Tea Latte: 32 grams

      matcha
      Starbucks

      Matcha tea at its core is full of health benefits and has been linked to having powerful antioxidant effects. When you add in 32 grams of added sugar, however, you're more than likely going to be counteracting these potential benefits.

      Chai Tea Latte: 42 grams

      Chai latte
      Starbucks

      The Starbucks Chai Tea Concentrate is a delicious balance of spicy and sweet flavors, and it's many customers' go-to fall and wintertime beverage. The standard Chai Latte comes packed with 42 grams of added sugar, so if you want something on the lighter side, try ordering a Tall size with one or two fewer pumps of concentrate.

       9 Too-Bizarre Starbucks Drinks That Flopped Big Time

      Cold Coffees

      starbucks cold coffees
      Photos: Starbucks, Design: Eat This, Not That

      Starbucks has you covered on cold coffee choices as well. Options like cold brew, nitro cold brew, iced macchiatos, and iced flavored lattes can appeal to a wide range of taste buds and cool you off on a warm weather day.

      For less added sugar, stick to their plain cold brew or iced coffee, or try their Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew, which has only 4 grams of sugar compared to the 14 grams in their regular Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

      1. Iced Coffee (0 g sugar)
      2. Iced Espresso (0 g sugar)
      3. Iced Americano (0 g sugar)
      4. Nitro Cold Brew (0 g sugar)
      5. Cold Brew (0 g sugar)
      6. Cold Brew Coffee with Milk (3 g sugar)
      7. Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew (4 g sugar)
      8. Iced Flat White (11 g sugar)
      9. Iced Caffe Latte (11 g sugar)
      10. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (12 g sugar)
      11. Iced Shaken Espresso (14 g sugar)
      12. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew (14 g sugar)
      13. Iced Honey Almondmilk Flat White (17 g sugar)
      14. Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (21 g sugar)
      15. Iced Coffee with Milk (23 g sugar)
      16. Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew (26 g sugar)
      17. Iced Starbucks Blond Vanilla Latte (28 g sugar)
      18. Chocolate Cream Cold Brew (28 g sugar)
      19. Iced Caffe Mocha (30 g sugar)
      20. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (31 g sugar)
      21. Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato (34 g sugar)
      22. Iced Caramel Macchiato (34 g sugar)
      23. Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte (35 g sugar)
      24. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte (45 g sugar)
      25. Iced White Chocolate Mocha (48 g sugar)

      Here is a closer look at the cold coffee that contains the most sugar.

      The Highest-Sugar Cold Coffee is… Iced White Chocolate Mocha: 48 grams

      Starbucks Iced White Mocha
      Starbucks

      The White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks is a classic, and this flavor can be enjoyable at any time of year. Those who are looking to cool off rather than warm up may be tempted by this iced latte, but just keep in mind that there are almost 50 grams of sugar in one drink.

       7 Fast-Food Chains That Serve the Best Iced Coffee

      Iced Teas

      Starbucks iced tea
      Photos: Starbucks, Design: Eat This, Not That

      For the iced drink lovers who aren't in the mood for coffee, Starbucks has plenty of iced tea choices for you. Ranging from non-milk drinks like Iced Green Tea or Iced Black Tea to more decadent milk-based options like the Iced Pumpkin Chai Creme Latte or Iced Matcha, there's a cold drink for every taste palate.

      Just be careful of the amount of sugar in your cold tea, as these numbers sneak up faster than you may expect.

      1. Iced Black Tea (0 g sugar)
      2. Iced Green Tea (0 g sugar)
      3. Iced Passion Tango Tea (0 g sugar)
      4. Iced Black Tea Lemonade (11 g sugar)
      5. Iced Green Tea Lemonade (11 g sugar)
      6. Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade (11 g sugar)
      7. Iced Peach Green Tea (12 g sugar)
      8. Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade (18 g sugar)
      9. Iced English Breakfast Tea Latte (25 g sugar)
      10. Iced London Fog Tea Latte (26 g sugar)
      11. Iced Matcha Lemonade (27 g sugar)
      12. Iced Matcha Tea Latte (28 g sugar)
      13. Iced Chai Tea Latte (42 g sugar)
      14. Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (66 g sugar)

      Here is a closer look at the two iced teas that contain the most sugar—ranked from least to most.

      Iced Chai Tea Latte: 42 grams

      iced chai latte
      Starbucks

      Exactly like the hot version but over ice, the Starbucks Chai is a fan favorite during this time of year and one that can satisfy your craving for both spicy and sweet. The major downside of this drink is the 42 grams of sugar, making it the third most sugary of the iced tea options.

      The Highest-Sugar Iced Tea is… the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte: 66 grams

      iced pumpkin cream chai
      Starbucks

      Let's face it, there isn't much on the Starbucks menu that sounds tastier than a Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, especially during this time of year. But with over 65 grams of added sugar, you'll possibly want to save this one for a very special occasion.

       7 Unhealthiest Fast-Food Coffees To Stay Away From Right Now

      Refreshers

      starbucks cold drinks
      Photos: Starbucks, Design: Eat This, Not That

      Last but not least, if you're in the mood for a thirst-quenching cold beverage that isn't tea or coffee, you can choose from Starbucks' list of refreshers and blended drink options.

      1. Oleato Cafe Latte with Oatmilk (6 g sugar)
      2. Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher (19 g sugar)
      3. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher (19 g sugar)
      4. Strawberry Acai Refresher (21 g sugar)
      5. Paradise Drink Refresher (23 g sugar)
      6. Dragon Drink Refresher (23 g sugar)
      7. Pink Drink Refresher (25 g sugar)
      8. Cold Milk (25 g sugar)
      9. Lemonade (27 g sugar)
      10. Dragon Drink Refresher with Oleato Golden Foam (29 g sugar)
      11. Paradise Drink Refresher with Oleato Golden Foam (29 g sugar)
      12. Iced Matcha Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam (29 g sugar)
      13. Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Refresher (30 g sugar)
      14. Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher (31 g sugar)
      15. Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher (32 g sugar)
      16. Frozen Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Refresher (33 g sugar)
      17. Frozen Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher (33 g sugar)
      18. Frozen Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher (35 g sugar)
      19. Blended Strawberry Lemonade (45 g sugar)
      20. Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam (51 g sugar)

      Here is a closer look at the five Refreshers that contain the most sugar—ranked from least to most.

      Tie: Frozen Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Refresher: 33 grams

      frozen pineapple passionfruit
      Starbucks

      Pineapple blended with passionfruit and lemonade is so refreshing, but this combination of lemonade and fruit puree brings this drink to 33 grams of sugar, which is around the amount suggested for your whole day.

      Tie: Frozen Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher: 33 grams

      Frozen mango dragonfruit
      Starbucks

      The Frozen Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher is the same deal as the Pineapple Passionfruit one. Because it's a blend of lemonade and puree, the sugar count is really high, so keep this one as an every-now-and-then treat on a hot day.

      Frozen Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher: 35 grams

      frozen acai lemonade
      Starbucks

      This frozen refresher is two grams higher in sugar than the other choices, making it the second highest in the cold drink category. Just like the others, you don't have to eliminate it from your diet completely, but 35 grams of added sugar in one beverage means you're getting a day's worth in one sitting.

      Blended Strawberry Lemonade: 45 grams

      frozen strawberry lemonade
      Shutterstock

      It's surprising to see something as simple as the Blended Strawberry Lemonade have more sugar than all of the fancy frozen refreshers, but at 45 grams in a Grande size, this frozen lemonade drink tops our list of sugary cold drinks.

      The Highest-Sugar Oleato is… the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam: 51 grams

      Oleato chai
      Starbucks

      Many of the other Oleato drinks at Starbucks come packed with added sugars, but nothing beats the 51 grams you'll find in the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam.

       10 Unhealthiest Panera Menu Items

      This story has been updated to include additional entries, fact-checking, and copy-editing.

      Samantha Boesch
      Samantha was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and now works as a writer in Brooklyn, NY. Read more about Samantha
      Sources referenced in this article
      1. Source:
      2. Source:
      3. Source:
      4. Source: