Not ready to see Starbucks’ limited holiday drinks go back into hibernation? Good news, Starbucks is extending the winter cheer with the release of their new winter Starbucks menu. Bringing back the fan-favorite Pistachio flavor (available in both hot and cold coffee beverages) along with brand-new menu items (including breakfast items and bites), get ready to welcome 2024 with warmth and comfort. And if you’re looking to kick off the new year on a healthier note, you can still enjoy these tasty Starbucks Winter Menu items by calling on a few simple swaps when crafting your order.
Ahead, what’s on the menu. Plus, tips on how to make your order healthier and how Starbucks is going sustainable!
RELATED: The Healthiest Things You Can Order at Starbucks
Starbucks’ Winter Menu: Healthy Ordering Tips!
Pistachio Latte
The beloved Pistachio latte is back, but not for long! So if you want to enjoy it in a healthier way, here’s how. Without modifications, a tall-sized Pistachio latte is made with espresso, 2% milk, pistachio sauce, and a salted brown sugar cookie topping.
It contains 230 calories and 33 grams of sugar — a whopping number, considering that men should consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day and women no more than 25 grams. So where is all the sugar coming from? While naturally present in whole dairy milk, the two sneaky sugar sources to be mindful of are the pistachio sauce and brown butter cookie topping!
Keeping this in mind, here’s how to make your order healthier:
- Swap whole milk for an unsweetened dairy-free base, like almond milk
- Skip the salted brown sugar cookie topping (add a sprinkle of cinnamon, instead!)
- To lower the sugar, ask for 1 or 2 pumps of pistachio sauce instead of 3
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
For all you cold coffee drinkers, don’t worry — Starbucks didn’t forget about you! Adding to the limited-edition holiday cold foam lineup is the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, which is made with sweetened cold brew, creamy pistachio cold foam, and a pinch of brown butter sprinkles.
A tall-sized order contains 210 calories and 25 grams of sugar — a slightly healthier alternative to the hot Pistachio latte. However, there are still ways to make your order healthier!
- Skip the vanilla syrup pump, and opt for unsweetened cold brew
- Order your drink without the sugar cookie topping, and add a sprinkle of pure cacao powder or cinnamon instead
- Ask for light pistachio cream cold foam for a lightened-up option
Iced Hazelnut Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
The newest addition to the iced shaken espresso family is this new winter Hazelnut Oat milk flavor! Made with blonde espresso roast, hazelnut syrup, and oat milk for a cold and creamy winter beverage. Not only is it a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option, but of all the new drink options, it’s also the healthiest item on the new menu without modifications.
A tall-sized order contains just 100 calories and 8 grams of sugar. However, ordering a grande or venti will double or triple the sugar content, respectively. To keep your order healthier, consider the following options:
- If ordering unmodified, opt for a tall-sized beverage
- For a larger-sized drink, lower the sugar by asking for only 1 pump of hazelnut syrup
- Want to swap the oat milk? Keep it dairy-free with an unsweetened, lower-calorie alternative like almond milk
Potato, Cheddar & Chive Bakes
Looking for a quick breakfast option? Give these new protein-packed baked eggs a try. Made with ingredients like potatoes, cage-free eggs, cottage cheese, and spinach, it’s a better-for-you choice for those who can tolerate eggs and dairy. One piece contains 210 calories, 12 grams of protein, and just 2 grams of sugar. Plus, it’s a lower-carb option compared to other Starbucks egg breakfast recipes, like egg sandwiches.
While you can’t modify the breakfast bake (considering it’s premade), you can still make your order healthier by adding a few nutritious additions! Order a side of avocado spread to maintain satiety and increase your healthy fats, or pair a slice of this egg bake with a protein box that contains fresh fruit and added lean protein.
Chicken, Maple Butter & Egg Sandwich
Speaking of egg sandwiches, there’s a new winter menu item — the Chicken, Maple Butter & Egg Sandwich. Though high in protein (with 17 grams per serving), this winter menu addition is on the indulgent side. Unmodified, it contains 42 grams of carbs, 24 grams of fat, 1040 grams of sodium, and 6 grams of sugar. Some of the culprits contributing to the not-so-healthy nutrient label are the oat biscuit roll, the maple butter spread, and flour breading. Based on the ingredients and nutrition label, you’re better off opting for a different breakfast sandwich option if you’re looking to prioritize your health (like the Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich or the Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap).
However, there are still ways to make your order healthier if you want to give this item a try! Here are some tips:
- To lower the carbs and calories, remove the oat biscuit roll and enjoy without a bun
- Slice the chicken breast into pieces and remove the breading
- Rather than the maple butter spread, enjoy plain or order the avocado spread as a dipping sauce
A Sustainable Swap: From Red Cups to Reusable Cups!
Equally as exciting as these yummy new Starbucks winter menu additions is Starbucks’ commitment to sustainability. Upholding their promise to reduce waste by 50% by 2030, Starbucks is introducing an exciting new policy: Bring your own cup! Paving the way for a more sustainable future, the coffee chain will be the first national retailer to welcome reusable cups (including for both mobile and drive-thru orders) — a HUGE shift, considering the tens of millions of customers that frequent Starbucks on a daily basis.
Order A Cup Of Winter Cheer From Starbucks
As the largest coffee company chain in the world with a loyal fan base in the millions, Starbucks has become a daily ritual for many. While there’s a good chance you already have a go-to Starbucks order, these new winter menu items may entice you to try something new! Using these healthy ordering tips (like opting for smaller sizes, choosing better-for-you milk alternatives, and customizing sweetness levels) you can enjoy something indulgent without guilt. It’s all about mindfulness, balance, and moderation! So, bring your own cup and head to your nearest Starbucks location. Cheers to a warm and comforting winter!
