Healthy Alternatives to Fall Favorites at Starbucks!

Hi guys! Fall is (if not everyone’s), my personal favorite season of the Starbucks, menu! Something about holding an autumn themed beverage while wearing sweaters makes me feel so happy and excited for the changing seasons! Starbucks has many ICONIC fall drinks like the pumpkin chai and PSL, but let's admit that they are filled with added sugar and may not be the best for your body...Today I have crafted yummy but healthier alternatives to all our fall favorites from Starbucks, so we can all enjoy the new season but also be mindful about nutrition. You can get most of these hot or iced. Check out my suggestions for health-friendly versions of these drinks!

1. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

How to order:

- Ask for a grande cold foam cold brew

- 1 pump of pumpkin sauce in the cold foam

- 2 pumps sugar free vanilla in the cold brew

- Splash of any milk

This version eliminates the sugar from the regular vanilla syrup and pumpkin cold foam by substituting SF vanilla syrup and removing 2 pumps of pumpkin sauce.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte

How to order:

- Ask for a grande iced/hot latte - No classic syrup

- No whip - 2 pump pumpkin sauce - 3 pumps of sugar free vanilla syrup - Extra pumpkin spice topping - Sub for oat/almond milk

This version reduces the extra sugar that packs in the original with 4 pumps of pumpkin, whipped cream, and extra vanilla syrup. In addition, it can be made DF with a sub for oat or almond milk.

3. Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

How to order:

- Ask for a grande shaken espresso with no classic

- Substitute regular milk for almond milk

- 2 pumps brown sugar syrup

- 1 pump apple brown sugar syrup

- Cinnamon powder on top

- (optional replace regular espresso with blonde espresso)

This version mainly targets the added sugar from classic syrup and brown sugar syrup. In addition, the decrease in apple brown sugar syrup actually enhances the coffee flavor more and reduces the overpowering apple taste.

4. Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte

How to order:

- Ask for a grande iced chai tea latte

- Sub for almond milk

- 2 pumps of sugar free vanilla syrup

- 1 pump of chai

- Regular cold foam with 1 pump of pumpkin sauce

- Add cinnamon powder

This version eliminates the added sugar from the chai syrup and pumpkin cream cold foam. The 1 pump of pumpkin instead allows for a less overbearing sweetened taste of pumpkin and more room for the chai taste!

5. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato

How to order:

- Ask for either a grande cold brew or grande americano depending if you want hot or iced

- Add a light splash of oatmilk

- Light spiced apple drizzle

- 2 pumps apple brown sugar syrup

- 1 pump sugar free vanilla syrup

- 1 scoop of vanilla bean powder

This version may seem way different than the macchiato, but it tastes the exact same with less sugar! Subbing for a cold brew or an americano reduces the extra milk, but adding vanilla bean powder creates the creamy taste of the drink. In addition, the reduction in apple brown sugar syrup and drizzle cuts the over-sweetness of the coffee.

As Fall has officially begun, we must walk around with a seasonal Starbucks drink at all times. I hope that these healthy alternatives to fall fan favorites help you be mindful of wellness while enjoying the featured menu!