Lower Calorie Starbucks Copy Cat Recipes
Hi all! Coach Stefanie here! Like many, I adore Starbucks and its array of fancy drinks. However, my wallet and waistline aren’t as thrilled about my indulgences. To save money and control what I consume, I’ve started making my favorite Starbucks-style drinks at home. Today, I’m sharing some of my top recipes with you. Each one offers a different technique and flavor profile, allowing for customization based on personal preferences.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- An espresso maker or a Keurig with espresso coffee grounds.
- Sugar-free syrups (like the skinny mixes) or any other brand.
- A milk frother wand (optional).
- A blender (optional).
Protein Coffee Recipe (replaces Iced Caramel Macchiato):
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso (or 4 oz strong brewed coffee)
- 1 Premier Protein Caramel Shake
- 1+ cup of ice
Instructions:
- Prepare your espresso or coffee and pour it over ice.
- Add the Premier Protein shake and stir.
Additional options: Feel free to use other types of protein shakes and flavors based on your taste.
Caramel Latte (replaces Caramel Macchiato, Caramel Brulee Latte):
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso (or 4 oz strong brewed coffee)
- 6ish pumps sugar-free Caramel syrup
- 3/4c low/non-fat or non-dairy milk of your choice
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee and pour it into a cup.
- Add the syrup.
- Top with frothed milk.
Additional Options: Experiment with different syrup flavors for a variety of drinks.
This drink is ideal for chilly days and incredibly versatile. By swapping out the syrup flavor, you can create an endless variety of drinks. For example, you can make a pumpkin spice latte using pumpkin spice syrup or a mocha using mocha or chocolate syrup. This recipe is my go-to, and the amount of syrup needed can vary depending on the flavor intensity.
Frozen Caramel Latte (replaces Caramel Frappuccino):
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso (or 4oz strong brewed coffee)
- 6ish pumps of sugar-free caramel syrup
- 1 cup ice
- ¼ package sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
- ¾ cup non-fat or non-dairy milk of your choice
- 1 tbsp Smuckers sugar-free caramel topping
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee and let it cool.
- Blend all ingredients except the caramel topping until smooth.
- Use the caramel topping to create ribbons along the sides of the cup.
- Pour the mixture into the cup and top with extra caramel topping.
Additional Options: Experiment with different pudding mix flavors for unique twists.
The sugar-free pudding powder is the secret ingredient that helps blend everything smoothly. You can switch it up by using butterscotch for a blend with caramel flavor, or experiment with different flavors and syrup combinations. For an extra indulgence, create caramel ribbons in the drink using caramel topping, adding to its original charm.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Latte (replaces Iced mocha with strawberry cold foam):
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso (or 4 oz strong brewed coffee)
- 4 pumps of sugar-free syrup in mocha, chocolate, or white chocolate flavor
- 2 tbsp fat-free half and half
- 6 tbsp pureed strawberries
- ¾ cup low/non-fat or non-dairy milk
- ½ cup ice
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee and combine it with the chocolate syrup, then pour over ice.
- Add your milk of choice.
- In a separate container, combine the fat-free half and half and pureed strawberries, then froth the mixture.
- Top your iced coffee with the frothed mixture.
Additional Options: Create a variety of cold foam flavors by experimenting with different syrups and milk options.
This recipe features the popular sweet cream cold foam, made by combining whipping cream, milk, and vanilla syrup. For a lighter version, I use fat-free half and half with my chosen syrup. In this case, I add strawberry puree instead of syrup for a unique twist. By using fat-free half and half and syrup, you can customize your cold foam for any iced coffee. Adding extra milk can improve the foam’s texture. With various flavor options for both the foam and the iced coffee, the possibilities are endless! I suggest savoring this drink without a straw to fully enjoy the blend of cold foam and coffee.
These recipes offer a cost-effective and customizable way to enjoy your favorite Starbucks-style drinks at home. Do any of these strike your fancy? Cheers to indulging without breaking the bank or your belt!
Happy Tracking!