8 Must-Haves for DIY Starbucks Drinks
Apr
5
2017
Hi Hungry Girl,I'm Starbucks obsessed, but I'd prefer to save cash and calories by making my own coffee drinks at home. What are some go-to products I should stock up on?
Coffee Crazy
Hi Coffee Crazy,Great idea! No need to spend tons of money on high-calorie coffee drinks when you can make your own delicious, low-calorie versions! But first, you need the right ingredients. Let's get brewin'...
Instant Coffee
When it comes to iced or blended coffee, instant coffee is a must. This way, your chilly beverage won't get watered down, which happens when you add ice cubes to hot coffee. Starbucks VIA is the best by far! (It comes in many varieties; make sure to get the calorie-free kinds.) Regular instant coffee works too, but it doesn't taste quite as amazing.
Low-Calorie Milk or Creamer
My favorite creamy coffee add-in is unsweetened vanilla almond milk like Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze. Only 30 calories for a full cup! Occasionally, I'll add Coffee-mate Sugar Free French Vanilla powdered creamer; it's not all natural, but a little goes a loooong way, and the flavor really can't be beat! If you're looking for a natural creamer (dairy or non-dairy), Coffee-mate's Natural Bliss line is terrific. Just remember to use a measuring spoon so the calories don't get out of hand.
Natural No-Calorie Sweetener
Forget sugar... There are so many all-natural sweeteners on the market that are completely calorie-free! Truvia and SweetLeaf packets are always near my coffee maker. I also keep some in my purse, for when I'm out and about. And if you prefer pure stevia, go for the liquid kind. SweetLeaf's line is great and even comes in flavors! Get it here.
Extracts
Flavored extracts are completely underrated when it comes to coffee drinks... They're easy to find and virtually calorie-free! Jazz up your java with extracts like vanilla, hazelnut, coconut, maple, and peppermint. Just don't add all at once! And use them sparingly; just a drop or two is plenty.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Make it a mocha! Chocolate and coffee go so well together, and this stuff is the perfect way to add chocolatey flavor without a lot of calories. An entire tablespoon has around 20 calories. For a more intense hit of chocolate, look for unsweetened dark cocoa powder.
Ice, Ice, Baby!
If you're a fan of iced coffee and blended java drinks, good ice is a must! I prefer crushed ice. And here's a fun trick: Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray, and you'll never have to worry about watered-down iced coffee. Yay!
Light Whipped Topping
Make an average cup of joe more festive by adding a mini mountain of whipped topping! Check out Skinny Truwhip and So Delicious Dairy Free Cocowhip Light. Both are all-natural, which I love, and they taste great.
Chew on this:
Today, April 5th, is National Deep Dish Pizza Day. Check out this Deep-Dish Pizza Egg Bake. Only 230 calories per serving!
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