Starbucks is known for its wide variety of coffee drinks, many of which can be customized to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences. One popular customization is adding flavored syrups, like caramel, to coffee drinks. For customers looking to reduce their sugar intake, Starbucks does offer sugar free syrup options, including sugar free caramel syrup.
Does Starbucks have sugar free caramel syrup?
Yes, Starbucks does offer a sugar free caramel syrup that can be added to any beverage in place of the regular, sugar-sweetened caramel syrup. The sugar free caramel syrup has no sugar and is sweetened with sucralose, an artificial sweetener also known as Splenda.
What drinks can you get with sugar free caramel syrup?
The sugar free caramel syrup can be added to any hot, iced, or blended Starbucks drink. Popular options include:
- Coffee – Add sugar free caramel syrup to brewed coffee, espresso drinks, americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, etc.
- Tea – Customize chai tea, black tea, green tea etc. with sugar free caramel syrup
- Refreshers – Stir in sugar free caramel to Very Berry Hibiscus or other Starbucks Refreshers
- Frappuccinos – Ask for sugar free caramel in any Creme, Coffee, or blended Frappuccino
- Macchiatos – Top espresso macchiatos with sugar free caramel drizzle
- Hot chocolate – Add sugar free caramel flavor to hot chocolate or steamers
The possibilities are endless! The sugar free caramel syrup can be added to any Starbucks beverage hot or cold. Feel free to get creative and customize your drink order with sugar free caramel.
How to order a drink with sugar free caramel at Starbucks
Ordering a Starbucks drink with sugar free caramel syrup is easy! Follow these steps:
- Decide what size and base drink you want – latte, Frappuccino, refresher, etc.
- When you go to order, ask for your drink to be made with sugar free caramel syrup instead of the regular caramel syrup.
- For hot drinks like lattes, specify how many pumps or shots of sugar free caramel syrup you want.
- For cold drinks, ask for sugar free caramel syrup to be added or drizzled on top.
- Don’t forget to mention sugar free! The regular caramel contains sugar.
Some examples:
- “I’ll take a grande iced coffee with 3 pumps of sugar free caramel syrup.”
- “May I get a venti Caramel Frappuccino made with sugar free caramel syrup instead of regular?”
- “Could I get a Caffe Mocha with sugar free caramel drizzle on top?”
Be sure to clearly specify you want the sugar free caramel syrup to ensure your drink is customized correctly. The staff should be familiar with modifying orders to accommodate sugar free requests.
Nutritional information on sugar free caramel syrup
Since the sugar free caramel syrup does not contain actual sugar, it has zero grams of sugar per pump or serving. For comparison, the regular Starbucks classic caramel syrup contains 20g of sugar per pump.
Some key nutrition facts on the Starbucks sugar free caramel coffee syrup:
| Serving Size | 1 pump (1/6 fl oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbs | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, the sugar free caramel syrup itself contains minimal calories and carbs, and no sugar. Keep in mind that if adding it to a Starbucks drink, the total carb, calorie, and sodium counts for the finished beverage will depend on the base drink ingredients. But choosing sugar free syrup over regular syrup can help reduce the overall sugar content.
Taste and reviews of sugar free caramel syrup
Many customers who try Starbucks’ sugar free caramel syrup say it tastes quite close to the original. The consistency is the same, and it provides that sweet, buttery, caramel flavor punch without any sugar. Some say it might have a slightly different aftertaste than regular caramel syrup. But it’s relatively subtle.
Overall reviews of the sugar free caramel syrup are generally positive. Many customers appreciate having the option to customize their drinks to be lower sugar. Here are some Starbucks sugar free caramel syrup reviews:
- “I was skeptical, but honestly could not tell a difference in taste. Added it to my usual iced coffee and it was delicious. Will order again.”
- “Almost identical to the regular version. Not quite as robust in caramel flavor, but still very satisfying.”
- “The best replacement for real caramel I’ve tried. No weird aftertaste or artificial sweetener flavors.”
- “Not bad at all. I didn’t miss the sugar and it tasted like any other Caramel Macchiato to me.”
Based on customer feedback, the Starbucks sugar free caramel syrup seems to be a hit! It provides that familiar caramel flavor so many love, without all the extra sugar.
Price of sugar free vs regular caramel syrup
Starbucks charges the same price whether you add the regular or sugar free caramel syrup to your drink. There is no upcharge for customizing your drink to include sugar free caramel instead of regular caramel.
The standard pricing for adding caramel syrup at Starbucks is:
| Drink Type | Caramel Syrup Price |
|---|---|
| Hot coffee, Tea, Americano | $.80 per pump |
| Lattes, Mochas | $.80 per pump |
| Frappuccinos | Blended in – No extra charge |
| Cappuccinos | $.80 per pump |
| Macchiatos | Drizzle included – No extra charge |
So whether you choose regular or sugar free caramel syrup, the pricing is the same. Sugar free customization does not cost extra at Starbucks.
Availability of sugar free caramel syrup
The sugar free caramel syrup should be available at most Starbucks locations in the United States. However, supply shortages or stores running out is possible. If your local Starbucks does not have the sugar free caramel syrup in stock, here are some tips:
- Ask the barista when it will be back in stock.
- Try ordering your drink with another sugar free syrup like vanilla, cinnamon dolce, etc
- Request the drink without any syrup and add your own sugar free caramel flavoring at home.
- Ask for a sugar free syrup sample so you can still sweeten your drink.
To increase chances of availability, try visiting higher traffic Starbucks locations that refill their syrup supplies most frequently. You can also confirm in advance that your neighborhood Starbucks has sugar free caramel in stock before making a special trip.
Sugar free caramel syrup vs other sugar free syrups at Starbucks
In addition to sugar free caramel, Starbucks offers several other sugar free syrup flavors. Popular options include:
- Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup
- Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup
- Sugar Free Mocha Syrup
- Sugar Free Peppermint Syrup
These can all be added to drinks in place of regular syrups to reduce sugar and calories. The sweetener used is sucralose for the entire sugar free line of syrups.
Comparing sugar free caramel and sugar free vanilla, caramel has that richer, buttery, toasted flavor. Vanilla is more straightforwardly sweet and creamy. For cinnamon, sugar free cinnamon dolce has more spice than regular cinnamon. And sugar free mocha has deep chocolate notes.
So beyond simply being sugar free, the flavors themselves vary. Choose your favorite taste profile for customizing your Starbucks beverage!
How to add your own sugar free caramel syrup at home
When sugar free caramel syrup isn’t available or you want to control the amount of sweetness, you can make your own sugar free caramel sauce at home. Here are some easy methods:
- Microwave Method: In a microwave safe container, combine 1 cup granulated sweetener like Splenda with 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons butter. Microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring until smooth, about 2 minutes total. Let cool and add vanilla extract.
- Saucepan Method: Over medium heat, melt 1 cup sweetener and 2 tablespoons butter. Once combined, let simmer 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons cream and vanilla. Let cool before drizzling.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Replace regular sweetened condensed milk with a sugar free version. Add to a saucepan with butter, cream, and spices to make your own caramel sauce.
Customize the amounts and ingredients to achieve your ideal sugar free caramel syrup. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or jar and store refrigerated up to 1 month. Enjoy adding homemade caramel flavor to Starbucks drinks or coffee at home anytime!
Sugar free caramel syrup recipe alternatives
As mentioned above in the do-it-yourself method, there are various ways to create homemade sugar free and keto friendly caramel coffee syrups. A few more recipe ideas include:
- Erythritol Caramel Sauce – Use powdered erythritol as the sweetener along with butter, cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Allulose Caramel – Make an easy microwave allulose caramel by cooking allulose, butter, and cream.
- Monkfruit Caramel – Substitute monkfruit sweetener for a natural sugar free choice.
- Stevia Caramel – Combine liquid stevia, vanilla, and butter for a liquid caramel or reduce further to make a thicker sauce.
There are many possible sugar free sweeteners like erythritol, allulose, monkfruit, and stevia that can be substituted 1:1 for sugar in caramel sauce recipes. Get creative with sugars alcohols, natural sweeteners, and keto sweetener blends tailored to your dietary preferences.
Potential side effects of sugar free caramel syrup
While the Starbucks sugar free caramel syrup can be a tasty lower calorie option, there are some potential side effects to consider:
- Gastrointestinal Issues – Sugar alcohols like sucralose may cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea when consumed in large amounts.
- Allergic Reactions – Though rare, sucralose can potentially trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Migraines – Some report migraines or headaches after consuming artificial sweeteners.
- Tooth Decay – Sugar free syrups are not truly neutral for dental health and can still contribute to cavities.
Effects can vary by individual and based on the amount of sugar free syrup consumed. Those with IBS or sucralose allergies may want to avoid sugar free caramel syrup or carefully limit intake. For most people when consumed in moderation, sugar free syrup is well tolerated. But be aware of any unwanted symptoms.
Tips for ordering sugar free drinks at Starbucks
Here are some handy tips for customizing your Starbucks drink order to be sugar free:
- Request sugar free syrup instead of regular syrups which contain 20+ grams of sugar per pump.
- Opt for sugar free syrup pumps rather than Frappuccino roast which has sugar.
- Ask for sugar free mocha sauce or no mocha drizzle on espresso drinks.
- Substitute sugar free cinnamon dolce powder instead of the regular cinnamon dolce topping.
- Get sugar free vanilla or cinnamon powders sprinkled on hot or iced coffee rather than flavored syrups.
- Try adding a splash of sugar free vanilla or caramel syrup to black cold brew for a touch of sweetness.
- Ask for less pumps of syrup if the sugar free sweetness is too intense.
Being specific with your barista and knowing your lower sugar options makes it easy to order customized Starbucks beverages. Enjoy your favorite drinks guilt-free by opting for sugar free flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sugar free caramel syrup keto friendly?
The Starbucks sugar free caramel syrup is keto friendly and can fit into a ketogenic diet when consumed in moderate amounts. There are 1g net carbs per pump, making it a solid low carb choice.
Is the sugar free caramel syrup gluten free?
Yes, Starbucks confirms their sugar free caramel syrup is gluten free, so it can be enjoyed by customers avoiding gluten.
Does sugar free syrup curdle milk?
Sometimes sugar free syrups may curdle dairy milk when added to hot coffee. Stirring vigorously can help emulsify. Non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk tend to mix better without curdling.
Does Starbucks charge extra for sugar free syrup?
No, you are not charged extra to customize your drink with sugar free instead of regular syrup at Starbucks. The pricing is the same.
Can you purchase bottled sugar free caramel syrup?
Yes, several brands sell bottled sugar free caramel coffee syrups in grocery stores. Popular options include Torani, DaVinci, and Monin. Check the ingredients for sucralose or alternative natural sweeteners.
Conclusion
Starbucks offers sugar free caramel syrup as a way to enjoy the delicious flavor without all the added sugar. The sugar free version uses sucralose so contains no sugar or carbs. Customers can add it to hot, iced, or blended drinks for that sweet, buttery caramel taste. While the flavor profile is slightly different than regular caramel syrup, many find it quite similar and satisfying. Making your own homemade sugar free caramel sauce is another option. Overall the sugar free caramel syrup provides more choices for customizing drinks to be lower sugar and accommodate dietary needs. Just be cautious of potential gastrointestinal side effects if consumed in excess. With some menu awareness and customization, Starbucks customers have many possibilities for preventing their drinks from becoming sugar bombs.
