Your WW Guide to Starbucks Drinks (and How They Fare at Dutch Bros and Dunkin’) 

Are you a coffee enthusiast trying to navigate the tempting world of Starbucks while sticking to your Weight Watchers plan? Fear not! Our guide is here to help you lower the points on your favorite Starbucks drinks or any coffee stand drinks without derailing your wellness journey. We’ll even spill the beans on how these hacks fare at Dutch Bros and Dunkin’! 

Navigating the menu at popular coffee shops like Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and Dunkin’ can be a delightful but daunting task for those on the Weight Watchers journey. With many tempting options, many of which are high in points, finding WW-friendly drinks often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

However, the joy of savoring a delicious coffee shouldn’t be off-limits. Weight Watchers is all about balance and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy life’s little pleasures, like your favorite coffee, without veering off your wellness path. Our guide aims to show you how you can relish these moments while staying true to your WW goals. 

A Note From Jenny

When starting any healthy lifestyle, consult a doctor to address any personal health concerns. Some things can only be addressed medically and by a professional. Blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and hormones checked at a physical before starting and at least once a year, as these all can affect an active lifestyle.

With so many different programs, such as Weight Watchers, Keto, and macros, it can be hard to know what to pick. (If you’re interested in Weight Watchers, you can sign up -> here and sign up for $10/month for 10 months.)

I personally use the app Myfitnesspal to track my food.  I use macros and focus on High Protein (calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates) and rotate through cuts and maintenance calories. (Use a calculator like this -> here)  . I did WW for years, but now that I am more maintenance, with cuts throughout the year, and focusing on mobility with strength training. There is no right or wrong answer, as all bodies are different.

Understanding Starbucks’ Menu Through A WW Lens 

At Starbucks, several common ingredients can skyrocket the point values of drinks. Heavy hitters include whole milk, whipped cream, and flavored syrups like classic, vanilla, or caramel. Even seemingly innocent add-ons like sweetened whipped toppings or a drizzle of caramel can add significant points. Being mindful of these ingredients is crucial in making smarter choices that align with your WW plan. 

Low Point Options At Starbucks 

For those on Weight Watchers, finding low-point drinks at Starbucks doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. Here’s a curated list of WW-friendly options that will keep your taste buds happy and your points low.

Americano (Hot or Iced): With almost zero points, this classic is simply espresso and water. Add a splash of non-fat milk or any of the sugar-free syrups for a flavorful twist without significantly increasing the point count. 

Caffe Latte with Non-Fat Milk – A small size with non-fat milk can be a low-point choice for those who prefer a creamier coffee. 

Teavana Shaken Iced Tea (Unsweetened) – Zero points and super refreshing; choose from green, black, or herbal tea options. 

Skinny Vanilla Latte – This is a popular low-point option made with non-fat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup. 

Cold Brew Coffee – Enjoy it black or with a splash of almond milk for a minimal point addition. 

Seasonal WW-friendly Options:

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Modified) – Order with non-fat milk, no whipped cream, and half the pumpkin spice sauce; finish the drink with cinnamon on top for more flavor. 

Peppermint Mocha (Modified) – Opt for non-fat milk, no whipped cream, and sugar-free mocha syrup if available. 

Remember, customization is key at Starbucks. You can adjust most drinks’ milk, syrups, and toppings to suit your WW plan. These low-point options ensure you can still enjoy the unique Starbucks experience without straying from your wellness journey. 

WW Substitutions At Any Coffee Shop 

Making smart substitutions is the secret to enjoying coffee shop drinks on Weight Watchers. Whether you’re at Starbucks, Dutch Bros, Dunkin’, your local café , or at home, these swaps can help you save points without sacrificing flavor: 

Milk Options: Opt for almond, skim, or coconut milk instead of whole milk or cream. These alternatives are lower in points and can significantly reduce the calorie content of your drink. 

Sugar-Free Syrup Flavors: Many coffee shops offer sugar-free versions of popular syrup flavors like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. These can add sweetness and flavor without the extra points associated with regular syrups. 

Reducing Syrup Pumps and Other Sweeteners: If you can’t resist a flavored drink, request fewer syrup pumps than the standard recipe. This small change can drastically cut down on sugar and points. Also, use natural sweeteners like stevia, which typically don’t count for points, instead of sugar or honey. 

Choosing Smaller Sizes for Indulgent Drinks: When craving something more indulgent, like a frappuccino or a flavored latte, go for the smallest size available. This reduces the overall point value and helps with portion control. 

Customizing Popular Starbucks Orders for WW 

• Examples of popular Starbucks drinks (e.g., Caramel Macchiato, Pumpkin Spice Latte) and how to modify them for lower points. 
• Tips on how to order these modifications clearly and confidently. 

Unique Low-Point Options At Dutch Bros and Dunkin’ 

Exploring other popular coffee chains like Dutch Bros and Dunkin’, you’ll find that they also offer some unique low-point options that are perfect for those following the Weight Watchers program. Here’s a highlight of some of these choices: 

Dutch Bros

Dutch Bros Cold Brew: Enjoy it black or with a splash of non-fat milk for a refreshing, almost zero-point drink. 

Sugar-Free Torani Flavored Syrups: Dutch Bros offers a variety of sugar-free syrups. Try a sugar-free vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut in your coffee for flavor without the added points. 

Tea Options: Opt for a plain black or green tea, both of which are zero points. If you prefer something flavored, ask for a sugar-free syrup. 

Dunkin’ low point options 

Americano: A zero-point classic, this is a great choice for those who love their coffee strong and black. 

Iced Coffee with Skim Milk: Add a splash of skim milk to your iced coffee for minimal point addition. Avoid adding sugar or flavored syrups. 

Flavored Hot Tea: A zero-point option, Dunkin’s hot teas come in several flavors and don’t require any additional sweetening. 

Dunkin’ Refreshers: Choose the unsweetened version or ask for less sweetener to enjoy this fruity, refreshing beverage with fewer points. 

While Dutch Bros and Dunkin’ might not have as extensive a range of low-point options as Starbucks, they still offer plenty of choices for those following the Weight Watchers program. Remember, the key to enjoying coffee shop visits on WW is to customize your order to fit your plan. 

Remember, your journey with Weight Watchers is about finding balance and flexibility, not about restriction and denial. You can absolutely enjoy your favorite coffee shop visits without any guilt. With the right knowledge and a few smart choices, you can savor every sip of your preferred beverage while staying aligned with your WW goals. Share your personal favorite WW-friendly coffee shop hacks and experiences in the comments below.  

Proffee Recipes

Now, I love to use the Pure Protein Ready to Drink shakes as they are only 1 Weight Watchers point, and Premier Protein Ready to Drink shakes are 3 WW Points. (I have a whole guide on Proffees-> here! )

• Snickerdoodles Latte With Protein
• Skinny Nutella Mocha
• Skinny Peppermint Mocha Shake
• Churro Latte With Protein
• Blueberry Muffin Latte With Protein
• Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Skinny Mocha Latte

Weight Watchers Recipes And Tips

Are you looking for Zero-Point food ideas? Check out this list of all the Zero Weight Watchers points foods here.

Right now, you can head on over -> here and sign up for $10/month for 10 months + the first month is FREE with code RESULTS10!

These are easy Weight Watchers recipes made in my kitchen; most are kid-approved. Click on the name to be taken to them.

Recipes: Weight Watchers Instant Pot Recipes, Delicious Low Point Soups, WW Dinners For The Family, Weight Watchers Air Fryer Recipes, WW Dessert Recipes, WW Pumpkin Recipes, WW Brownie Recipes, WW Casserole Recipes, Weight Watcher Muffins, WW Breakfast Recipes, Weight Watchers Pizzas, Weight Watchers Grilling, WW Chicken Dinners

Shopping Guides: Best Weight Watchers Cereals, Best Weight Watchers Tortillas, Best Store-Bought Weight Watchers Salad Dressings, Coffee Creamers, Pure Protein and Weight Watchers, Best Bread For Weight Watchers, Best Protein Bars for Weight Watchers, Ordering Coffee at Coffee Stands Guide, The Best Homeworkout Equipment, Best Protein Shakes and Powders, Best Ice Cream on Weight Watchers, Best Zero Point Mixers