Starbucks is one of the most recognizable coffee brands in the world, known for its variety of beverages that cater to all types of coffee lovers. Among its popular offerings is Medium Roast Iced Coffee, which provides a balanced flavor profile and a refreshing way to enjoy coffee, especially for those who prefer a less intense taste compared to dark roast options.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the nutritional content of Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee, including calorie count, caffeine content, sugar levels, and other essential facts. Additionally, we’ll explore how different customizations, such as milk and sweeteners, impact the nutritional profile.
What Is Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee?
Starbucks’ Medium Roast Iced Coffee is a chilled coffee beverage made from high-quality 100% Arabica coffee beans. These beans are roasted to a medium level, creating a smooth, well-balanced flavor that is neither too mild nor too bold. The coffee is brewed double-strength and then cooled down before being served over ice.
Starbucks offers unsweetened and sweetened versions of its Medium Roast Iced Coffee, allowing customers to adjust it to their taste preferences.
Basic Nutrition Facts of Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee
Here is a standard breakdown of the nutritional content of a grande (16 fl oz) serving of Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee, unsweetened:
- Calories: 5
- Total Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Caffeine Content: Approximately 165 mg
This version contains virtually no sugar, fat, or carbohydrates, making it a low-calorie and keto-friendly option.
However, if you opt for a sweetened Medium Roast Iced Coffee, the nutrition facts will look quite different:
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 0g
- Caffeine Content: Approximately 165 mg
The addition of classic syrup significantly increases the sugar and calorie count, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, you may want to opt for a sugar-free alternative.
Caffeine Content in Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee
Caffeine is a major factor for coffee drinkers, and Starbucks’ Medium Roast Iced Coffee contains 165 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce (grande) serving.
Here’s a quick comparison of the caffeine content in different Starbucks drinks:
- Tall (12 oz) Medium Roast Iced Coffee – 120 mg caffeine
- Grande (16 oz) Medium Roast Iced Coffee – 165 mg caffeine
- Venti (24 oz) Medium Roast Iced Coffee – 235 mg caffeine
- Trenta (30 oz) Medium Roast Iced Coffee – 280 mg caffeine
For reference, a standard cup of home-brewed coffee (8 oz) contains about 95 mg of caffeine, meaning that a grande Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee has almost double the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee.
Is this too much caffeine?
For most adults, the FDA recommends consuming no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. A grande serving of this iced coffee provides less than half of that, making it a moderate caffeine choice for most coffee drinkers. However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might want to opt for a tall or choose a decaf alternative.
How Do Add-Ins Change the Nutrition?
Starbucks allows customers to customize their Medium Roast Iced Coffee with a variety of add-ins, such as milk, sweeteners, and syrups. These modifications can significantly alter the caloric and macronutrient composition of the drink.
1. Adding Milk
Many people enjoy adding milk or cream to their iced coffee. Here’s how different milk choices affect the nutritional profile (based on a grande 16 oz serving):
| Milk Type | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk (2 oz) | 37 | 2g | 3g | 3g | 2g |
| 2% Milk (2 oz) | 25 | 1g | 2g | 2g | 2g |
| Nonfat Milk (2 oz) | 22 | 0g | 3g | 3g | 2g |
| Heavy Cream (2 oz) | 100 | 10g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Almond Milk (2 oz) | 15 | 1g | 1g | 0g | 0g |
| Oat Milk (2 oz) | 30 | 1.5g | 4g | 3g | 0.5g |
As seen above, heavy cream adds the most calories and fat, while almond milk and nonfat milk are lighter options.
2. Adding Sweeteners and Syrups
Starbucks offers various sweetener options. Here’s how they compare:
| Sweetener Type | Calories (per pump) | Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Syrup | 20 | 5g |
| Vanilla Syrup | 20 | 5g |
| Caramel Syrup | 20 | 5g |
| Hazelnut Syrup | 20 | 5g |
| Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup | 0 | 0g |
Each pump of classic syrup adds 20 calories and 5g of sugar, so a standard sweetened iced coffee with 4 pumps contains 80 calories and 20g of sugar. If you want to reduce sugar intake, opt for sugar-free vanilla syrup or stevia-based sweeteners.
3. Adding Whipped Cream or Toppings
- Whipped Cream (1 serving): +80 calories, 8g fat, 1g sugar
- Caramel Drizzle: +15 calories, 3g sugar
- Mocha Drizzle: +10 calories, 2g sugar
These additions may seem small but can significantly impact the overall calorie content of your drink.
Health Considerations
1. Is It a Good Choice for Weight Loss?
If you’re aiming for a low-calorie drink, stick with the unsweetened version. A grande unsweetened Medium Roast Iced Coffee has only 5 calories, making it an excellent choice for those on a calorie-controlled diet.
However, sweetened versions with syrups and milk can add up quickly, so opt for sugar-free or low-calorie milk options if you want to keep it light.
2. Is It Keto-Friendly?
Yes, the unsweetened Medium Roast Iced Coffee is completely keto-friendly because it contains zero carbs and sugar. If you need to add creaminess, go for heavy cream instead of milk to keep it low-carb.
3. Is It Safe for Diabetics?
The unsweetened version is diabetic-friendly since it contains no sugar. However, if you prefer a sweet taste, opt for sugar-free syrups or stevia-based sweeteners instead of classic syrup.
Conclusion
Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee is a low-calorie, refreshing, and highly customizable coffee beverage. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a lighter coffee experience while still enjoying the caffeine boost.
To keep your drink as healthy as possible, opt for the unsweetened version, use sugar-free syrups, and choose low-calorie milk options. Whether you prefer it black or with add-ins, Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee is a versatile drink that can be tailored to fit any lifestyle or dietary need.
