Navigating Starbucks with Gestational Diabetes: Quick Tips for Smart Orders
#1 Opt for Low-Carb Milk Options
When ordering your drink, choose unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk (if available without added sugars), or heavy cream. These options are lower in carbs compared to regular milk.
#2 Choose Sugar-Free Syrups or Sweeteners
If you like your coffee sweetened, ask for sugar-free vanilla syrup or use a zero-calorie sweetener such as splenda or stevia in the raw. This allows you to enjoy the sweetness without the added carbs.
#3 Go Easy on Flavored Syrups
If you prefer flavored syrups with sugar, such as caramel or mocha, consider reducing the number of pumps added to your drink. Each pump of flavored syrup typically adds around 5g of carbs, so limiting the pumps can help keep your carb intake in check.
#4 Be Mindful of Whipped Cream + Other Add-Ins
While whipped cream adds a deliciously creamy touch to your drink, it also adds carbs. For hot drinks, whipped cream usually contains 1-2g of carbs, while cold drinks can have 2-3g. If you choose to indulge in whipped cream, factor in these carbs when planning your overall meal.
Cold foam will add an additional 5-7g of carbs, depending on the size of your drink.
Also, keep in mind that every added drizzle contributes carbs: mocha drizzle adds 1g, and caramel drizzle adds 2g.
Remember, the key to managing gestational diabetes is balance and moderation. By making informed choices and being mindful of your carb intake, you might still enjoy your favorite Starbucks drink with a slight modification. It may not be exactly the same, but having a close alternative beats craving. Cheers to smart ordering and delicious sips at Starbucks!