I recently tried Starbucks’ new Autumn inspired drink - the Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato. The Grande size of this  apple-cinnamon flavored drink is made with 3 pumps of apple and brown sugar syrup, 2% milk, 2 shots of espresso, and topped with a spiced apple drizzle. Depending on your choice of size, the drink contains between 210-380 calories and 36-61 grams of sugar. 

From a nutrition standpoint, that’s more of a dessert than a morning coffee drink. 

If you’re an avid Starbucks’ drinker but looking for ways to limit your caloric, fat and sugar intake, here's how to order a bariatric-friendly version of the Apple Crisp Macchiato.

Order your drink with almond milk instead of 2% milk

Order a Grande iced apple crisp macchiato but instead of the 2% milk ask for almond milk. Almond milk is significantly lower in calories than 2% milk and contains more heart healthy fats (from almonds) than dairy milk. 

Ask for 1 pump of apple brown sugar syrup instead of 3

Starbucks traditionally adds 3 pumps of the sweetened, flavored syrup to a Grande sized drink. Each pump contains 20 calories and 5g of sugar. By lowering the pumps to 1, you can still enjoy the flavor with ⅓ of the calories and sugar. 

Choose cinnamon powder instead of spiced apple drizzle

This drink also contains some spiced apple drizzle in the traditional version. This will add even more calories and sugar to your drink. For a calorie-free option, substitute for cinnamon powder.

With the bariatric-friendly version, you’ll still fill your cup with delicious Fall flavors without having to feel guilty about the calories, fat and added sugar. Let me know what you think.