I Love Starbucks, But I Avoid These 7 Menu Items

When it comes to your morning or afternoon coffee, everyone has their preference, whether it is completely black or loaded with syrup and sugar. However, one thing is certain: Starbucks is undoubtedly the number one coffee chain in the United States.

Starbucks reigns as the number one chain, both in terms of revenue and the number of locations. Many would say that Starbucks has something for everyone — from seasonal beverages to cold brews to food options. Even if you don't like coffee, Starbucks has many teas, refreshers, and other drinks you can enjoy. Even still, not every item on the menu is worth ordering.

The drinks we've included on this list simply don't make the cut like the chain's more popular and delicious items. These are the items at Starbucks you should think twice about.

This post was updated in February 2026 to include updated information about Starbucks menu items.

In late September 2025, Starbucks launched a new line of protein drinks, including the Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte. There have been mixed reviews about the different options, but if you're looking for something a little healthier, it's important to pay attention to the nutrition facts. The Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte may seem appetizing, but it has 390 calories per grande serving, which means you're better off getting the 26 grams of protein elsewhere.

If you're looking for that extra boost of protein, try the Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte instead. The consensus on the new protein drinks is that they're much better iced, and it may lead to a weird consistency if you order the drink hot. Compared to the Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte, this option has only 200 calories, and since it's made with sugar-free syrup, it contains 0 grams of added sugar in a grande.

The glazed donuts from Starbucks are a mixed bag. Some customers love them, but to others, they aren't worth eating. One Redditor called it a 'step up from a school donut.' Meaning the freshness just wasn't there, and the aftertaste left something to be desired.

If you are craving something sweet from Starbucks that isn't in the form of a drink, try their iced lemon pound cake. Customers rave about it being the best lemon cake they have ever tasted. The cake is moist and lemony, making every bite worth it.

In theory, the protein boxes sound like a good idea. However, the quality of these boxes has gone down in recent years. Additionally, they are marketed as healthy, but many of them are still pretty processed. Not to mention you aren't really getting your money's worth.

However, if you are looking for a good source of protein from your favorite Starbucks location, try the classic whole-grain oatmeal. While it contains about 5 grams of protein per serving, it is a wholesome and customizable option, not to mention it is more delicious than the protein boxes.

Taking the distinct flavor of chai tea and adding in the overwhelming sweetness of a Frappuccino can either be a genius move or a recipe for disaster. In this case, it is the latter. These drinks don't have enough of the spice you expect from Chai, and they tend to be extremely sweet and concentrated. It's better to just pass on these.

If you are craving sweetness, one of the more popular Starbucks menu items to try is the iced caramel macchiato. It combines just enough milk, caramel sweetness, and espresso to give you a pick-me-up.

The Coffee Frappuccino is a strong mixture of sweet Frappuccino flavor and rich coffee taste. This can be a bit overwhelming for those who aren't used to strong flavors. The espresso flavoring, though, is said to be diluted, and the smell of this drink is hard for some customers to get past.

If you love Frappuccinos but aren't feeling the espresso flavor, give the mocha Frappuccino a try. The chocolatey taste adds to the already sweet and condensed drink and can be exactly what one needs to satisfy that sweet tooth.

The Starbucks breakfast wraps are labeled as some of the worst foods to buy at this chain. Some state that for what the wraps cost, the flavor is sorely lacking. The potatoes are not always cooked all the way, and it feels like there are just so many potatoes, making it hard to eat.

If you want something delicious in the morning and healthier for you, try the spinach and feta wrap. While it is still high in sodium (approximately 830 mg per serving), this wrap is considered one of the chain's healthier food options. The spinach and feta wrap can be a great way to get your protein and some carbs to help you kickstart your day.

Sometimes there's nothing we need more than your run-of-the-mill classic comfort foods. Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food; however, the grilled cheese on sourdough at Starbucks just isn't where it's at. While it can be a toss-up, many customers agree that you just never know whether or not it will be good. At some locations, the half-melted cheese in the middle really ruins the meal.

If you're looking for a quick lunch at Starbucks, try the Tomato & Mozzarella on Focaccia instead. This sandwich has roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, and basil pesto, and is made on toasted focaccia. It has more flavor than the grilled cheese and includes 15 grams of protein.

Starbucks has grown to become one of the most popular coffee chains in the United States and the world. But it doesn't just sell coffee. There are so many different options available here that it can be confusing what to order.

Whether it's because of the lack of nutrition, unappetizing flavor, or excessive sweetness, you may want to think twice before ordering these Starbucks menu items. Instead, try items like the lemon pound cake or the iced caramel macchiato. After all, they are popular for a reason. (Read: Dunkin’ Has Great Donuts, But These 8 Alternatives Are Better.)