Our Nutritionist's Favorite Starbucks' Breakfast Is Just $3

For some, Starbucks is a place to quickly grab a cup of Joe before heading to work or running an errand — for others, it's a daily destination to get your caffeine fix and so much more. But like many other fast-food and fast-casual restaurants, there can be sugar, fat, and sodium bombs hiding among some of the menu items that you'd think easily fit into your diet of choice. Amid the café's bakery case and grab-and-go section, there are more than a few hidden gems that remain super tasty and protein-packed — a coffee run that'll really power you through your day. Real Starbucks fans know that the café portion of the menu is so much more than just the store's gimmicky cake pops, after all.

With the help of Stefani Sassos, MS, RD, CDN, the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab's registered dietitian, we've combed over Starbucks' food menu to find the healthiest options for breakfast, lunch, and a quick snack. Hacking the food menu is a bit harder compared to ordering your favorite coffee; most of the items are pre-packaged (or frozen), so you can't change ingredients on these options to your liking. If you're on a special diet or are following a new plant-based lifestyle, be sure to check full ingredient lists on Starbucks' app or website — it'll help you find the best option that won't leave you with something you can't fully enjoy.

Below, we're sharing the best Starbucks food orders and grab-and-go items you can sample now, plus calling out any options that may work for vegetarian or vegan dieters, too. Prices vary per market, as does availability, so we're directing you to Starbucks' online ordering app to get the final scoop on which items are best for your budget and ease in your area.