When it comes to a Starbucks coffee, it’s hard to resist the temptation of delicious, high-calorie choices. But does a regular Starbucks coffee contain significant calorific content? And how does the calorie count for a tall Starbucks coffee compare to that of other types of coffees? Let’s take a look.
A tall Starbucks coffee contains more calories than an equivalent mug of regular filter coffee, with a difference of between 0 to 25 calories depending on the type of milk added. For example, a tall brewed coffee with skimmed milk contains around 4 calories, while a latte with either full-fat, semi-skimmed or non-fat milk will contain around 60 calories.
However, the calorie count of a tall Starbucks coffee may get complicated with the advent of flavorings. A tall latte with caramel or toffee nut syrup added will contain around 100 calories. Additions such as peppermint and mocha syrups can result in a tall Starbucks coffee having up to 130 calories.
When it comes to frappuccinos and iced coffees, the number of calories can be significantly higher. A tall Vanilla Frappuccino can range from 170 to 240 calories, depending on the syrup added. And an iced Americano (expresso with cold water) can range from as little as 0 calories for unsweetened to 170 for a mocha version.
For those watching out for their calorie intake, there are lower calorie alternatives available at Starbucks. Nonfat and somewhat reduced-calorie drinks such as cappuccinos, cold brews and simple iced coffees add up to fewer calories than their flavoured counterparts. And drinks such as a tall cold brew with non-fat milk work out at around 10 calories – much lower than other types of coffee.
Of course, caffeine contains no calories and its effects may last up to six hours, so there is a definite advantage to opting for a seemingly calorific, yet potent tall Starbucks coffee instead of multiple cups of low-calorie or regular filter coffee. But as always, it’s up to individuals to decide what kind of coffee suits them best.
Sugar Content
Most tall Starbucks coffees contain around 7g of added sugar. This may not sound like much, but the recommended daily maximum is 30g, making that 7g of added sugar around a quarter of the daily allowance. Added sugar can raise the number of calories in a coffee significantly.
Those watching out for their sugar intake should go for sugar-free syrups such as sugar-free vanilla or sugar-free hazelnut. They are often flavored with stevia or other sweeteners with fewer calories than sugar.
For a tall latte with sugar-free syrup, the calorie count is approximately 30 and the sugar count is zero. With regular syrups, such as classic, caramel or hazelnut, the calorie count reaches up to 100 and the sugar count can be 7g or more.
Furthermore, extra shots of espresso can bump up the calorie and sugar content of a tall coffee considerably. An espresso shot contains around 5 calories, but when paired with sugar-filled syrups the calorie count can quickly add up.
Low-Calorie Coffees
When it comes to low-calorie coffees, there is a wide selection of options available at Starbucks. Tall unsweetened iced coffee is an excellent choice as it contains no sugar or calories, so visitors can add their own sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar. They also have Cappuccino Light Frappuccino, which contains only 60 calories.
In addition to this, Starbucks also offer an array of dairy-free milks that can help reduce the calorie content of a tall coffee. Non-dairy milks such as coconut, soya, and almond provide lower calorie alternatives without compromising flavors.
Moreover, low-calorie snacks such as salads, sandwiches and smoothies can accompany a tall Starbucks coffee, lowering the total calorific content of the meal.
Calorie Comparison
The calorie content of a tall Starbucks coffee can be compared to other types of beverages such as milkshakes and energy drinks. A tall Ordered Chai Latte from Starbucks can contain up to 190 calories, while a McDonald’s 16 oz milkshake has around 500 calories. An energy drink of 12 oz can contain up to 140 calories.
When compared to many other types of sugary drinks, a tall Starbucks coffee actually contains a moderate calorie count.
Healthy Alternatives
The healthiest alternative to a tall Starbucks coffee is usually tea. A Grande green tea with honey or agave nectar can contain only 80 calories, while a Grande matcha green tea with honey or agave has around 90 calories. Teas are known to contain minerals and antioxidants, making them a healthier choice than most coffees.
For those who want to enjoy the full Starbucks experience without excessive calories, there are a few tips available. Firstly, people can reduce the sugar content in their drinks by opting for sugar-free syrups or low-calorie sweeteners. Sweeteners don’t add calories, they just enhance the flavor.
Furthermore, they should opt out of whipped cream, which is known to add around 40 calories to the original drink. For example, a tall cappuccino with added whipped cream will contain around 100 calories.
Non-dairy options such as almond, coconut, or soya milk contain fewer calories than regular milk, but some might contain added sugar, so it’s important to check the label before buying. For example, a tall latte made with skimmed milk will contain around 60 calories, while a tall latte with almond milk contains around 50.
Re-Usable Cups
Finally, a new scheme introduced by Starbucks rewards customers for using re-usable cups. The scheme has recently been introduced in some cities and those who bring their own cups will get a 25 to 50p discount off their drink. This not only helps reduce waste, but also encourages people to use their own personal containers when enjoying a beverage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the calorie count of tall Starbucks coffees can be quite variable, depending on the type, size and what ingredients are added. Flavorings, syrups, and toppings can significantly increase the calorie and sugar content of the coffee. Therefore, those watching out for their calorie intake should opt for low-calorie coffees, and look out for healthier alternatives if available.
One great way to enjoy a calorific but delicious coffee is to cut down on the number of extra shots, syrups and whipped cream. Opting for sugar-free syrups and non-dairy milks can significantly reduce the calorie and sugar count of a tall Starbucks coffee.
