The rise of specialty coffee shops, such as Starbucks, presents consumers with a variety of choices when it comes to their morning pick-me-up. Many people, however, are increasingly concerned about the caloric content of their morning beverage. How many calories in a cup of Starbucks coffee? This question is becoming increasingly important for health-conscious consumers.
According to the company’s website, Starbucks coffees without added syrups or sugar have minimal calories. For a standard grande Latte, for example, one will consume approximately 150 calories. The same size brewed coffee, without any of the added ingredients, contains only 5 calories.
Nutrition experts, however, warn that not all Starbucks beverages fit this simple calorie calculation. For more complex treats, such as one of the Frappuccinos, the calorie count can skyrocket depending on the size and type of syrup used.
For example, a grande-sized Chocolate Crème Frappuccino made with made with 2% milk and whipped cream contains 470 calories. How does this compare? A regular peanut butter sandwich, for example, contains about the same amount of calories. Additionally, most of the calories in Starbucks coffee drinks come from sugar and fat, making them not-so-healthy options despite the reassuringly low-calorie figures.
Despite this, some nutritionists argue that one cup of Starbucks may not be such a bad choice. Nutritionist Dr. Ken Best suggests that Starbucks beverages can be part of a smart nutritional program if diners carefully consider their options. He recommends skipping the high-fat, high-sugar drinks and/or cutting its size as a way to get the benefit of a morning cup of coffee without the added guilt.
Barista-turned-nutritionist, Karen Fetterman agrees. She explains that no one should feel guilty for wanting a treat every now and then, but adds that the key is to understand the calorie and nutritional content of the items one orders. “If someone wants to enjoy a Starbucks beverage every day, it’s possible. Just focus on making smarter choices. Consider ordering a simple black coffee or one of their reduced calorie choices. This way, many of the unhealthy ingredients can be avoided entirely.”
Calorie Content of Tea Drinks
Tea drinks may seem like healthier choices than many of the coffee-based Starbucks beverages. However, the calorie counts for all types of tea drinks are actually quite close. A standard grande-sized brewed tea, for example, contains only 70 calories. When milk and other additives like syrup are added, this number can quickly rise to over 250 calories.
When ordering any tea drink, consider the added ingredients carefully. Most milk-based drinks will contain significantly more fat and calories than a comparable unsweetened tea. Additionally, if toppings such as chocolate chips are added, the total calorie count will soar.
Nutrition experts suggest that added whipped cream, nuts and other high-fat toppings may seem like ‘treats’ but may not be worth the amount of calories consumed in their preparation. Those who carefully consider their choices when ordering tea can enjoy a tasty, healthy beverage without the guilt.
Health Benefits of Starbucks Beverages
Though many Starbucks drinks can be incredibly high in calories, some can provide diners with surprising health benefits. Research suggests that coffee in general can have numerous beneficial effects on the body. Coffee contains caffeine, which is known to stimulate the nervous system and help people feel energized through the day. Many studies also suggest that coffee boosts metabolism, thereby aiding in weight loss.
Furthermore, recent research has shown that coffee consumption is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of several conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Studies also suggest that certain nutrients found in coffee, such as potassium and magnesium, are crucial for overall health and wellness. While these benefits may not outweigh the added calories of some of Starbucks’ more indulgent recipes, they make a compelling case for including coffee into one’s diet.
Types of Milk Available
With the rise of specialized coffee shops, the types of milk available to diners has significantly increased. Gone are the days of bland cow’s milk. Starbucks servers now offer a variety of milks for beverage set-ups, including almond, soy, coconut, and even oat milk. Though each type of milk has its own unique flavor, all provide an alternative source of protein, calcium and vitamins.
Interestingly, many of these milk alternatives have similar caloric counts to their dairy-based counterparts. A Grande Iced Latte, for example, will have approximately 150 calories irrespective of the milk used. This, according to some experts, can provide diners with the benefit of a creamy, flavorful drink without the addition of extra calories.
Nutritionist Martha Markle adds: “The human body needs dairy to stay healthy. However, when it comes to milk, you don’t have to stick with just cow’s milk. Alternatives such as almond milk provide the same health benefits and taste just as good. When making dietary decisions at locations like Starbucks, consider the types of milk available. It could potentially save you calories and add nutrition to your meal.”
Sugar Content of Starbucks Beverages
While coffee is generally known to be low in calories, many consumers forget that some Starbucks beverages can contain startlingly high levels of sugar. Though most Starbucks patrons are aware that adding syrups or flavored creamers may increase the sugar content of their drink, many are not aware of the amount of sugar sometimes added to their beverages.
Nutritionists suggest that diners be very careful when it comes to any Starbucks beverage that is pre-prepared, such as some of their iced teas or frappuccinos. While these drinks can often taste incredibly sweet, many of them contain added sugars which may not always be shown on the nutritional label.
Experts suggest that in order to keep sugar content low, diners should opt for simple coffees such as an Americano or black coffee. If these beverages seem too plain, consider adding a little flavored syrup or cream. Natural syrups, such as Monin’s line of flavored syrups, are a great way to sweeten a drink without too much added sugar.
Environmental Impact of Starbucks Beverages
As health-conscious consumers become increasingly aware of the calories in their morning beverages, many are beginning to consider the environmental impact of their purchases as well. A cup of Starbucks coffee, for example, not only has a high caloric content but is also closely linked to the environmental impact of its paper cup.
The company’s website proudly claims that 100% of the company’s paper cups are made from recycled materials. However, due to their ephemeral nature, only a small percentage of these cups ever get recycled and many more end up in landfills. Furthermore, Starbucks cups are now known to contain a type of plastic which makes them almost impossible to recycle.
Though the company is making efforts to decrease its environmental impact, nutritionist Tracy Deliguy suggests that concerned consumers take the matter into their own hands. She suggests that the easiest way to reduce one’s environmental impact when ordering coffee is to bring one’s own refillable cup to the shop. This simple action may not only cut down on plastic waste but also can result in discounts from a variety of specialty coffee shops.
Plant Based Options
The rise of plant-based diets has caused a surge in the number of plant-based beverage options now available in specialty coffee shops. Those who follow these diets can now enjoy drinks made with alternative milks, such as almond and oat, as well as natural sweeteners, such as maple syrup, honey, or agave.
Nutritionists suggest that those who are looking to reduce their caloric and environmental impact should consider these options carefully when ordering. Most of these plant-based beverages will contain fewer calories than their traditional counterparts, while also keeping the environmental impact low.
Starbucks, for example, now offers many plant-based specials on its menu, such as the Almond Oat Macchiato. According to the company’s website, this beverage contains only 150 calories and its packaging is made from 95% renewable material, making it an ideal choice for those who are health and eco-conscious.
Sourcing of Coffee Beans
One final aspect to consider when deciding on a Starbucks beverage is sourcing. Many specialty coffee shops, such as Starbucks, get their coffee beans from farms all over the world. As with most food items, some of these farms may not be inclined to follow ethical standards when it comes to their workers, or when shipping and producing their coffee.
Consumers should, therefore, consider the source of the coffee they are drinking. The company website, for example, now offers many “fairly traded” coffee beverages, meaning that the coffee is sourced from farms that employ ethical labor practices and offer sustainable wages. This means that diners can feel good about their coffee, not only because of its nutritional content, but also for its contribution to global sustainability.
