Starbucks Pike Place Coffee is a popular item on the menu, but few people know just how many calories they’re consuming. If you’re considering indulging, here’s what you need to know about this tasty pick-me-up.
The majority of Pike Place Coffee’s calories come from the milk, cream, and sugar you choose to add. A 12 ounce cup of Pike Place Coffee with 2% milk contains 80 calories with .5 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of protein. Larger sizes and different milk may lead to variations in these numbers.
According to dietician Danielle Brouseau, an occasional Pike Place Coffee can be part of a balanced diet. She advises that coffee drinkers should keep an eye on portion sizes, as well as sugar and additional creams or syrups. “Although caffeine can provide a short-term energy boost, it’s important to ensure that your energy comes from healthy sources.” she said.
But while a single cup of Pike Place Coffee won’t blow your weekly calorie budget (each grande size contains approximately 150 calories) repeat visits can quickly add up. One expert study points out that a weekly habit of a single grande Pike Place Coffee with milk can add 670 calories and almost ten teaspoons of sugar to one’s diet over the course of a month.
If you’re looking for healthier options, Starbucks’ website suggests replacing milk with low-fat milk or almond milk to reduce calorie and fat content, as well as skipping the whipped cream and opting for no- or low-calorie syrups or artificial sweeteners. It might not make as delicious a beverage, but it’s a small price to pay for consuming fewer calories.
Ways To Minimize Calories in Starbucks Pike Place Coffee
Reducing calories from your favorite Pike Place Coffee is possible without sacrificing flavor. Here are some ways to do just that.
- Cut out extra syrups, dairy, and whipped cream. Ask for a cinnamon-flavored Pike Place Coffee using no extra syrups, no-fat steamed milk, and no whipped cream.
- Opt for a small instead of a grande. Small Pike Place Coffee drinks are calorie-light.
- Switch to almond milk. Almond milk is dairy-free and is an excellent way to reduce the fat and calorie content in Pike Place Coffee.
- Try a latte light. Order a Pike Place Coffee in a latte light and you’ll get the same great taste with a fraction of the calories.
- Cut back on sugar. If you must add sugar to your Pike Place Coffee, you can still make healthier choices by halving the amount you usually take.
Health Benefits of Starbucks Pike Place Coffee
Despite what you may think, Pike Place Coffee can actually have health benefits for drinkers. That’s because it contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant with unique properties.
Studies have found that moderate caffeine consumption is linked to improved mood and decreases mental fatigue. Additionally, caffeine may temporarily boost reaction time and improve alertness and focus, making it helpful for those moments when you need an extra energy boost during a long afternoon at work. Finally, caffeine may help to protect against cognitive decline and reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
The Bottom Line on Starbucks Pike Place Coffee Calories
Starbucks Pike Place Coffee can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, so long as portion sizes, contents, and accompanying items are kept in check. With just the right adjustments and some mindful consumption, this popular item can be kept a part of your routine without added guilt.
Nutrition Facts for Starbucks Pike Place Coffee
The caffeine content for Pike Place Coffee differs depending on the size, but the approximate figures for tall, grande, and venti are 260mg, 330mg, and 415mg respectively. Aside from caffeine, Pike Place Coffee contains thiamine, niacin and riboflavin. The nutritional facts for other sizes, ingredients and types of Pike Place Coffee can be obtained from the Starbucks website.
The Pros and Cons of Drinking Starbucks Pike Place Coffee
Drinking a cup of Starbucks Pike Place Coffee regularly can give you a health boost, but it is important to understand the potential pros and cons of consuming it.
Pros: Starbucks Pike Place Coffee contains antioxidants and can increase your energy levels and alertness. Additionally, it may help to defend against cognitive decline.
Cons: Too much caffeine can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Furthermore, if you’re not conscious of what you’re adding to your coffee, Pike Place Coffee can contain extra calories, sugar, and fat.
Sustainability of Starbucks Pike Place Coffee
Starbucks is dedicated to sustainability when it comes to their Pike Place Coffee. In addition to providing ethically sourced coffee beans, they have also made a commitment to reduce their energy use, water use, and carbon footprint while continuing to reduce plastic waste. Additionally, Starbucks employees are trained to use refillable cups and coffee grinders as well as energy-efficient coffee makers.
Starbucks also supports the sustainability of coffee-growing communities. This includes providing access to financial literacy, healthcare, education and business development opportunities to coffee-growing communities around the world. Through their Ethical Sourcing Program, they ensure that coffee farmers are paid fair wages and have access to better farming practices.
Environmental Impact of Starbucks Pike Place Coffee
Although producing coffee is environmentally friendly when done responsibly, Starbucks Pike Place Coffee does have an environmental impact which should be taken into account. Aside from the plastic waste created from disposable packaging, sourcing and production of Pike Place Coffee itself causes pollution. This includes deforestation due to the expansion of coffee plantations and the burning of fossil fuels for transportation.
When consuming Pike Place Coffee, citizens should take their part in sustainability by reducing plastic waste and using refillable cups whenever possible. Starbucks offers multiple discounts and rewards for customers who bring their own cup or mug, as well as for customers who purchase coffee beans.
