People have become aware of the number of calories they are consuming daily and the rise in healthy eating habits among consumers. Many of us try to count calories too and Starbucks hasn’t been immune to this scrutiny. One of the more popular drinks on the menu at Starbucks is their Vanilla Iced Coffee. So, just how many calories are in the Vanilla Iced Coffee?
Starbucks’ Vanilla Iced Coffee is made from a blend of Starbucks’ signature espresso roast that is steeped in cold water and then added to a serving of 2% milk and a liquid cane sugar syrup. The drink is then topped off with a bit of whipped cream and caramel drizzle. According to the nutrition facts panel from Starbucks’ website, the beverage contains a total of 150 calories in a grande-sized cup.
The calorie count of the beverage is largely due to the amount of sugar in the drink. Without the sugar the Vanilla Iced Coffee would contain only 70 calories in the same grande-sized cup. The syrup however makes up 55 calories of the total count while the 2% milk has 15 calories and the whipped cream and caramel drizzle have an additional 10 calories combined.
That said, while the calories certainly add up, the beverage is also low in fat and has very few saturated fats. There is no cholesterol either and it is a good source of protein. Also, with the absence of artificial sweeteners, the drink can certainly be classified as a healthier option within the espresso-based drinks.
In comparison to the other espresso-based drinks on the menu, the Vanilla Iced Coffee is certainly a healthier option in terms of calories. For example, a grande sized Frappuccino contains between 260 and 430 calories. Similarly, a grande sized Latte has 150 calories, a Cappuccino 110 calories and an Iced Coffee 80 calories.
It is clear that Starbucks’ Vanilla Iced Coffee is a healthier option when compared to some of the other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available on their menu. Even so, it is strongly recommended that consumers be aware of the overall calorie intake to ensure that they are consuming the right amounts of calories and calories from the right sources. We should also recognize that whilst the Vanilla Iced Coffee contains fewer calories than many other beverages, it can still be considered a higher calorie beverage if consumed in large amounts.
Health Benefits
Despite the higher calorie count in Starbucks’ Vanilla Iced Coffee, the beverage can still be seen as benefiting one’s health as it contains natural ingredients. For example, the espresso roast and cold water base is naturally derived from the beans and water. Similarly, the 2% milk contains all beneficial nutrients such as calcium and protein.
The sugar in the drink, although it does add a considerable number of calories, is still natural as it is obtained from cane sugar sources, which contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. The whipped cream and caramel drizzle, both of which are made without artificial sweeteners, are also natural ingredients that contribute to the overall health-benefits of the beverage.
The beverage is also rich in antioxidants, which is beneficial for the body by having a positive effect on inflammation. They are also good for the heart and blood vessels and may help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, as well as help to fight free radicals that can damage cells.
In addition, the coffee beans used in the blend are harvested in a sustainable manner and are certified by the Rainforest Alliance and the Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices, meaning that the coffee beans used are obtained from a variety of sources and are certified to meet standards for fair trade and organic farming practices.
Finally, the drink is also high in Vitamin B and potassium, which can help boost energy and keep the body running smoothly. Overall, Starbucks’ Vanilla Iced Coffee may be considered a healthier option than some other beverages on the menu, and can even be beneficial to an individual’s health when consumed in moderation.
Alternatives
If one wishes to avoid the calories in Starbucks’ Vanilla Iced Coffee, it may be wise to opt for one of the other espresso-based drinks available on the menu. For example, the Iced Coffee at Starbucks has a calorie count of only 80 calories in a grande sized cup. Alternatively, a grande sized Espresso has only 10 calories.
In addition to these two drinks, many customers also opt for unsweetened drinks or opt to add their own sugar or low calorie sugar substitutes. For example, an iced latte with skim milk or an iced green tea latte with almond milk are both low in calories and can be sweetened with honey or agave for additional sweetness.
Also, instead of ordering pre-made drinks, some customers opt for drinks that are blended and served fresh. For example, there are a variety of smoothies on the menu, all of which are made with fresh fruits and vegetables, and most of which are low in calories. Similarly, some customers choose to add their own flavors to a cup of coffee, such as coconut milk, cinnamon, or chocolate powder.
It is also important to remember that iced coffee can be made at home and that it can be a more cost-effective alternative. For example, one can buy pre-ground packaged coffee or freshly ground coffee from a local coffee shop. They can be added to cold water or milk and then served over ice. If suiting, one can also add their own sugar or sugar substitutes for additional sweetness.
Overall, there are many alternatives available to those who wish to limit their calorie intake. The important thing to remember is to be mindful of the ingredients one is consuming and to always be aware of the calorie count when ordering drinks from Starbucks or any other store.
Pros and Cons
Considering the overall calorie count in Starbucks’ Vanilla Iced Coffee, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of the drink. On the one hand, the beverage can be seen as a healthier option amongst the other espresso-based drinks on the menu as it contains few saturated fats and no cholesterol.
In addition, the drink can also be seen as somewhat of a natural drink as it is made with mostly natural ingredients. Further, it is certified by the Rainforest Alliance and Coffee and Farmer Equity practices, meaning that the coffee beans used are obtained from sustainable and fair trade sources.
On the other hand, the drink contains a lot of sugar, which contributes to the total calorie count of 150. Also, it contains no artificial sweeteners, so there is no way of reducing the calorie count in the drink. It is also important to bear in mind that the drink is considered a higher calorie beverage, and should not be consumed in large amounts.
Overall, the drink is certainly healthier than many of the other beverages on the menu, but it should still be consumed in moderation. For those who wish to further limit their calorie intake, there are also numerous alternatives available, such as making the drink at home or opting for unsweetened drinks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Starbucks’ Vanilla Iced Coffee contains a considerable amount of sugar and calories, it can also be seen as a healthier option when compared to some of the other espresso-based drinks on the menu. It also contains several natural ingredients that can be beneficial for an individual’s health, such as antioxidants, calcium, and protein.
In addition, the drink is certified by the Rainforest Alliance and Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices, meaning that the coffee beans used are obtained from sustainable and fair trade sources. However, it is still important to be aware of the overall calorie count of the drink and to be mindful of the overall amount consumed.
For those who wish to cut down on their calorie intake, there are also several alternatives available, such as opting for unsweetened drinks or making the drink at home. In summary, it is important to consider both the pros and cons of the drink to ensure that it is consumed in moderation.
