Many people want to lose weight and are told to give up their lattes because of the calories in them. Going to Starbucks for coffee is a regular routine for most people but the calories in Starbucks drinks can be underestimated. Some people don’t even realize that coffee itself does not contain many calories; the calories in Starbucks drinks come from other sources. Starbucks has a nutrition guide on their website to help guide you in choosing a drink that will not add too many calories. It’s not just the calories in Starbucks drinks but also the amount of sugar that goes in them and the milk. This adds tons of fat to one Starbucks drink. Teas from Starbucks get calories once there’s sugar or they become Chai Tea Lattes.
Generally, people purchase lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and items from Starbucks like Macchiatos, and other drinks that have flavored syrups added such as vanilla lattes. These are the most calorie infested hot drinks from Starbucks. During the summer time, Starbucks drinkers turn to ice-blended Frappuccinos and iced coffees. Calories in Starbucks drinks also come from the size of the cups people get. A venti requires more milk.
Calories in a Grande sized latte with whole milk from Starbucks are about 220. A Grande sized mocha with whole milk and without whipped cream has 260 calories. A Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks can have about 270 calories. Starbuck’s Grande White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino with whipped cream has 410 calories and 300 calories without whipped cream. Chai Tea Lattes can also range in the 200 zone for calories. Calories in Starbucks drinks are pretty high especially when people add whipped cream, milk, flavored syrups, and increase the cup size.
For people who want to enjoy a cup at Starbucks and continue their weight loss plan, there are other alternatives and ways to cut back on calories in Starbucks drinks. Here are some tips on decreasing calories in Starbucks drinks:
- 2% or non-fat milk: Ask for 2% or non-fat milk instead of whole milk; Skinny lattes are regular lattes with non fat milk (this cuts about 20 calories)
- Brewed coffee: Get brewed coffee instead of a latte or mocha because you can control the amount of milk and sugar you put
- Sugar free syrup: Ask for sugar free syrup instead of regular syrup and you don’t need to put packets of sugar
- Whipped cream: Whipped cream adds about 100 calories; saying no to whipped cream is a big cut in calories
- Coffee or Espresso Frappuccino: Rather than buying a caramel frappuccino, buy a coffee one and ask for flavored syrup. Now, Starbucks offers Light Blended Frappuccinos with fewer calories.
Coffee and Tea normally do not come with many calories. It is what we add in our drinks that fill them with calories. Starbucks is a favorite for many people but can pack its drinks with unnecessary calories. There are ways to be more conscious about your weight and cutting calories in Starbucks drinks.