Starbucks is easily one of the most popular coffee chains in the world, known for its wide variety of drinks and customizable options. The brand has something for everyone, making it a go-to stop for millions of people each day. However, while Starbucks offers plenty of tasty choices, not all of them are the healthiest.
Many of the popular drinks can be loaded with sugar, syrups, and whipped cream, turning a simple coffee into something closer to a dessert. For example, seasonal favorites and specialty lattes can sometimes pack more calories and sugar than a full meal. Even drinks that sound light or refreshing, like flavored iced teas or frappuccinos, may contain hidden sugars. If you have weight loss goals to reach, there are certain drinks you’ll want to avoid. We spoke with an obesity specialist, Dr. Mayank Ohri, with Metabolite Clinics, about four Starbucks orders that are “bad” for weight loss, and two healthier, alternative options. Read more about them below.
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1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Yes, we realize how unfortunate this is for those who look forward to drinking a PSL as soon as the fall comes around. However, as delicious and seasonal as it is, this highly popular beverage is full of sugar, making it inappropriate for weight loss.
"Just because it's fall doesn't mean we lose focus and get sucked into marketing campaigns," explains Dr. Ohri. "I would say stay away from Pumpkin Spice Lattes, these are over 400 calories and loaded with syrup and whipped cream. This is almost 1/4 of your caloric intake in one drink!"
2. Frappuccinos
Around this time of year, while the weather can still be quite warm in some places, the frozen coffee beverage can be refreshing and caffeinating. However, like the pumpkin lattes, frappuccinos are loaded with sugar. While many of them are coffee-based and flavored, they're heavily sweetened.
"Frappuccinos, these drinks are loaded with sugar; it's basically a dessert in a cup," says Dr. Ohri. "This gives you a spike in your insulin, then a crash and a total loss of your daily caloric intake. Over 50 grams of sugar in each drink, that's almost 12 teaspoons!"
3. White Chocolate Mocha
Another favorite warm beverage that's popular over the holiday is a white chocolate mocha, which is some customers' favorite indulgence. White chocolate mochas, or mochas in general, famous for their chocolatey flavors, are also like dessert in a cup, and can easily help you pack on the pounds.
"The temperature doesn't matter, whether it's hot or cold, it's just something I would stay away from," notes Dr. Ohri. A grande can easily have over 400 calories and almost 53 grams of sugar. Save these calories for something more nutritious."
4. Caramel Macchiato
A caramel macchiato is another drink that's risen in popularity, for its delicious caramel flavor that sticks around even with a shot of espresso. Caramel is a big part of people's coffee routines, but it's pure sugar and fat, so if you're trying to shed some excess pounds, you may want to scale back.
"It's definitely a no-go drink," explains Dr. Ohri. "Over 30-40 grams of sugar, and 300 calories. Another drink that can continue to increase insulin resistance and make your weight loss journey harder."
Try These Instead:
1. Cold Brew With Soy Or Almond Milk
Cold brew is one of the best things to order at any coffee place, especially if you love to get a good boost. It typically doesn't contain any sugar and comes without cream, so at Starbucks, ordering one with healthy soy or almond milk creates a simple, low-calorie order.
"This is one of my to-go drinks, especially when I'm working in my clinic," explains. "It is only 25-30 calories, minimal carbs, almost 3 grams, and 1 gram of protein."
2. Flat White
If you've never heard of a flat white, it's a drink typically served warm, and contains a double shot of espresso with steamed milk, and topped with a thin layer of foam. It's similar to a latte, but emphasizes the espresso flavor and is a fun way to switch things up. You can easily add a sugar-free syrup or sweetener to a flat white if you're worried about it being too bitter.
"Flat whites are great when you want something with more volume, but the good news is they are much lighter than cappuccinos and lattes," explains Dr. Ohri.
