6 'Unhealthy' Starbucks Drinks And Healthy Alternatives, According To Experts
1. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
In an interview with Eat This, Not That, Michelle Rauch, MS RD, registered dietitian in the NY/NJ metro area for the Actors Fund Home, said: "The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino as listed contains 480 calories, 55 grams of sugar, and 24 grams of fat (Grande—16oz) without customizations,"
She added that "this is the same amount of sugar as eating almost nine Oreo Cookies and more sugar than two regular-sized (47 grams) Snickers bars." It's also "the same amount of fat as a large order of McDonald's french fries." She went on to say that "15 grams of Saturated Fat is 'bad' fat when eaten in excess" and "can lead to high cholesterol levels."
2. White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Meghan Novoshielski MS, RDN, nutrition expert at Set for Set, also told the outlet that the White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino "has more saturated fat than a McDonald's Big Mac (8 grams) and more sugar than a 16-ounce bottle of Coke (44 grams)." She also explained that this drink has "61 grams of sugar in a grande size, and this is the highest-sugar Frappuccino on the Starbucks Menu."
3. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Rauch notes that the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino "as listed (16-ounce grande) without customizations has 470 calories, 60 grams of sugar, and 22 grams of fat (14 grams of which are saturated fat)," says Rauch. She adds that "this Starbucks drink has the same number of calories as a Wendy's medium chocolate Frosty (470 calories), almost the same amount of sugar (65 grams), and almost twice the amount of fat (12 grams)."
4. Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
This drink, which combines whipped cream, cinnamon dolce-flavored syrup, and cinnamon dolce topping," can be ordered hot or iced," but unfortunately, these ingredients do not have many, if any, health benefits. "Both versions provide 300 calories or more in the grande size," Novoshielski explained to the publication. "Nearly 40% of which come from fat. Plus, each drink is packed with 35 to 40 grams of sugar." That is a huge amount of sugar for just one simple drink!
5. Matcha Crème Frappuccino
Another popular drink that evokes a sense of wellness is the Matcha Crème Frappuccino. Despite matcha being a highly nutritious component, this beverage is anything but healthy, experts warn. "This is basically a green-colored milkshake masquerading as tea with a venti [size] clocking in at 520 calories," registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Harris-Pincus explained. "It also has almost 3 days' worth of added sugars and half the daily value of saturated fat."
6. Hot Chocolate
Finally, you may have assumed this was a relatively safe option—perhaps not the healthiest, but surely not among the worst. Nonetheless, Rauch advises against choosing it. Coming in with 370 calories, 37 grams of sugar, and 16 grams of fat, it's less of a hot drink to keep warm and more of a sugary dessert, but most Starbucks customers don't see it that way, which is why, according to Rauch, it's a dangerous menu item. "It's no wonder it tastes so decadent," she points out, nodding to the sugar and fat content.
Healthier Alternatives At Starbucks
1. Iced Tall Violet Drink
You've heard of the iconic Pink Drink, but have you tried the Violet Drink yet? This creation takes the Very Berry Hibiscus refresher and adds coconut milk for a creamy, satisfying, yet low-calorie treat. Believe it or not, a tall version of this delicious beverage is only 90 calories. Yes, please!
2. Iced Grande 1 Pump Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
A perfect marriage of bold espresso with the sweetness of toasted vanilla and the richness of oat milk, this shaken espresso is simply to die for. By reducing the sweetness to one pump, you'll be doing your body a major favor. This modification can bring a grande drink down to just 90 calories. Heck yeah!
3. Iced Tall Pink Drink
A classic favorite with a twist, the Pink Drink combines the sweetness of strawberry acai with the tropical creaminess of coconut milk, providing a satisfying sip. This drink is pretty weight loss-friendly as it is, which means that you can order it without any modifications. When you go with a tall, you'll be sipping on a decadent treat for a low 110 calories!
4. Iced Grande 1/2 Pump Vanilla Cold Brew + Splash of Sweet Cream
The iconic Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is one of the tastiest options on the Starbucks menu, but it can unfortunately pack in a lot of calories. Luckily, when you go with just a half pump of vanilla and a splash of sweet cream, you can greatly reduce the calorie content while still savoring those sweet flavors. It's only 80 calories. Sign us up!
5. Iced Tall Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso
Chocoholics rejoice! This beverage brings together the robust flavor of shaken espresso with the richness of chocolate almond milk, all within a low calorie count. The best part is that this order doesn't involve any modifications; you can order it straight up and enjoy it in all of its glory. A tall is only 80 calories. Not bad at all!
6. Iced Tall 1/2 Pump Non-Fat Milk Caramel Macchiato + Light Drizzle
Don't forget the classics! Although a typical Caramel Macchiato may be loaded with more sugar and calories than you should consume if you're trying to lose weight, this simple modification from Sharma is a perfect way to go. Reduced sweetness and a lighter drizzle allow you to enjoy the same flavors you love without any of the guilt. It's only around 120 calories!