Starbucks offers an array of delicious beverages that can give you the morning caffeine boost you need to take on the day—while pleasing your taste buds. However, while your taste buds may be easy to please when it comes to your pick-me-up of choice, your waistline is a different story. Some of the most popular Starbucks drinks can be deceptively high in calories, sugar, and fat, contributing to weight gain if consumed regularly.
But what are the worst options out there? To find out, we spoke to dietitians Krutika Nanavati and Kimberley Wiemann MS, RDN, a registered dietitian, owner of Kimberley Wiemann Nutrition LLC, and nutrition consultant for Consumer Health Digest. They identified a few of the worst offenders, from Frappuccinos to mochas. Here are nine Starbucks drinks you might want to avoid if you’re watching your weight.
1. White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Craving a sweet, creamy drink to start your day? A White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino may be your first choice. Unfortunately, Krutika Nanavati warns, "This decadent beverage is packed with sugary syrups, whipped cream, and whole milk, contributing significantly to daily calorie intake." The high sugar content not only spikes your blood sugar levels but also contributes to increased caloric intake without providing any nutritional value. The fat from the whipped cream and whole milk adds to the drink's overall calorie load, making it a poor choice for weight management.
2. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Similar to the White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, this drink is loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats from syrups, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle. According to Nanavati, it’s another drink that’s best avoided if you’re concerned about weight gain. The combination of high sugar and fat can lead to excess calorie consumption and potential weight gain, especially if consumed frequently.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
While a beloved seasonal favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is high in sugar and fat from flavored syrups and whipped cream. Nanavati notes, "While undeniably tasty, this seasonal favorite is high in sugar and fat." The flavored syrups contribute to the high sugar content, which can lead to weight gain if consumed regularly. The fat from the whipped cream and milk also adds to the caloric density of the drink.
4. Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino
If you love chocolate and have a serious sweet tooth, the Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino might be the obvious beverage of choice for your at Starbucks. But it shouldn't come as a surprise that it's no the healthiest choice around. This option combines the calorie bomb of a Frappuccino base with added chocolate chips, further increasing its sugar and fat content. Nanavati highlights its high caloric content, making it a poor choice for those watching their weight. Say it ain't so!
5. Iced Venti White Mocha
Bigger isn't always better—especially when you're watching your weight. "Size matters! Opting for the largest size significantly increases calorie intake," says Nanavati. This drink is especially concerning due to its high sugar content, making it one of the worst choices on the menu. The large size means more inflammatory ingredients syrups and whipped cream, leading to a massive sugar spike and excess caloric intake.
6. Mocha Frappuccino
Similar to its White Mocha counterpart, this Mocha Frappuccino is a recipe for weight loss disaster when consumed frequently. Wiemann points out, "This may be one of the worst choices on the menu for people who are looking to lose weight." Adding whipped topping increases the calorie count by an additional 110 calories and 2 grams of sugar. The combination of chocolate syrup, Frappuccino base, and whipped cream makes it a high-calorie, high-sugar drink that can contribute to weight gain.
7. Hot Chocolate
We love hot chocolate as much as the next person, especially when cold weather comes around. But if weight loss is your goal, it's best to save this order for special occasions. "While no one is probably surprised that hot chocolate is not considered a healthy choice, they may be disappointed to find out just how poor of a choice it may be," Wiemann explains. The high sugar content makes it a beverage to avoid. Hot chocolate may seem harmless, but its high sugar content can lead to weight gain, especially when consumed regularly.
8. Caramel Macchiato
All the tasty caramel beverages at Starbucks can be seriously tempting. The Caramel Macchiato is among the most iconic and beloved—but it's also terrible for your health if you drink it too frequently. "This seems to be one of the more popular drinks at Starbucks," notes Wiemann, but it still contains 250 calories, which can add up if consumed regularly. The caramel syrup and milk add extra calories and sugar, making it less suitable for those trying to manage their weight.
9. Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha
We love a good limited-time beverage at Starbucks, we love lavender, and we love matcha—but we have to warn you not to make a habit out of this order. This specialty seasonal drink is refreshing but high in calories. Wiemann warns, "While this may be a fun and refreshing drink for the summer, it will not help someone looking to lose weight." The added lavender syrup and oatmilk cream increase the drink's caloric content, making it a less ideal choice for those watching their weight.
Bottom line
While Starbucks offers many tempting beverages, it's essential to be mindful of their nutritional content. Drinks high in calories, sugar, and fat can contribute significantly to weight gain. If you're looking to maintain a healthy diet, consider opting for lower-calorie options or customizing your favorite drinks to reduce their caloric impact. By making informed choices, you can still enjoy Starbucks without compromising your health goals. Luckily, there are healthy options on the menu!
