Is Your Favorite Coffee Drink Killing Your Diet?

The holidays are upon us, as is the season for consuming gourmet coffee beverages without a second thought. We’ve all been there—staring doe-eyed at the Starbucks menu. Looking from picture to picture of perfectly curated dairy-filled fat bombs, only to choose the one that looks like it might be yummy. And you know what, it will be. This is because it is filled to the brim with sugar, fat, and carbs that when added on top of your regular diet frequently can lead to intense physique changes. These drinks are curated to sell, not to improve your health. Does this mean that you can’t enjoy one from time to time? Definitely not. The only way you will gain weight by drinking these drinks, is if you drink them quite often, without modifications. I personally choose to indulge only when I really want to and opt for a lighter daily coffee beverage. This helps me keep off the unwanted pounds while allowing me to enjoy the season guilt-free.

My mission today is to help you understand the calorie content of your seasonal coffee favorites so that you can make an informed decision that aligns with your health and fitness goals.

Seasonal Favorites

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 400cal 15g F / 11g P / 56g C Caffeine 75mg

Flavors:
3 Pumps Peppermint Syrup
3 Pumps White Chocolate Mocha Sauce

Toppings: Regular Whipped Cream Regular Chocolate Curls Topping

Milk: Steamed 2% Milk

Toasted White Mocha

Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 330cal 12g F / 11g P / 44g C Caffeine 75mg

Flavors:
3 Pumps Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Sauce

Toppings: Regular Whipped Cream Regular Holiday Sugar Sparkles

Milk: Regular Foam Steamed 2% Milk

Caramel Brulee Latte
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 310cal 10g F / 8g P / 46g C Caffeine 75mg

Flavors:
3 Pumps Caramel Brulee Sauce

Toppings: Regular Whipped Cream Regular Caramel Brulee Topping

Milk: Steamed 2% Milk

Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino Blended Beverage

Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 300cal 11g F / 4g P / 46g C Caffeine 75mg

Flavors:
2 Pumps Mocha Sauce
1 Pump Peppermint Syrup

Toppings: Regular Whipped Cream Regular Chocolate Curls Topping

Milk: Whole Milk

Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino Blended Beverage
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 280cal 11g F / 4g P / 43g C Caffeine 65mg

Flavors:
1 Pump Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Sauce

Toppings:
Regular Whipped Cream
Regular Holiday Sugar Sparkles

Milk:
Whole Milk

Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino Blended Beverage
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 280cal 10g F / 3g P / 45g C Caffeine 65mg

Flavors:
2 Pumps Frappuccino- Roast

Toppings:
Regular Whipped Cream

Add-Ins:
2 Scoops Vanilla Bean Powder

Milk: Whole Milk

Chestnut Praline Latte

Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 270cal 11g F / 9g P / 33g C Caffeine 75mg

Flavors:
3 Pumps Chestnut Syrup

Toppings: Regular Whipped Cream Regular Chestnut Praline topping

Milk: Steamed 2% Milk

Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 160cal 10g F / 1g P / 17g C Caffeine 140mg

Flavors:
3 Pumps Caramel Syrup

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 140cal 7g F / 2g P / 18g C Caffeine 145mg

Flavors:
1 Pump Vanilla Syrup

Toppings: Cold Foam Pumpkin Spice Topping

Standard Lighter Options

Iced Caffe Latte
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 100cal 3.5g F / 6g P / 10g C Caffeine 75mg

Caffe Misto
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 80cal 3g F /5g P / 8g C Caffeine 115mg

Iced Coffee with 4 Pumps of Classic Syrup
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 60cal 0g F / 0g P / 15g C Caffeine 120mg

Caffe Americano
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 10cal 0g F / 1g P / 1g C Caffeine 150mg

Cold Brew Coffee
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 5cal 0g F / 0g P / 0g C Caffeine 155mg

Pike Place Roast Coffee
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 5cal 0g F / 0g P / 0g C Caffeine 235mg

Blonde Roast Coffee
Nutritional Information:
12 fl oz – Tall 5cal 0g F / 0g P / 0g C Caffeine 270mg

Recommended Modifications

Decrease the number of pumps of syrup/ask for sugar-free syrup when ordering.
Remove or go light on the whipped cream and toppings when ordering.
 Switch 2% or whole milk out for light almond or coconut milk when ordering.
Always choose a short or tall size beverage when opting for calorically dense drinks.
Opt to prepare your coffee at home to save money, and to ensure that all your modifications are precisely made to fit your goals.
Choose a gluten-free creamer with less fat, more protein, and zero sugar such as our flavorful RTDs. A quick splash and you are good to go!

Conclusion

Coffee is a staple in our diets and is not something you ever have to give up in order to see results. You have access to the nutritional information above and so much more when ordering Starbucks and other coffees on the go. By making smart choices with toppings, creamers, and flavors—you will be able to enjoy your daily cup of joe, while creating the body of your dreams.

Works Cited
“Starbucks®.” Starbucks Coffee Company, www.starbucks.com/menu. 

About the Author: Courtney Alcala-Herrera MS

Courtney lives in Texas with her husband and their two dogs. Courtney is a clinical research and health education expert whose life mission is to spread health and lifestyle modifications to the public. When she’s not traveling across the country monitoring research studies, you can catch Courtney counseling her fitness clients, prepping for her next bikini competition, or racing off to explore with her husband.

 


Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice, nor is it to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult your physician before starting or changing your diet or exercise program. Any use of this information is at the sole discretion and responsibility of the user.