Starbucks...More Than Meets The Eye

    For all of you who know about the American owned coffee chain, Starbucks, 
you are in for a treat. Starbucks is a Seattle based company who offers 
coffee, sweets, sandwiches and other tasty treats all over the World. I mean 
hey, who doesn't like speciality teas, coffees and personalized shakes or 
smoothies from a high end coffee shop!
  

    While spending time at the East Hampton Starbucks on Long Island, I began to 
look at the nutrition information brochure provided for all customers to 
see. Similar to their Canadian counterpart, Tim Horton's, not much was 
different. Many of their acclaimed 'breads' were packed with sodium, sugar, 
calories and carbs. However, let me highlight for you the two items which 
contained the most carbohydrates and the most calories.

 

1) Banana Walnut Bread: This item contained 490 calories per slice with 170 
of those calories from fat. It also has 75 grams of carbohydrates per slice 
and 46 grams of sugar (more than a can of Pepsi). 

 2) Reduced fat Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: 400 cal, 510 grams of 
sodium, 80 grams of carbs and 50 grams of sugar! WWWWHHHAAATTTT!

    That's right! Do not let the reduced fat fool you. Most people automatically 
assume that just because a label says 'low fat' that it must be a better 
choice for indulgence. In reality, you now know that there are exceptions to 
the rule as in our Starbucks example.
   

    Now, if you are looking for something decent to have at Starbucks that will 
not put you in a star coma or stretch you waistline I would either keep on 
walking to another place or I would get the Greek Yogurt & Honey Parfait. It 
contains only 300 cal and is packed with good amounts of protein per 
serving. Protein tends to take longer to digest if it is not mixed with a 
medium such as water so you will be fuller for longer with this option.
  

   Overall, I am really not surprised here. It is the same song and dance being 
played at a different location, with a different name. I encourage you all 
to check out the nutrition labels and ask for a brochure packet next time 
you go in to a Starbucks or any other place for that matter. Finally, be 
aware of the mixed lattes and speciality drinks as well as they are often 
filled with sugars and not actually as good for you as you may expect.
   

    Ultimately, you are responsible for what you put into your body. So keep 
educating yourself with nutrition information. 

Ryan Fahey

B.A Human Kinetics

CPTN Canada 

Canfitpro FIS, PTS 

NCCP