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Coffee
drinks often packed with calories
Dec. 20, 2007
Suzanne Havala Hobbs
Looking for a jolt from that
cup of coffee? Take a look at its calorie count.
Extras added to whiten and sweeten coffee and tea sold in
coffee shops can add a surprising number of calories to what
would otherwise be zero-calorie drinks.
Milk, nondairy creamers, whipped cream, flavor syrups and
sugar add calories, and some also add a hefty dose of artery-clogging
saturated fat. Nondairy creamers may contain trans fat, too.
Made-to-order, specialty drinks – even the ubiquitous
latte – are surprisingly fattening. Consider these examples:
* A “grande” Starbucks Caffe Latte (16 oz.), made
with 2 percent milk, contains 190 calories and 4.5 grams of
saturated fat. A “tall” Eggnog Latte (12 oz),
also made with lowfat milk, contains 370 calories and 10 grams
of saturated fat; the 16 oz size contains a whopping 470 calories
and 13 grams of saturated fat.
* At Caribou Coffee, a medium (16 oz) Gingerbread Latte delivers
522 calories and 15 grams of saturated fat. A medium hot tea,
any flavor, contains 480 calories.
* The “tall” Pumpkin Spice Crème at Starbucks
contains 310 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat. Bump that
up to “grande” and you’re talking 400 calories
and 9 grams of saturated fat.
* At Caribou Coffee, you might think a medium chai tea made
with skim milk sounds as though it could be a reasonable choice.
You’d be wrong. While it’s low in saturated fat
– less than a gram – the drink is loaded with
nearly 500 calories.
If you’re in the habit of buying a hot specialty drink
every day, the calories you sip could add up to a weight gain
of as much as a pound a week. You’ll save calories –
and money, too – if you order coffee or tea plain and
add your own condiments at the service table. The best choices
include:
* Whiteners that add minimal or no added saturated fat and
no trans fat. Use soymilk or nonfat cows’ milk. Lowfat
milk is fine if you limit it to a tablespoon or two. Avoid
nondairy creamers that list partially hydrogenated oils on
the package label. The nutrient fact label may show zero grams
of trans fat per teaspoon, but trace amounts could add up
if you use several teaspoons. If label information isn’t
available, use milk instead.
* Small amounts of sweeteners. One teaspoon of sugar or honey
adds only about 15 calories to your coffee or tea.
* Calorie-free flavorings. Shake some cinnamon or cardamom
into your drink, or add a half teaspoon of tea masala, a blend
of several spices that may include cardamom, cinnamon, black
pepper, star anise, ginger and cloves. Mix your own tea masala
or buy it pre-mixed at an Indian food market.
Making your own coffee at home or the office can save you
from the temptation of buying specialty drinks when you’re
out. Good coffee makers can be relatively inexpensive, and
electric hot water kettles can heat water for tea in only
a few minutes.
If you can’t resist specialty drinks at the coffee shop,
order the smallest sizes. Instead of a daily indulgence, drink
plain coffee and tea most days. Then choose one day each week
or two to splurge on a latte. Afterwards, take a long walk.
Always remember: Think before you drink. Liquid calories add
up quickly and are often found in surprising places.
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