Eat This, Not That!: New Starbucks Menu Items
But the way we see it, the restaurants have quite a bit in common: Not only do the chains have major cult followings, they both seem to add new menu items more often than a Kardashian lands on the cover of a tabloid. And just this week, Starbucks announced not just one new menu offering, but a whole new collection of snacks, drinks and lunch and dinner items. While some of their new items are healthy eats, others aren't great picks if you're trying to lose weight. Here, we reveal some of the things you can expect to see at your local shop and what side of the Eat This, Not That! equation each one falls on, and why.
Eat This!
Eat This!
Omega-3 Bistro Box, 1 box
Calories | 420 |
Fat | 27 g |
Saturated Fat | 8 g |
Sodium | 430 mg |
Carbs | 36 |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sugar | 14 g |
Protein | 8 g |
With just 40 more calories than the uber popular Protein Bistro Box, this is one of the best mini-meals you'll find at the coffee joint. Packed with a wild-smoked Alaskan salmon cream cheese spread, edamame hummus, dark chocolate trail mix, wheat-free crackers and cucumbers, this Box serves up a pleasing combination of salty and sweet flavors and is overflowing with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids—but thanks to its name, you likely assumed as much.
Eat This!
Bare Simply Toasted Coconut Chips, ½ cup
Calories | 150 |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 9 g |
Carbs | 16 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 14 g |
If you're looking for something crunchy and little sweet, look no further than these toasted coconut chips. They're not only delicious, but also made with just three ingredients—coconut, cane sugar and sea salt—earning them a spot on our Eat This! list. To keep sugar in check, be sure to stick to just one serving.
Eat This!
Moon Cheese, various flavors, 7 pieces
Calories | 70 |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Sodium | 140-190 mg |
Carbs | 0-1 g |
Protein | 4-5 g |
Yes, the name Moon Cheese is a bit odd but we promise that this out-of-this-world snack (pun intended) is a healthy pick. Makers of this healthy snack use a patented technology that allows them to suck the moisture from their cheese without stripping away its natural nutrition or flavor. Since they don't add anything thing else to the mix before packaging it up, it's hard to go wrong eating these as long as you stick to the recommended serving size.
Eat This!
Field Trip Jerky Cracked Pepper Turkey Jerky
Calories | 70 |
Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Sodium | 310 mg |
Carbs | 3 g |
Protein | 12 g |
Unlike Slim Jims, Field Trip's take on the classic, naturally high-protein snacks are free of preservatives like MSG (an additive known to cause headaches and nausea in sensitive individuals), nitrites (chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer and diabetes) and corn syrup. Plus, they're lower in fat and sodium than many conventional varieties.
Not That!
Not That!
Teavana Shaken Iced Mango Black Tea Lemonade, grande (16 oz.)
Calories | 120 |
Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Carbs | 31 g |
Sugar | 31 g |
While black tea is a known stress-buster, this lemonade-infused variety is filled with nearly eight packets of sugar, which pushes it to the Not That! side of the equation.
Not That!
BBQ Beef Brisket on Sourdough, 1 sandwich
Calories | 510 |
Fat | 22 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g |
Sodium | 1,210 mg |
Carbs | 54 g |
Protein | 23 g |
We hate to say it, but a hamburger and small fry from McDonald's has half the amount of sodium and fewer calories than this hearty beef- and cheese-filled sandwich. Coming in at 370 calories and 850 milligrams of sodium, the Chicken Santa Fe on Ancient Grain Flatbread is the best sandwich for your belly—and your health—at Starbucks. And if you're looking for even more waist-friendly options, try out these healthy secret menu items at any of Starbucks' locations.
Not That!
Prosciutto & Mozzarella Pinwheels Bistro Box, 1 box
Calories | 460 |
Fat | 31 g |
Saturated Fat | 11 g |
Sodium | 800 mg |
Carbs | 32 g |
Thanks to the prosciutto and mozzarella, this Box has nearly twice the amount sodium as the Omega-3 Bistro Box, which is why it we've dubbed it a "Not That!"
Not That!
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Scone, 1 scone
Calories | 410 |
Fat | 17 g |
Saturated Fat | 11 g |
Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
Carbs | 58 g |
Sugar | 22 g |
Say bye-bye to the classic Cranberry Orange Scone you've come to recognize, and hello to its summer raspberry- and chocolate-filled stand in. While its sweet smell and flaky crust may call your name, your heart and stomach will thank you if you leave it behind the glass; not only is it full of nutrient-void carbs, but it's also made with dangerous trans fats, which makes it automatic no-go in our eyes.
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Images: Courtesy of Starbucks