5 Worst Fall Items at Starbucks
As soon as Labor Day and white pants were behind us, the coffee house giant rolled out a plethora of fall-themed treats, each more indulgent than the next. Though there are one or two menu items that won't do much harm to your waistline, the majority are packed with enough calories and sugar to derail even the most determined dieter.
Keep reading to find out which autumn eats from Starbucks are the worst bets for your waistline and weight loss goals. Plus, discover healthier, more slimming ways to indulge instead.
PUMPKIN SCONE
450 calories, 21 g fat, 14 g saturated, 390 mg sodium, 64 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 41 g sugars, 4 g protein
The sweet, flaky taste that makes this pumpkin-infused scone so delicious comes from gobs of butter, flour and waist-widening sugar. Leave this pastry behind the glass and ask for the seasonal Pumpkin Sugar Cookie instead. You'll still feel as though you're getting into the swing of fall, but you'll keep 120 calories and 23 grams of sugar (what you'd find in a Butterfinger) off your frame.
Eat This Instead!
Decorated Pumpkin Sugar Cookie
330 calories, 19 g fat, 12 g saturated, 125 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 18 g sugar, 4 g protein
GRANDE PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
(2 % milk, whipped cream) 380 calories, 14 g fat, 8 g saturated, 240 mg sodium, 52 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 50 g sugars, 14 g protein
We were excited to learn that the revamped pumpkin spice latte no longer contains artificial pumpkin flavoring or caramel coloring (a potential carcinogen), but that doesn't make it any less caloric. Sip it enough, and you'll be as round as the gourd for which it's named come Halloween. To stay in your skinny jeans, skip the latte and whipped cream and order a coffee with two pumps of the pumpkin syrup instead. Each squirt has just 30 calories and just under 8 grams of sugar, so you'll get the taste you crave — without packing on any weight.
Drink This Instead!
Grande Pike Place Roast with Two Pumps Pumpkin Spice Syrup
(2 % milk, no whip) 65 calories, 1.5 g fat,0.5 g saturated fat, 75 mg sodium, 19 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 18.5 g sugar, 2.5 g protein
WASHINGTON APPLE POUND CAKE
360 calories, 18 g fat, 10 g saturated, 110 mg sodium, 44 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 28 g sugars, 5 g protein
It has apples on it, so it must be healthy, right? Not so much. With 360 calories and 28 grams of sugar, it's not the worst pastry we've ever come across, but there are far better fruit-infused offering at Starbucks. Opting for the Michigan Cherry Bar instead will cut 120 calories and 10 grams of heart-harming fat from your order. For more calorie-saving tips, check out our guide to the 10 Diet Hacks you Need Now.
Eat This Instead!
Michigan Cherry Oat Bar
240 calories, 8 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 190 mg sodium, 36 g carbs, <1g fiber, 22 g sugar, 3 g protein
GRANDE SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA
(2 % milk, whipped cream) 460 calories, 16 g fat, 10 g saturated, 360 mg sodium, 66 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 58 g sugars, 13 g protein.
Starbucks promises the "flavor of fall in every sip," but every time you take a sip, you're just flooding your system with sugar and excess calories masquerading as whipped cream and caramel drizzle. To stall cold-weather weight gain, check out the chain's new Cinnamon Chai latte. Not only will making the switch save you calories and sugar, it will deliver a dose of black tea, which can help you keep your zen on the most stressful of days. To learn more about the health and weight loss benefits of the brew, check out our Guide to Chai Tea.
Drink This Instead!
Grande Teavana Oprah Cinnamon Chai Tea Latte
(2% milk, no whip) 200 calories, fat 4g, 2.5 g saturated, 105 mg sodium, 33 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 31 g sugar, 7 g protein.
PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE MUFFIN
350 calories, 14 g fat, 4 g saturated, 430 mg sodium, 53 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 34 g sugars, 5 g protein
Although this new muffin may sing your siren song, it's better for your figure if you stay away. This pumpkiny treat packs more than half a day's sugar and more calories than a pack of milk chocolate M&M's—not the best way to kick off your morning. If weight loss or sustained energy are your primary concerns, ask for the Hearty Blueberry Whole-Grain Oatmeal instead. It delivers the carbs you crave along with a healthy dose of satiating, heart-healthy fiber. It's also low in sugar, which can help keep your blood sugar on an even keel, so you won't need to reach for a mid-morning snack.
Eat This Instead!
Hearty Blueberry Whole-Grain Oatmeal
220 calories, 2.5 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 125 mg sodium, 43 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 13 g sugar 5 g protein
Images: Courtesy of Starbucks
