As I am from Seattle, I understand the entire Starbucks mythology. Starbucks started in Seattle, at the famous Pike Place Market. The original store is still there, serving coffee to the locals (between bouts of posing with tourists from all over the world). Today, Starbucks has more than 20, 0000 outlets in 165 countries. And, although there are regional and cultural differences in inventory around the world, in the end, it’s all about the coffee. In Seattle, coffee is serious business. What you drink says a lot about you. Unfortunately, what you drink might say too much about you – when all those Frappuccino, Macciatos and yummy pastries show up in the form of thunder thighs and a fat stomach. A quick look at the company’s nutritional page will help consumers to make better choices when they visit their favorite local coffeehouse.

Starbucks Frappuccino

In Seattle, ordering is an art. Sometimes I think it might be a contest to figure out the most complicated order, fired off in Pacific Northwest staccato: “I want a double-tall, decaf, half-caf, 105 degree espresso with a shot of hazelnut, chocolate sprinkles on one side, vanilla on the other , a twist of lemon and whip on top.” Amazingly, added together this is not such an unhealthy drink. Frappuccinos, on the other hand, are simply loaded with calories. A 16 oz Java Chip Frappuccino has 460 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 66 grams of sugar. The Salted Caramel Frappuccino has 430 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 67 grams of sugar. And the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino had a whopping 480 calories, 18 grams of fat and 75 grams of sugar. And the Venti (24 oz) version of the same drink has 600 calories, 20 grams of fat and 99 grams of sugar. 99! Sure, they taste great, but they really are not very good for you.

I have to say that I know people who are addicted to Frappucicinos. One of my co-workers came in every morning with a Venti Frappuccino in her hand. She said it was a health drink because she had them add protein to it. Ummm….I don’t think so.

I am also a Starbucks addict. I carry Starbucks Via’s with me in case I am forced to drink inferior coffee. But I choose my drinks. There are plenty of low calorie, low fat options from which to chose. A skinny latte, an Americano with room (for milk, or just a dash of half and half) are a couple of lo-cal, low fat choices. You can have your coffee and still maintain your girlish figure. Then, if you really behave, you can have your Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake and eat it too!

This is a guest post written by Linda Fryant.