Coffee is a beloved beverage for many, and while black coffee is generally considered healthy, the offerings at popular chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Tim Hortons often veer into unhealthy territory. From lattes to frappuccinos, these drinks contain ingredients that can sabotage your diet and health.
Let’s look at some of the unhealthiest coffee drinks on the market and what you should know when ordering your next caffeine fix.
Understanding Healthy Coffee Choices
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand what constitutes a healthy coffee choice. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), adults should consume no more than 13 grams of saturated fat and 25 grams of added sugar daily.
Unfortunately, many coffee drinks from major chains exceed these recommendations, often in just one serving.
1. Tim Horton’s Oreo Iced Capp
Let’s start with a guilty pleasure: the Oreo Iced Capp from Tim Hortons. This drink might sound delicious, but it packs a hefty nutritional punch.
A 16-ounce serving contains a staggering 28 grams of fat and 18 grams of saturated fat. In addition, it has 39 grams of sugar and a total of 444 calories. Just one drink already puts you over the AHA’s daily limits for fat and sugar!
2. Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Next up is Starbucks’ Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino. You might want to think twice if you’re in the mood for something festive.
A grande (16-ounce) serving has about 420 calories, 17 grams of fat, and a shocking 73 grams of sugar. That’s nearly triple the daily sugar recommendation in a single cup!
3. McDonald’s Frappe Mocha
Moving on to McDonald’s, their Frappe Mocha is another drink that sounds enticing but is detrimental to your health.
This 16-ounce drink contains 560 calories and 24 grams of fat, with 15 grams of saturated fat—essentially an entire day’s worth. Plus, it has 70 grams of sugar, almost three times the AHA’s recommendation.
4. Dunkin’ Caramel Cream Frozen Coffee
Dunkin’ is known for its frozen coffee drinks, but its Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee is a serious contender for the unhealthiest drink title.
A medium (16-ounce) serving of this drink comes in at a jaw-dropping 860 calories, 30 grams of fat, and 132 grams of sugar. That’s more than five times the daily sugar limit. This may not be your choice if you’re looking for a treat.
5. Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Starbucks brings us another contender: the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino. While it might not be as high in calories as other options, it still has a considerable nutritional load.
A grande serving contains 470 calories, 22 grams of fat, and 60 grams of sugar. While it’s slightly better than Dunkin’s version, it’s still a drink you might want to skip.
6. Dunkin’ Pumpkin Swirl Frozen Coffee
Though it might not be officially on the menu, the Pumpkin Swirl Frozen Coffee from Dunkin’ can still be ordered through customizations. This drink has garnered attention for its excessive sugar content.
A large (32-ounce) serving has an alarming 930 calories and 185 grams of sugar! That’s over seven times the recommended daily limit, equivalent to consuming about 46 teaspoons of sugar. For comparison, that’s like eating 14 glazed donuts in one sitting!
A Healthier Approach to Coffee
With all these unhealthy options, you might wonder how to enjoy your coffee while keeping health in mind. Here are some tips for making healthier choices at your favorite coffee shop:
- Opt for Black Coffee: A simple cup of black coffee is low in calories and has no added sugars or fats.
- Choose Lighter Options: If you love lattes or frappuccinos, consider ordering them with less syrup or a smaller size.
- Customize Wisely: Many chains allow you to customize your drinks. Ask for less sugar or a sugar-free syrup option.
- Add Milk Alternatives: If you enjoy a creamier drink, consider asking for almond or oat milk, which can be lower in calories and sugar than whole milk.
- Limit Whipped Cream and Toppings: These can add significant calories and sugar to your drink, so it’s best to skip them when possible.
Conclusion
While coffee can be a delightful pick-me-up, many drinks from popular chains come loaded with unhealthy ingredients that can derail your health goals. Being mindful of what you order allows you to still enjoy your favorite coffee treats without going overboard on sugar and calories.
Next time you’re at Starbucks, Dunkin’, or Tim Hortons, consider these unhealthy drinks and make a more informed choice for your health. After all, a small adjustment today can lead to significant benefits in the long run!