Starbucks' new "light" line of drinks is hardly health food

The Caramel Frappuccino Light has 310 calories with whip, and 28 grams of sugar. The sugar's getting into dangerous territory -- 50 grams is your daily max. (Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Comments

[Shannon]

Well, duh. Who, on a diet and in their right mind, is going to order a *light* drink & then douse it with whipped cream?

How about posting the calorie & sugar content without the whip?

[Brent]

Hey Shannon, how about reading the referenced article before commenting?

[brian w]

I'm a little confused by the article. What size drinks are the numbers for? And whose limit on sugar is 50 grams a day -- some particular diet, or is that the USDA recommended daily allowance or something?

If a plain old 16 ounce Coke is 40 grams, then 35 grams for something with a name like Java Chip Frappucino with Whipped Cream sounds downright reasonable.

[Megan]

Grande Frappuccino Lights have around 180 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

They're made with Splenda and Sugar and a lowfat milk.

Per recipe, none come with whipped cream. Once whipped cream is added, the sole purpose of the "light" frappuccino is ruined.

[Megan]

Check out the link:

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverage_detail.asp?selProducts=144&strAction=GETDEFAULT&x=22&y=8

Also, once you add the flavored powders/syrups/java chips, the calorie/fat/sugar count is going to increase.

[andrew]

i'd kill for an all sugar free frap from starbucks. i guess they don't have the technology?

[litlnemo]

I just want to be able to get a light chai creme frappuccino. I don't usually buy the coffee-flavored ones.

Actually I would just about kill for a really good granita instead of a frap. Oh well.

180 Calories is actually good for 16 ounces...take a look at *any* soft drink -- Coca Cola has 200 calories for 16 ounces! And I'd rather have a Frapp over a Coke ANY DAY!

Bottom line -- it's called "moderation" and "common sense." Burn off more calories than you take in and you'll lose weight. It's not that hard to figure out.

[mandie]

HERE'S A TIP FOR YOU: GO DOWN TO YOUR LOCAL STARBUCKS AND ASK FOR THE NUTRITION INFORMATION...IT'S NOW AVAILABLE IN BROCHURE STYLE. CHECK IT OUT. IF YOUR NOT IMPRESSED THAT STARBUCKS CONTINUES TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO CATER TO PEOPLES UNENDING DIETARY NEEDS, LEAVE AND NEVER COME BACK. YOU WON'T BE A CUSTOMER MISSED. OH AND, "HAVE A GREAT DAY"...

[pinky]

The "lite" frappucinos have a wicked aftertaste. I got one today, and after every sip, I involuntarily shuddered. But, it was hot, I was thirsty....but ech. I can't believe they spent all that r&d time and money on them, when they taste SO bad.

[Sarah]

Enough about the whipped cream cracks..I'm slender due to watching that sugar intake (thanks Splenda) Quite a feat in fat America today. But being so slender, I don't think whipped cream on my a light frap is going to kill me or destroy the whole concept. Maybe if you are fat you can't handle some whipped cream..but then, you are probably going for the real bad choices anyways.

[bob wass]

two questions:
1. does anyone know of a 'new concept' starbucks food court type of restaurant. there are rumors they are putting one in the lobby of my high rise office building.

2. why does starbuck only seem to use vanilla flavored soy milk instead of unflavored. they sell vanilla flavor. (?)

[Hayley]

180 calories is for a grande, so if you get the tall size then its going to be even less, which is really not bad at all. Just don't add the whipped cream, and you have a relatively low calorie drink.

[Storm]

First of all if you’re on a diet maybe you shouldn’t be having a Frappuccino or if you're looking for a less fattening drink try a tall size with an add shot. Second "light Frappuccino" do not come with whip cream you have to ask for it so if your looking for something with no fat and you ask for it then your just as stupid as the person on the diet who ordering a Venti size. Third, a tall Carmel Frappuccino has 140 calories, Grande has 310 and Venti has 380. Im Not sure where the 28g of sugar came from because it's made with splenda. since you have all this time making a gossip page then maybe you should open up your own coffee shop and make the world a better place. Im sure you have great ideas.

Christ! People on this site are so rude! One could kindly state that the interested party go to their local Starbucks and ask for a nutritional brochure. Easily said, without the wisecracks.

The sugar would come from the milk, check out the side of your milk carton and you'll see that there is about 12 grams per 200 ml or so.

[MEgan]

one of the first ingreients on the side of the "Light" concentrate is High Fructose Corn Syrup, one of the last ingredients is Sucralose whic is Splenda

[nene]

i just went in and asked for a nice low cal drink. they went into a schpiel about the fraps, so i got a tall caramel frap with 180cals.. excellent.. until "do you want whipped cream with that?" um.. i just walked in and asked for a good low cal option, whose side are they on!

[Michael Karpinos]

I am long time Starbucks customer. I recently read an e mail about a reply to the Marines stationed in Iraq.
Starbucks does not support the war nor any one in it and would not supplie the troops with there brand of coffe.

I do not like this war in Iraq but I will not take it out on the troops that are sent there. Only pepole who do not support this country in general would take out there hate on our troops who have to go where they are ordered.

I do not wish to offend Starbucks. I will always support our troops. I will stop buying statbucks products and let every loyal American know what kind of a company you realy are.
DO NOT BE SUPPRISED IF YOU FIND YOUR STORES BEING BOYCOTTED BY AMERICANS WHO SUPPORT AND DON'T SUPPORT THE WAR.

[Kara]

The military rumor is false; check out this link:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/starbucks.asp

[jenna]

how many calories are in a tall coffe frapachinno light with whip cream?

[Matt in Boulder, Land of the Healthy]

Enough talk about Calories and Fat. Sit outside a Starbucks and use your eyes to see the percentage of overweight people coming in and out. Lots of overweight people because they are ingesting worthless calories with no nutritional value and have made this a regular routine. What is wrong with drinking water. Eat a ton of sugar and fat and be overweight or be consious and make intelligent choices of what you ingest and be healthier. Simple choice. There is, in many cases, a direct relationship to someones intellect and if they are overweight. The land of the victims, let's sue McDonalds because I weigh 350 pounds because I couldnt excercise self control and put down the super sized value meal.
The military comment about troops being ordered to go to Iraq is stupid. If you join the army because you cant get a job at McDonalds or Starbucks, there is the risk of being shipped off to war. There is no more draft so take some responsibility for your choices. Can you say Natural Selection, yes it sounds harsh but sometimes reality seems harsh in this sugar coated politically correct world. Wake up! Enough with "Support our troops". Lets also support everyone else in this country making a contribution because they are just as important if not more so. I love this country but stupidity and lack of self responsibility is taking over.

[Kimberly]

If you go to Starbucks at least once a week as I do, particularly every Friday after school, I always purchase the Caramel Lighr Frappachino whipped cream. You don't need to always worry about the calorie content of stuff, just sit back and relax. I've got a good idea, read a magazine while you enjoy drinking this drink.

P.S. I haven't gained an ounce with this weekly routine. If you workout and eat nutritional food, then treating yourself to this isn't a problem.

[SIVLE77]

I visit starbucks at least twice a week and really enjoy my quad sugarfree hazelnut latte with skim milk vente size I had gastric bypass 1 year ago and I am limited to the amount of sugar intake and I find this drink is the best one for me I only wish they had a bigger variety of sugar free syrups but we always want what we can't have.
As for all the compaining we all have the freedom to drink what and where we want so if your not happy with what's offered why not go somewhere else and not whine about it. and for the person talking about our troops, the reason you have the freedom to post comments and have an opinion is because of men and woman like them protecting our freedom so have some respect for what they do!

[manda]

The max amount of ADDED sugar per day is 48 grams. Per cup of nonfat milk, there is 12 grams of lactose, which is a natural sugar and does not getincluded in the 48(or 50) grams.

[CHRiSTiNA]

i THiNK STARBUCKS iS BOMBiESSS!!!L00VE iT!!

[joana]

diets are not about never eating anything you want... if ur generaly eating healthly and exercising etc then treating urself is not gona make u gain a million pounds!! seriously, if u dont treat urself occasionaly u will eventually give up on ur diet since ur not enjoying it! moderation is really the key!

[Jon]

Venti nonfat white mocha with whip and extra white mocha. That is diet food where i live. Congratulations, you saved 30 calories out of about 900.

The weird thing is that half the time, it's really skinny women who order them. On a daily basis.

Those good-metabolism mutants really get to me these days.

[guillaume]

JON
you crack me up, but yeah, know exactly what you mean lol i'm a barista myself. and crack up when someone asks for a tall 2% sugar free vanilla late , but poured in a grande cup so the rest can be filled with whip cream... sometimes i'm just tempted to make it either nonfat or whole, i mean washing 2 pitchers, steaming them separetely and mixing them in the cup to get 2% is a bit too much work for someone who obviously doesnt care all that much. and to the woman who like 9 slendas and 2 table spoons of nonfat milk in your tall coffee, COME INSIDE AND DO IT YOURSELF!!! still love you tho, they pay me the big bucks to.

[Kimberly]

what exactly is a frapachinno?....my husband insists that is contains coffee. Is that true?

[barista chica]

a frappucino is coffee based, with milk and sugar (in the base), blended with ice and whatever type of flavoring you like.

[susan]

My family enjoys the Starbuck line of beverages. However, my husband is a diabetic and wishes he could enjoy them as well. Could Starbucks BROADEN their assortment of sugarfree low caloric drinks for diabetics? Thanks so much!

susan, why the hell are you asking us?

[Justin (Supreme Ruler of Starbucks and Chief Nutritional Officer)]

OK. Done!

[danna]

A cup of black coffee in any size does not content any calories. When i look at the calorie chat from starbuck, i could barely find an drink has less than 100 cals... In my conclusion, please please stop loading tons tons of sugar and over over roasting the coffee beans for the profit point!!! Give customer a fair and healthy product

What happened to personnal responsiblity, I am a coffee drinker, yes i doctor it up with sugarfree flavoring or a splenda. A little splash of nonfat and I'm good to go. Durng the hot days I've been drinking iced coffee the same way. If your looking to eat healther don't order the fried chicken or a frappuccino order a salad or coffee w/sugarfree sweetner. Look at the menu and have the personnal responsiblity, find something that fits with you. And for the roasting I purchase French Roast(which is the darkest roast) and I think it is the best cup of coffee.

What happened to personnal responsiblity, I am a coffee drinker, yes i doctor it up with sugarfree flavoring or a splenda. A little splash of nonfat and I'm good to go. Durng the hot days I've been drinking iced coffee the same way. If your looking to eat healther don't order the fried chicken or a frappuccino order a salad or coffee w/sugarfree sweetner. Look at the menu and have the personnal responsiblity, find something that fits with you. And for the roasting I purchase French Roast(which is the darkest roast) and I think it is the best cup of coffee.

[Charlene]

personal has one N

[Kayla]

Is it so hard for people to be polite on this site? You all are jumping at eachother so much! Wow... Relax and enjoy life a little - be the change you want to see - let's exercise a little respect and kindness here.

[Amber]

I'm a little confused. Does a tall, regular carmel Frappichino without whipped creme have 180 cal. in it. Or would that be sugarfree?

[Liz]

Wow, bit snippy here, eh? Here's the menu straight from the Starbuck's website, pick your fave from the pulldown menu and get the real cal-fat-carb-whatever count.
http://www.starbucks.com/retail/beverages.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1

[Tina]

Starbucks hates diabetics. They don't have any drinks I can purchase except for plain coffee. Oh. Excuse me. They do have 2 sugar free syrup flavors. Vanilla and hazlenut. Whoopee. Hey Starbucks. There are 20 million diabetics in this country. You are losing moolah. OH well. At least they aren't greedy, right? LOL

[selene]

Hello,

Healthy or not, Starbucks' main problem is that it is overpriced. For your $3 you can get something much healthier than even their lightest frappuccino.

By the way, what is it with Americans and periods? Their sentences run on forever.

[Jen]

I am a Starbucks barista. I encountered this site for the first time today. Why is everyone so concerned about Starbucks?

If you would like a cup of coffee or some espresso drink, then pay a few dollars and enjoy a high quality item.
If you are on a diet, then don't get a drink containing a lot of sugar, light or not.
If diabetics are causing Starbucks to lose money, then why are there more than 8000 store locations?

Although I am only a mere barista, I greatly apologize that that my store does not provide more than three (Vanilla, Hazlenut, Cinnamon Dolce) sugar free syrups. If you have a personal issue, you should write a letter of complaint to Starbucks corporate expressing your concerns.

I also grealy apologize that Starbucks cannot accomade all 6 billion+ people in the world. Starbucks really is doing the best it can.

As far as the topic of this gossip...Starbucks never claims to be health food. And whoever has said it is right: it's all about moderation, and treating yourself.

Start worrying about your lifestyle rather than comments of complete strangers on a Starbucks Gossip WebSite.

Thank you. Have a very nice day

[Nicole]

How about they add a lite version of the whip cream. Similar to Reddi whip which doesn't have 10g of fat per serving. :)

[soy_latte]

Re: to a few stray comments posted here...

"and over over roasting the coffee beans for the profit point!!!"

The more roasted the beans = the more beans in a pound (which is by weight, not volume). I think if one was only concerned with profit than quality, they would roast the beans as light as possible.

As for the diabetic, are you able to drink milk or soy? Because my favorite drink as of late is the a tall three splenda soy green ginger tea misto. Starbucks offers some really tasty tazo teas and iced teas that can be sweetened artificially and are a nice change from a plain black coffee.

Stop guessing...Starbucks posts their own nutritional values on their website, which is very comprehensive...http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverages.asp
They also give out this information in their stores if you want a hard copy.

[jen]

i love the Cinnamon Dolce Crème frappuccino it is the absolute best drink in the world i recomend it. another good d drink is the double chocolate chip frappuccino.

[barista]

starbucks is coming out with new light version of the creme base for the blended creme drinks. cream base blended with ice will have only 40 (or maybe even 20, i cant remember but i'll be on the safe side and say 40) calories per 8 oz!!!!! they're also coming out with sugar-free caramel which is 0 calories. you can get a venti sugar-free caramel frappucino light blended creme for 90 calories!!!!

[Belle]

I think the Caramel Frapp with extra caramel has to be one of the greatest drinks I have ever had...mmmm...yummy. :)