We previously wrote a blog about the unhealthiness of Innocent Smoothies, and how they are far from Innocent: https://www.prolongevity.co.uk/innocent-smoothies-not-innocent-at-all/
Now we would like to take on the mighty Starbucks…
Starbucks – Ubiquitous and Highly Successful
Starbucks has been going since 1971, with the first store opening in Seattle, Washington. The Starbucks logo is recognised the world over, and Starbucks remains one of the most popular coffee outlets. In the UK, Starbucks is doing so well that in March this year they announced they were opening another 100 stores, to add to the 1,168 existing ones. They have a young, trendy image and attempt to woo their clientele with cutesy gimmicks like writing customers’ names on the coffee cups (and sometimes even love notes!) before serving them. Starbucks pride themselves on quality, with fresh roasted beans that go to make up their flat whites, cappuccinos, lattes etc. People are prepared to pay a premium for this quality, as well as for the pleasant ambience of their coffee shops. Starbucks also provide good quality cups for taking away, and you can also order snacks for breakfast or lunch, along with baked goods. So, what’s not to like?
The Shocking Amount of Sugar
Most people don’t think twice about ordering a coffee or two to get them through the day, but you may not realise that most of Starbucks’ signature drinks – mochas, cappuccinos and frappuccinos for example – contain a ridiculous amount of added sugar in the form of sweetened milks and vegan milks, brown sugar and flavoured syrups. But it’s not only the coffees that you need to be wary of – their so-called “fruit” beverages contain very little actual fruit. And you may think that you’re being healthy by ordering a large chai tea latte, but this alone contains 42 grams of added sugars, which is the equivalent of 10 teaspoons! Staff at Starbucks are also told to trick customers into sizing up when ordering their drinks:
The Metabolic Health Nightmare
As all who follow our blogs will know, eating or drinking too many added sugars is a metabolic disaster, increasing blood sugar levels and possibly leading to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. Not only that, but regularly spiking blood glucose dramatically increases the risk of developing heart disease and obesity. To make matters worse, if you also order a snack from Starbucks to go with it, many of these contain refined, ultra-processed grains which have been stripped of their natural fibres that help blood glucose levels rise more slowly.
The Worst of the Worst – How Much Sugar?!
Ok, let’s get to the nitty gritty – what is the actual calorie and sugar content of the most unhealthiest Starbucks offerings?
Get ready, this is very sobering information:
1) Venti Soy Vanilla Spice Hot Chocolate – 540 calories and 80g sugar
This is the sugar equivalent of 5 Kellogg’s Strawberry Pop Tarts! (You can’t get more unhealthy than that).
2) Venti White Chocolate Mocha with whipped cream – 613 calories, 74g sugar and 25.8g fat (more than a Big Mac)
This is the sugar equivalent of 10 bowls of Nestle Golden Grahams, or more sugar than in 2 cans of Coke!
3) Caramel Frappuccino – this contains 48.5g sugar or 12 teaspoons!
Drink any of these sugary monstrosities and you’re guaranteed to jack up your blood sugar to ridiculous heights, put strain on your liver and kidneys, and create new fat molecules. And what happens when the initial sugar rush subsides? That’s right, you’ll be craving another sugary drink!
Need Help Getting Healthy?
It’s far too easy to drink a vast amount of sugar and not even realise it. You can finally take control of your health by booking a free, no obligation 15-minute consultation with ProLongevity founder, Graham Phillips. We can support you and guide you in your quest for a longer, healthier and happier life. We have helped hundreds of people so far, transform their health through simple yet powerful lifestyle changes that don’t require a ton of willpower. What have you got to lose?
You can also check out our YouTube channel, where you can watch Graham and guests discuss various topics related to health and nutrition: