Less Sinful Sweet Treats: The Starbucks Edition

So it’s probably pretty obvious that a Venti Caramel Frappucino with Whipped Cream (500 Calories) isn’t your best choice of drink orders at Starbucks.

But what about the pastries tempting you from their shiny glass case? Follow this guide to make smarter options at the Coffee Magnate. It’s a good piece of knowledge to carry with you- after all, the coffee shops are on every other corner. You’re bound to stop into one for an afternoon pick me up or a celebratory treat sooner or later.

Remember not to make these sweet treats a daily addition to your dietary intake- they’re Calorie-laden enough to add on extra pounds fast. Instead, work them into your recommended Calorie consumption for the day (go to mypyramid.gov to find out your own specific needs), or split them with a friend or coworker for a skinnier sweet treat.

Avoid these tempting (and potentially waist-expanding) pastries, and order the recommended alternatives to save Calories at the Coffee Counter.


Double Iced Cinnamon Roll 490 Calories- The cinnamon roll contains almost 25% of the Average American's Reccomended Daily Caloric intake. It also contains 140 more Calories than the Morning Bun due to its larger surface area and amount of icing. The Morning Bun is a more reasonable option, with its smaller size and cinnamon sugar dusting, adds up to 350 Calories.

Chocolate Old Fashioned Donut 420 Calories- Dense and deep fried; a Chocolate Donut will set you back nearly as many Calories as a double cheeseburger from a fast food restaurant. Instead, choose 2 Chocolate Mini Sparkle Donuts, at 120 Calories apiece (240 Calories in the suggested two piece serving). You’ll be getting a little more than half the Calories, but with two tiny treats, you may feel like you’re eating more.

Blueberry Scone 460 Calories- Scones are denser and made with cream, which yields to a higher Calorie content than the Blueberry Streusel Muffin. Choose the fluffier, Streusel topped option for a similar taste and a lesser 360 Calories.

Pumpkin Scone 480 Calories- The Pumpkin Scone contains 110 more Calories than a Burger King Whopper. Ordering Petite Vanilla Bean Scones (2 of them are 280 Calories), on the other hand, cuts 200 Calories from your original order. Slim it down further by only ordering one.

Double Chocolate Brownie 410 Calories-Swap the fudgy brownie for a fudgy cookie alternative. The Indulgent Chocolate cookie (320 Calories) will satisfy your chocolate craving, and contains 90 Calories less than the Brownie.

Classic Coffee Cake 440 Calories- This one is easy. Swapping standard Coffee Cake with its reduced fat version saves you 100 Calories. Reduced Fat Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake- 340 Calories.