I really love seasonal flavors: gingerbread, peppermint, eggnog… So when the holidays come around, I am more likely to get that flavored latte or mocha that’s only available for a limited time. A quick look at their nutritional value, however, has me thinking twice. This habit of “treating myself” not only costs me extra cash but also extra calories that are mostly from sugar and fat.
A 12oz McCafe Mocha with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle has 340 calories and the equivalent of 12 teaspoons of sugar in it! (I would never dump that much sugar in my home-brewed cup of joe!) Multiply those 340 calories by 10, and these nearly 3,500 calories of energy equal one pound of weight gained if not burned. A tall peppermint mocha of the same size from Starbucks has 320 calories with 13 grams of fat and 48g of total carbohydrates, most of which are added sugar. However, if you choose the “skinny” version with fat-free milk and no whipped topping, it cuts 70 calories and halves the amount of fat.
I suggest swapping that high-calorie drink for water or choosing the low-calorie option. If you want that flavored hot beverage, try substituting with:
- Hot Cider is naturally sweet, contains fiber and is a good source of Vitamin C.
- Hot Tea still contains caffeine (except for herbal) and comes in seasonal flavors you won’t want to hide with milk and sugar.
- Flavored coffee grounds, instead of flavored syrups and creamers, are good for drinking coffee black.
- Sugar-free sweeteners and syrups
- Fat-free milk
- Flavored extracts can be used to make your own syrups and flavored drinks at home.
Have I given in to these tempting treats? Yes, but I enjoy them with a spirited sip thanks to a little acceptance and nutritional know-how.
**Nutrition information is taken from companies’ websites. Ohio State University Extension does not endorse any certain products. Information is provided for educational purposes only.
