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Coffee House Temptations

Jun 20 02:41am

You've learned to steer clear of the whipped cappuccino and the other creamy and delightful modern-day coffee drinks.

But other nutrition pitfalls are lurking in most coffee-serving areas, in the form of cookies, cakes, brownies, and muffins.

What you may not realize is how many calories you are actually opting for when you select one of these sweet baked goods.

For example, a shortbread cookie or an oatmeal-raisin cookie may have between 250 and 500 calories, depending on size; a four-ounce scone could provide as much as 500 calories; a slice of coffee cake, 350 calories; and a reduced-fat blueberry muffin, 400 calories (more than most donuts but, of course, with less fat).

If you want something sweet to complement your coffee, consider a biscotti. These crisp treats, available at most coffee houses, are sweet yet lower in calories and fat. A medium-sized biscotti will provide between 120 and 200 calories and two to five grams of fat.

34 Comments Report Abuse

1. queencaroline819 - Jun 20 03:35am

But, biscotti are icky! In my humble opinion, at least

2. jshill922 - Jun 20 07:22am

Not if you dunk them in your coffee! Then biscotti are great!

3. jshill922 - Jun 20 07:22am

Not if you dunk them in your coffee! Then biscotti are great!

4. onsighttree - Jun 21 12:42am

I believe the sugar in most coffee shop items is more than enough. One teaspoon of sugar is about 5 grams, most snacks have 5 to 15 teaspoons per serving! That does not include the white flour and starch that your body will process as more sugar.
The brain will confuse hunger with a need for more sugar, so you eat when you aren't hungry, just looking for the rush.

5. andrewintoronto - Jun 21 02:42am

Bagels, particularly multigrain bagels, have less calories and therefore may be a better option. Just don't use too much butter or cream cheese! Even better, bring your own snacks with you. For example, a low fat cereal bar or a homemade muffin. You'll also save money because baked goods in most coffee chains tend to be overpriced!

6. andrewintoronto - Jun 21 02:48am

7. mkatz2m - Jun 21 03:30am

A better cheaper drink at Starbucks that packs no fat and calories is green tea. Starbucks has the Tazo brand which is one of the best tasting green tea available. Last year at Starbucks, I only paid .44 cents for a cup.
Also, I feel a bicotti is still too fatty and calorie dense. I suggest you skip the sweet baked goods totally.

8. rxrpete@sbcglobal.net - Jun 21 03:30pm

Don't give up your cappuchino just yet. Try ordering a Cafe Latte, with non-fat milk (it is actually much better than the regular milk and the natural sugar in the milk tastes sweet enough) and then sprinkle just a little cocoa powder on top of the froth and a shake of cinnamon and it tastes great!!!

9. rxrpete@sbcglobal.net - Jun 21 03:32pm

Scone? Instead of a high calorie scone, at Starbucks try ordering their "Low-fat Oat fruit scone".
It's delicious, low in fat and full of fiber. Enjoy with you non-fat latte.