Starbucks’ New Fall Menu Drinks: A Dietitian’s Guide to Making Healthier Choices
Starbucks has brought back its new Fall Menu drinks for another year, featuring a mix of old favorites and new additions with familiar fall flavors like pumpkin and apple. Whether you’re a fan of chai lattes or cold brew, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Registered dietitian Denise Hernandez shares her tips on modifying these drinks to align with your health and wellness goals while still enjoying the delicious options Starbucks has to offer.
How To Modify Starbucks Drinks To Fit Your Goals
When ordering coffee at a coffee shop or chain, it’s easy to overlook the nutritional details of your favorite drinks. Hernandez emphasizes the importance of being aware of the ingredients in your coffee beverages, as calories, fat, and sugar can quickly add up with added syrups and flavors. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when ordering:
1. Control portion sizes by opting for a smaller size to reduce calories, fat, and sugar.
2. Reduce sugar content to prevent high blood sugar and high triglycerides.
3. Choose lower-fat or non-dairy milk options like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
4. Ask for fewer pumps of syrups or use sugar-free alternatives to decrease calories and sugar.
5. Skip high-calorie toppings like whipped cream and opt for lighter options like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Tips To Modify Starbucks’ New Fall Menu Drinks
Enjoy the seasonal drinks available for a limited time, but consider making modifications to reduce calories, sugar, and fat in your drink. Here are some tips for popular fall menu drinks at Starbucks:
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Opt for a smaller size with fewer pumps of syrup and nonfat or almond milk.
2. Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Chai: Order a smaller size with light non-dairy apple crisp cream and one pump of chai syrup.
3. Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato: Request light spiced apple drizzle and one pump of apple brown sugar syrup for a smaller size.
4. Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai: Choose almond milk or nonfat milk, light pumpkin cream cold foam, and fewer pumps of chai syrup for a smaller size.
The Bottom Line: Balance Health With Taste
Fall flavors are irresistible, but it’s important to balance your favorites with your nutrition goals. Hernandez suggests exploring low-calorie, low-fat, or sugar-free options available at coffee shops. Making small changes like choosing hot or iced drinks can help you enjoy fall beverages while staying on track with your goals.
MyFitnessPal Can Help
If you’re unsure how your favorite drinks impact your health and fitness goals, consider tracking your food and nutrition with MyFitnessPal. With a vast food database, logging food and reviewing nutritional values is easy. Whether you’re trying to balance treats with nourishing foods or improve your eating habits, MyFitnessPal can assist you in reaching your goals.
In conclusion, making small modifications to your Starbucks drinks can help you enjoy your favorites while staying mindful of your health and wellness goals. By following these tips and utilizing tools like MyFitnessPal, you can make informed choices and enjoy the best of both worlds this fall.
