HG's All-New Starbucks Survival Guide!

Healthier_Me
Healthier_Me Posts: 5,600 Member
edited September 19 in Food and Nutrition
OMG, it's an all-new guide to all things Starbucks. There's LOTS of new stuff at The 'Bucks, so make this a must-read...

The DOs and DON'Ts of Drinks at The 'Bucks!

37191037cappuccino.jpg

A few helpful guidelines...

DO be picky and specify "nonfat" milk.

DON'T order the special fancy seasonal coffee drink, just 'cuz it's only available for a limited time. We know it sounds good, but do you REALLY need eggnog in your coffee?

DO dress up your drink with a shot of sugar-free syrup. It's calorie-free. Be creative!

DON'T feel silly asking for a "Skinny Latte". Sure, it sounds a little prissy, but it's worth it!

DO stick to the Grande, Tall, or the frequently overlooked Short. Save that ginormous Venti for coffee emergencies only.

DON'T ever get whipped cream on a beverage there. Ever. It'll add around 80 calories and 8g fat (POINTS® value 2*) to your order. Sometimes MORE.

DO your research beforehand, so you know what you're getting into. Look, we've made it easy for you. Maybe print a copy of our guide, and keep it in your glove compartment?

DON'T be afraid to special order. Create your own beverages using whatever guilt-free ingredients you can rattle off. "Nonfat", "sugar-free", and "light" are all words that should be in your SB vocabulary.


Get Up on the Right Side of the Bed!

3720pikesplacecoffee2.jpg

These drinks get the A-OK from HG...

Pike Place Roast
PER SERVING (Grande): 5 calories, 0g fat, 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein -- POINTS® value 0*

In a rush? Feel like being super-low-key? Saunter up to the counter, ask for a Pike Place, and you'll have a lovely coffee blend in, like, 15 seconds. So you can skip waiting in line with the herd of people and sweeten your coffee all by yourself (stick to nonfat milk and Splenda!). Feeling adventurous? Skip the Pike and ask for the flavor of the week. Oooh, look at you trying new things!

Skinny Latte
PER SERVING (Grande): 130 calories, 0g fat, 150mg sodium, 19g carbs, 0g fiber, 18g sugars, 13g protein -- POINTS® value 3*

Where were we before the Skinny Latte? We were standing over by the sugar and cream, shaking an empty pitcher, and crying, "Why are they always out of nonfat milk?" This way is SO much more dignified and, not to mention, SUPER-DELICIOUS. Plus you can order your Skinny flavored without adding any calories or fat -- choose from Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel, and Cinnamon Dolce. SWEET!

Caffè Misto (with Nonfat Milk)
PER SERVING (Grande): 70 calories, 0g fat, 90mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g fiber, 10g sugars, 7g protein -- POINTS® value 1*

Ah! Another light 'n classy option -- freshly brewed coffee mixed with frothy steamed milk. Known in international circles as Café Au Lait or Café Con Leche, it's known in our circle as a must-have morning coffee option.

Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee, All Varieties
PER SERVING (Grande): 110 - 210 calories, 0.5 - 4.5g fat, 180 - 260mg sodium, 20 - 42g carbs, 2 - 4g fiber, 13 - 32g sugars, 5 - 6g protein -- POINTS® value 2 - 4*

The regular Coffee and Espresso versions clock in with just 110 - 130 calories and a POINTS® value of 2* each. But there are about a bazillion different flavored ones, many of 'em well worth the extra calories if you're craving a real treat. A few we're impressed with are the Caramel (160 calories, POINTS® value 3*), the Cinnamon Dolce (140 calories, POINTS® value 2*), and (drumroll, please!) the Pumpkin Spice (150 calories, POINTS® value 2*).

Tazo Tea
PER SERVING (Grande): 0 calories, 0g fat, 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 0g protein -- POINTS® value 0*

Choose from Black, Green, and Herbal Infusions. It's simple, it's classic, and we love it.


Safe to Chew!

3721starbucksoatmeal.jpg

Breakfast at The 'Bucks just got a whole lot better...

Perfect Oatmeal
PER SERVING (1 container, nothing added): 140 calories, 2.5g fat, 105mg sodium, 25g carbs, 4g fiber, 0g sugars, 5g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

with Brown Sugar
PER SERVING (Perfect Oatmeal with 1 packet): 190 calories, 2.5g fat, 105mg sodium, 38g carbs, 4g fiber, 13g sugars, 5g protein -- POINTS® value 3*

with Dried Fruit
PER SERVING (Perfect Oatmeal with 1 packet): 240 calories, 2.5g fat, 115mg sodium, 49g carbs, 6g fiber, 20g sugars, 6g protein -- POINTS® value 4*

with Nut Medley
PER SERVING (Perfect Oatmeal with 1 packet): 240 calories, 11.5g fat, 105mg sodium, 27g carbs, 5g fiber, 1g sugars, 7g protein -- POINTS® value 5*

Great addition, Starbucks! And we LOVE the little extras that come on the side -- 100-calorie packs of fruit and nuts, and a 50-calorie pack of brown sugar. Just mix & match. But know that if you toss them ALL in, that oatmeal will have 390 calories and a POINTS® value of 8*. Just a heads up.

Spinach, Roasted Tomato, Feta & Egg Wrap
PER SERVING (1 wrap): 240 calories, 10g fat, 730mg sodium, 29g carbs, 7g fiber, 3g sugars, 13g protein -- POINTS® value 5*

Sigh. If Starbucks had a face, we would plant a big fat kiss on it. We are SOOO happy that this sandwich is here to stay. Sure, we did already come up with a replacement for it (see our swaps below!), but we're stoked that it's still alive and kicking at The 'Bucks, too.

Protein Plate (with Peanut Butter)
PER SERVING (1 plate): 330 calories, 16g fat, 540mg sodium, 35g carbs, 5g fiber, 15g sugars, 16g protein -- POINTS® value 7*

Now hear us out. We know the stats are high, BUT this plate is packed with a (cage-free) hard-boiled egg, a small whole-wheat bagel, a packet of peanut butter, a wedge of cheddar, and some fruit. HG Tip! Shave off about 50 calories and 4.5g fat by plucking out your egg yolk. That brings your total down to around 280 calories and a POINTS® value of 6* -- and you'll still have a pretty nice breakfast. Not bad. Really!


To Chew or Not to Chew?

3722starbucksvivanno.jpg

We review some questionable newbies...

Vivanno Nourishing Blends (with 2% Milk)
PER SERVING (Grande): 250 - 290 calories, 2 - 5g fat, 115 - 170mg sodium, 42 - 57g carbs, 5 - 6g fiber, 26 - 42g sugars, 16 - 21g protein -- POINTS® value 4 - 5*

These new offbeat smoothies are packed with fiber and protein. There's the Orange Mango Banana Blend, to which you can add matcha green tea powder (it's better with the green tea, even if you don't typically enjoy green tea). Then there's the Banana Chocolate Blend, which you can customize with a shot of espresso (also better with the added ingredient). Heads Up! These drinks are automatically made with 2% milk, but you can request them with nonfat milk. Our SB sources tell us that would knock the totals down to 240 - 250 calories and 1 - 2g fat (POINTS® value 4*) for every drink except the green-tea-enhanced one, which would have 280 calories and 1g fat (POINTS® value 5*). These are pretty tasty, but here's the bottom line. They're way higher in calories than many other drinks, yet they're full of good-for-you stuff. So these are meal replacements, baby, or they're NOTHING at all. And yes, we know these can't be chewed like the heading implies...

Baked Berry Stella
PER SERVING (1 piece): 280 calories, 9g fat, 150mg sodium, 45g carbs, 6g fiber, 17g sugars, 6g protein -- POINTS® value 6*

A recent menu addition to which we say, "Hmmmm." It's not a casual guilt-free snack or a particularly light breakfast (it's small for the number of calories it packs in). On a positive note, it tastes fantastic.

Apple Bran Muffin
PER SERVING (1 muffin): 330 calories, 8g fat, 460mg sodium, 61g carbs, 7g fiber, 30g sugars, 7g protein –- POINTS® value 6*

Here's another new menu item that's made with good stuff (grains, dried cherries, baked apple) -- but it's still a 330-calorie muffin, which isn't the best breakfast choice. Still, it's better than the 380-calorie Lowfat Apricot Blueberry Muffin or the 500-calorie, 19g-of-fat Blueberry Muffin. Just giving you the facts...

Chewy Fruit & Nut Bar
PER SERVING (1 bar): 250 calories, 10g fat, 25mg sodium, 38g carbs, 4g fiber, 20g sugars, 5g protein -- POINTS® value 5*

This bar is INSANELY delicious. And while it has more calories and fat than the average bar we rave about, this one just might be worth it. It's sooooo yummy, and it's REALLY filling. Thumbs up!!!


Heads Up, Starbucks Shoppers!

3723starbucksbrkfstsandwich2.jpg

Some shockers you should be aware of...

Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon, Cholesterol-Free Egg, Reduced-Fat White Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
350 calories and 11g fat! (POINTS® value 7*)

This one's billed as the better-for-you b-fast sandwich, but the nutritionals are WAY worse than the spinach 'n feta egg wrap we rave about. Go figure. And chew cautiously.

Zucchini Walnut Mini Muffin
390 calories and 24g fat! (POINTS® value 9*)

Are you kidding??? It's a MINI muffin made with ZUCCHINI, and it STILL has 24g fat?! What are they doing to those poor veggies? Steer clear, peeps!


Swap 'Til You Drop!

It's Starbucks, HG Style! A few of our famous Swappuccinos...

* Vanillalicious Café Freeze - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27665-hg-s-vanillalicious-cafe-freeze

* Green Tea Crème Swappuccino - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27666-hg-s-green-tea-cr-me-swappuccino

* Raspberry Mocha Madness Swappuccino - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27667-hg-s-raspberry-mocha-madness-swappuccino

* Strawberry Cloud - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27668-strawberry-cloud

... and a little something to chew on!

* Spinach, Tomato, Feta 'n Egg Wrap Attack - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27669-hg-s-spinach-tomato-feta-n-egg-wrap-attack

* Big Fat Blueberry Muffins - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/26137-big-fat-blueberry-muffins?hl=blueberry+muffins#posts-246343

* Grab 'n Go Breakfast Cookies - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/23221-grab-n-go-breakfast-cookies?hl=grab+'n+go#posts-209683

Replies

  • Healthier_Me
    Healthier_Me Posts: 5,600 Member
    OMG, it's an all-new guide to all things Starbucks. There's LOTS of new stuff at The 'Bucks, so make this a must-read...

    The DOs and DON'Ts of Drinks at The 'Bucks!

    37191037cappuccino.jpg

    A few helpful guidelines...

    DO be picky and specify "nonfat" milk.

    DON'T order the special fancy seasonal coffee drink, just 'cuz it's only available for a limited time. We know it sounds good, but do you REALLY need eggnog in your coffee?

    DO dress up your drink with a shot of sugar-free syrup. It's calorie-free. Be creative!

    DON'T feel silly asking for a "Skinny Latte". Sure, it sounds a little prissy, but it's worth it!

    DO stick to the Grande, Tall, or the frequently overlooked Short. Save that ginormous Venti for coffee emergencies only.

    DON'T ever get whipped cream on a beverage there. Ever. It'll add around 80 calories and 8g fat (POINTS® value 2*) to your order. Sometimes MORE.

    DO your research beforehand, so you know what you're getting into. Look, we've made it easy for you. Maybe print a copy of our guide, and keep it in your glove compartment?

    DON'T be afraid to special order. Create your own beverages using whatever guilt-free ingredients you can rattle off. "Nonfat", "sugar-free", and "light" are all words that should be in your SB vocabulary.


    Get Up on the Right Side of the Bed!

    3720pikesplacecoffee2.jpg

    These drinks get the A-OK from HG...

    Pike Place Roast
    PER SERVING (Grande): 5 calories, 0g fat, 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein -- POINTS® value 0*

    In a rush? Feel like being super-low-key? Saunter up to the counter, ask for a Pike Place, and you'll have a lovely coffee blend in, like, 15 seconds. So you can skip waiting in line with the herd of people and sweeten your coffee all by yourself (stick to nonfat milk and Splenda!). Feeling adventurous? Skip the Pike and ask for the flavor of the week. Oooh, look at you trying new things!

    Skinny Latte
    PER SERVING (Grande): 130 calories, 0g fat, 150mg sodium, 19g carbs, 0g fiber, 18g sugars, 13g protein -- POINTS® value 3*

    Where were we before the Skinny Latte? We were standing over by the sugar and cream, shaking an empty pitcher, and crying, "Why are they always out of nonfat milk?" This way is SO much more dignified and, not to mention, SUPER-DELICIOUS. Plus you can order your Skinny flavored without adding any calories or fat -- choose from Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel, and Cinnamon Dolce. SWEET!

    Caffè Misto (with Nonfat Milk)
    PER SERVING (Grande): 70 calories, 0g fat, 90mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g fiber, 10g sugars, 7g protein -- POINTS® value 1*

    Ah! Another light 'n classy option -- freshly brewed coffee mixed with frothy steamed milk. Known in international circles as Café Au Lait or Café Con Leche, it's known in our circle as a must-have morning coffee option.

    Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee, All Varieties
    PER SERVING (Grande): 110 - 210 calories, 0.5 - 4.5g fat, 180 - 260mg sodium, 20 - 42g carbs, 2 - 4g fiber, 13 - 32g sugars, 5 - 6g protein -- POINTS® value 2 - 4*

    The regular Coffee and Espresso versions clock in with just 110 - 130 calories and a POINTS® value of 2* each. But there are about a bazillion different flavored ones, many of 'em well worth the extra calories if you're craving a real treat. A few we're impressed with are the Caramel (160 calories, POINTS® value 3*), the Cinnamon Dolce (140 calories, POINTS® value 2*), and (drumroll, please!) the Pumpkin Spice (150 calories, POINTS® value 2*).

    Tazo Tea
    PER SERVING (Grande): 0 calories, 0g fat, 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 0g protein -- POINTS® value 0*

    Choose from Black, Green, and Herbal Infusions. It's simple, it's classic, and we love it.


    Safe to Chew!

    3721starbucksoatmeal.jpg

    Breakfast at The 'Bucks just got a whole lot better...

    Perfect Oatmeal
    PER SERVING (1 container, nothing added): 140 calories, 2.5g fat, 105mg sodium, 25g carbs, 4g fiber, 0g sugars, 5g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

    with Brown Sugar
    PER SERVING (Perfect Oatmeal with 1 packet): 190 calories, 2.5g fat, 105mg sodium, 38g carbs, 4g fiber, 13g sugars, 5g protein -- POINTS® value 3*

    with Dried Fruit
    PER SERVING (Perfect Oatmeal with 1 packet): 240 calories, 2.5g fat, 115mg sodium, 49g carbs, 6g fiber, 20g sugars, 6g protein -- POINTS® value 4*

    with Nut Medley
    PER SERVING (Perfect Oatmeal with 1 packet): 240 calories, 11.5g fat, 105mg sodium, 27g carbs, 5g fiber, 1g sugars, 7g protein -- POINTS® value 5*

    Great addition, Starbucks! And we LOVE the little extras that come on the side -- 100-calorie packs of fruit and nuts, and a 50-calorie pack of brown sugar. Just mix & match. But know that if you toss them ALL in, that oatmeal will have 390 calories and a POINTS® value of 8*. Just a heads up.

    Spinach, Roasted Tomato, Feta & Egg Wrap
    PER SERVING (1 wrap): 240 calories, 10g fat, 730mg sodium, 29g carbs, 7g fiber, 3g sugars, 13g protein -- POINTS® value 5*

    Sigh. If Starbucks had a face, we would plant a big fat kiss on it. We are SOOO happy that this sandwich is here to stay. Sure, we did already come up with a replacement for it (see our swaps below!), but we're stoked that it's still alive and kicking at The 'Bucks, too.

    Protein Plate (with Peanut Butter)
    PER SERVING (1 plate): 330 calories, 16g fat, 540mg sodium, 35g carbs, 5g fiber, 15g sugars, 16g protein -- POINTS® value 7*

    Now hear us out. We know the stats are high, BUT this plate is packed with a (cage-free) hard-boiled egg, a small whole-wheat bagel, a packet of peanut butter, a wedge of cheddar, and some fruit. HG Tip! Shave off about 50 calories and 4.5g fat by plucking out your egg yolk. That brings your total down to around 280 calories and a POINTS® value of 6* -- and you'll still have a pretty nice breakfast. Not bad. Really!


    To Chew or Not to Chew?

    3722starbucksvivanno.jpg

    We review some questionable newbies...

    Vivanno Nourishing Blends (with 2% Milk)
    PER SERVING (Grande): 250 - 290 calories, 2 - 5g fat, 115 - 170mg sodium, 42 - 57g carbs, 5 - 6g fiber, 26 - 42g sugars, 16 - 21g protein -- POINTS® value 4 - 5*

    These new offbeat smoothies are packed with fiber and protein. There's the Orange Mango Banana Blend, to which you can add matcha green tea powder (it's better with the green tea, even if you don't typically enjoy green tea). Then there's the Banana Chocolate Blend, which you can customize with a shot of espresso (also better with the added ingredient). Heads Up! These drinks are automatically made with 2% milk, but you can request them with nonfat milk. Our SB sources tell us that would knock the totals down to 240 - 250 calories and 1 - 2g fat (POINTS® value 4*) for every drink except the green-tea-enhanced one, which would have 280 calories and 1g fat (POINTS® value 5*). These are pretty tasty, but here's the bottom line. They're way higher in calories than many other drinks, yet they're full of good-for-you stuff. So these are meal replacements, baby, or they're NOTHING at all. And yes, we know these can't be chewed like the heading implies...

    Baked Berry Stella
    PER SERVING (1 piece): 280 calories, 9g fat, 150mg sodium, 45g carbs, 6g fiber, 17g sugars, 6g protein -- POINTS® value 6*

    A recent menu addition to which we say, "Hmmmm." It's not a casual guilt-free snack or a particularly light breakfast (it's small for the number of calories it packs in). On a positive note, it tastes fantastic.

    Apple Bran Muffin
    PER SERVING (1 muffin): 330 calories, 8g fat, 460mg sodium, 61g carbs, 7g fiber, 30g sugars, 7g protein –- POINTS® value 6*

    Here's another new menu item that's made with good stuff (grains, dried cherries, baked apple) -- but it's still a 330-calorie muffin, which isn't the best breakfast choice. Still, it's better than the 380-calorie Lowfat Apricot Blueberry Muffin or the 500-calorie, 19g-of-fat Blueberry Muffin. Just giving you the facts...

    Chewy Fruit & Nut Bar
    PER SERVING (1 bar): 250 calories, 10g fat, 25mg sodium, 38g carbs, 4g fiber, 20g sugars, 5g protein -- POINTS® value 5*

    This bar is INSANELY delicious. And while it has more calories and fat than the average bar we rave about, this one just might be worth it. It's sooooo yummy, and it's REALLY filling. Thumbs up!!!


    Heads Up, Starbucks Shoppers!

    3723starbucksbrkfstsandwich2.jpg

    Some shockers you should be aware of...

    Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon, Cholesterol-Free Egg, Reduced-Fat White Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
    350 calories and 11g fat! (POINTS® value 7*)

    This one's billed as the better-for-you b-fast sandwich, but the nutritionals are WAY worse than the spinach 'n feta egg wrap we rave about. Go figure. And chew cautiously.

    Zucchini Walnut Mini Muffin
    390 calories and 24g fat! (POINTS® value 9*)

    Are you kidding??? It's a MINI muffin made with ZUCCHINI, and it STILL has 24g fat?! What are they doing to those poor veggies? Steer clear, peeps!


    Swap 'Til You Drop!

    It's Starbucks, HG Style! A few of our famous Swappuccinos...

    * Vanillalicious Café Freeze - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27665-hg-s-vanillalicious-cafe-freeze

    * Green Tea Crème Swappuccino - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27666-hg-s-green-tea-cr-me-swappuccino

    * Raspberry Mocha Madness Swappuccino - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27667-hg-s-raspberry-mocha-madness-swappuccino

    * Strawberry Cloud - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27668-strawberry-cloud

    ... and a little something to chew on!

    * Spinach, Tomato, Feta 'n Egg Wrap Attack - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/27669-hg-s-spinach-tomato-feta-n-egg-wrap-attack

    * Big Fat Blueberry Muffins - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/26137-big-fat-blueberry-muffins?hl=blueberry+muffins#posts-246343

    * Grab 'n Go Breakfast Cookies - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/23221-grab-n-go-breakfast-cookies?hl=grab+'n+go#posts-209683
  • Ezzie
    Ezzie Posts: 665 Member
    WOW>>>>>
    Makes me glad there's NOT a Starbucks nearby:noway: .....too many choices. At least there are some healthy ones. Thanks for taking the time to share.
  • Healthier_Me
    Healthier_Me Posts: 5,600 Member
    Very welcome Ezzie:bigsmile:
  • icandoit
    icandoit Posts: 4,163 Member
    Always great info Joanna!! How are you my dear??
    Take care
    Renee
  • Lyn_Matthews
    Lyn_Matthews Posts: 902 Member
    Love HG. If it wasn't for the great people here at MFP I would have never know about HG....and then I would be lost in the sea of fast food. HG has helped open my eyes to great HEALTHY choices!!
  • Healthier_Me
    Healthier_Me Posts: 5,600 Member
    Always great info Joanna!! How are you my dear??
    Take care
    Renee
    Renee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I miss you I miss you I miss you I miss you <
    that much PLUS MORE.

    I am fantabluous girl! How are you woman?

    *HUGE HUGS*
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
    Quick question-- What is HG
    -Robin
  • Healthier_Me
    Healthier_Me Posts: 5,600 Member
    Quick question-- What is HG
    -Robin
    HG is hungrygirl... here is the website:bigsmile:

    hungry-girl.com

    Tons of great recipes and info.
    Enjoy!

    ~Joanna:flowerforyou:
  • icandoit
    icandoit Posts: 4,163 Member
    Always great info Joanna!! How are you my dear??
    Take care
    Renee
    Renee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I miss you I miss you I miss you I miss you <
    that much PLUS MORE.

    I am fantabluous girl! How are you woman?

    *HUGE HUGS*
    I am doing great. Working like crazy. Still have internet issues. Finally found out what needs to be done. Our wireless channel has to be changed. We have to do it when all 3 computers are at home at one time.
    Miss you too.
    I will pop in a say HEY!!! Tell all hi for me
    Take care Joanna.
    Friendship always
    Renee
  • psyknife
    psyknife Posts: 487 Member
    The Spinach/Feta wrap is soooooooo goooooood!
This discussion has been closed.