If you’re a Def Leppard fan, you probably just started singing this song. Good luck getting that out of your head!
Why am I writing about one of my favorite 80’s hair band?
I’m not.
Instead, let’s talk about something that might be a little more relevant to your daily routine—your Starbucks addiction.
Now, I get it. That morning Vanilla Latte or mid-afternoon Caramel Ribbon Crunch might feel like a well-deserved treat, but have you ever stopped to think about what’s really inside your favorite drinks? Let’s break it down.
In the average 16oz beverage, here’s the sugar content:
- Vanilla Latte: 35g of sugar
- White Chocolate Mocha: 53g
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: 50g
- Java Chip Frappuccino: 59g
- Mocha Frappuccino: 51g
- Caramel Ribbon Crunch: 60g
Each of these drinks packs in between 250 to 500 calories. Some have as much as 15 teaspoons of sugar—that’s more than double the daily recommendation for added sugars in a single cup!
For comparison:
- M&Ms: 31g of sugar
- 2 Reese’s Cups: 21g
- Snickers: 20g
All of these candies come in under 230 calories. Surprised? While candy might seem like the “guilty” snack, your favorite beverage could be the real culprit when it comes to hidden calories and sugars.
Why does this matter?
If you’re on a mission to lose weight, or even just trying to be a bit healthier, it’s important to consider not just what you’re eating but what you’re drinking. Calories can sneak up on you in liquid form, and they don’t fill you up the same way food does.
So, next time you order your favorite Starbucks drink, think twice. Swapping out for a lower-sugar option or reducing how often you indulge might just make a bigger difference than you realize.
And hey, that Def Leppard song? You’re guaranteed to burn more calories dancing to that than sipping on a sugary Frappuccino.
Dr. Brian Strump is a chiropractor and owner of Live Active Charlotte, a CrossFit/functional fitness gym located in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.
If you’re interested in making a change in your health or simply have questions, you can learn more about Brian and his staff by visiting: liveactiveclt.com
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