Starbucks is the epitome of coffee in America right now. Not only do they supply a crazy amount of caffeinated beverages, but they also offer food, juice, and baked goods as well. They’ve essentially taken over any and all of your morning caffeine/food run needs.
Business Insider explains that with their 16,850 stores worldwide, Starbucks uses 2.3 billion paper cups per year! That signifies a lot of customers on a daily basis. It’s no wonder that with the health issues going on right now, Starbucks is more than willing to promote some healthier options to their very loyal customers.
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Let’s start out by saying that a “Grande” aka medium frappucchino from Starbucks has around 500 calories, depending on the flavor. A bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich can be anywhere around 540 calories and a piece of their coffee cake? A whopping 390. However, they also provide healthier options such as a variety of Kind granola bars, and their Evolution Fresh juice line which comes to about 130 calories per bottle. A skinny vanilla latte made with skim milk or your choice of soy or almond milk is only 120 calories, too. And of course, there’s the regular coffee which is only 5 calories if you drink it black. Coffee has many positive benefits such as helping you focus better on your work, keeping you alert and even performing better at the gym! The popular coffee franchise also provides matcha lattes on the menu. The matcha trend going on right now is unbelievable because of its antioxidant-rich qualities that help boost metabolism and burn calories. Although there are quite a few unhealthy options, Starbucks is certainly taking steps in the right direction.
As of April 1st, Starbucks announced that it will be coming out with a new line of smoothies called “Evolution Fresh Smoothies.” These smoothies will be made with their already popular juices along with Dannon yogurt, who they have recently partnered up with. The smoothie flavors will include strawberry, mango carrot and sweet greens! They will deliver more than 20% of our daily needs of fruits and vegetables. US Weekly quotes Evolution Fresh president, Jeff Hansberry, in which he says:
“They [smoothies] are free from artificial sweeteners or fillers, just a unique, wholesome, snack or beverage. We’ve been testing in select stores since last year and our partners (employees) have shared extremely positive feedback.”
Washington, Alaska, Northern California, and some Idaho stores will be the first to put them on their menu and with spring and summer on its way, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. They will come out to about 130 calories and sell for around $5, depending on the state. This is not surprising compared to typical Starbucks prices, but actually better than many specialty smoothie store options (usually going upwards of &8).
Along with these fruity and fresh smoothies, the coffee giant will begin selling Greek yogurt parfaits made from Dannon yogurt in the beginning of May. The fruit-on-the-bottom cups will be going in Starbucks chains as well as grocery stores around the country and will compete against popular Greek yogurt brands like Fage and Chobani. How do you think Starbucks Greek yogurt will match up?
Are you excited for Starbucks’ more healthy options?!
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