Starbucks Latte Abuse: Enough Already

If the coffee weren't so awful, you wouldn't need all these flavours, creams and syrups to disguise it. People need to reconnect to the wonderful flavour of honest, well made coffee.

Ugh, I hate Starbucks coffee. It's so nasty you almost HAVE to put a bunch of creamer and stuff in it until you can't taste it anymore. :P

Spectra, I hate Starbucks too. You do have to add a bunch of crap to make it taste decent.

The other problem I see is how much they market the sweet drinks and have them appealing to kids.
I'm shocked by the number of kids i know who drinkMochas and Lattes

Starbucks have always had this "brand" thing going on. Supposedly sitting in a Starbucks sofa sipping your mocha was hip (and I say "was"). This has always hidden the fact that as far as quality espresso goes - Starbucks is atrocious.

I used to drink frappucinos until I made myself realize how many extra calories and fat grams were in those things...and that yeah, their coffee tastes awful! I started brewing my own and have saved a lot of money--and calories. A mug of plain house blend coffee made at home with a spoonful of fat-free or skim milk is much more satisfying than shelling out $5 for a huge cup of a drink that's mostly sugar.

I am grateful I don't like coffee. If I did, I'd probably have been all over Starbucks stuff (seeing as how I seem to generally like things best that are worst for me) for the last few years.

I do wonder if this sort of outrage will make it to the mainstream. It certainly should be more widely understood that an average Starbucks drink packs a lot of food energy, but that doesn't seem to be common knowledge among my friends who like the place.

Dieteer, that doesn't seem to be coffee anymore, anyway ;)

I like my coffee black, and possibly so strong that it can stand by itself, which is a blessing. No risk for me of packing extra calories due to added sugar, cream or milk. Even less risk of settng foot in a Starbucks (or whatever the equivalents are in my country--see, I don't even know their names!). I can't remember where I read that, that some of these latte-mocha-frappuccino-stuffa-thingitto can be about 300 calories. 300 calories for THAT? No way. If I'm really to get 300 extra calories, then I want them to be solid, not "only a drink" (that tastes awfully sweet on top of it).

Starbucks came out with light frappucinos and they taste the same as the regular ones- but they have less calories. a grande mocha light frappucino is 180 calories instead of 290 for a regular. if i go there i always ask for light on nonfat and no whip cream- like a nonfat tall vanilla latte with 170 calories

Starbucks also have many sugar free surups that can cut back on calories. Also someone could get an Americano and can add how ever much milk they want to it, half and half, whole milk, or skim. As for the taste, I like it, coffee is something that is an individual taste. Also, it is not just Starbuck that has high cal and fat beverages, every latte stand someone drives by makes their beverages the same way, with lots of fat and cal, unless you ask them to do it differently.

Starbucks actually isnt too bad for you depending on what you order. if you just get a regular latte or cappucino with soy milk or non fat. Although i dont like the idea of splenda their sugar free syrups have no calories. BUT the regular syrups have about 110 calories per pump. most drinks have 3-5 pumps of syrup in them. so hold the syrup!

I think everyone is "attacking" starbucks, personally I think they have wonderful coffee (straight black, nothing in it) and it's about the uninformed decisions people make there, There are items that can fit in to a healthy lifestyle. if I want a latte, and want something sweet, I get a small skim, with sugar-free syrup.

Back off the Bucks!! I think people are just jealous they did not think of it first. There is one on every corner of my town and they all know me!!;) I used to get the Mocha but found out how fattening it was switched to light. Then someone told me about the vanilla sugar free fat free and went to that. Have been drinking them for months and when I tried a regular Mocha almost threw up it was so sweet and rich. I will keep my Vanilla ff sug free thank you. Oh and what IS in them to make me addicted. My 21 year old niece is convinced there is something!!!!!

Actually, the Starbucks syrups have about 70 calories per ounce (2 tbsp). This is about 3 pumps. There are 4 pumps in a Grande and 5 in a Venti. Just order less pumps.

Try drinking an americano from Starbucks. I'd rather down a gallon of instant Nscafe classic (which by the way tastes suspiciously like dishwater).

Actually, you're all wrong about the calories in each flavored syrup.

There're only 20 calories per pump....though it's still better to get the 0-cal sugar-free syrup, 20 is way less than 70, not to mention 110.

Get your info right before you start freaking out all the starbucks-lovers.

Oh, and for whoever started this post, quit complaining...if you don't like all the calories, don't drink it. Other people (like me) enjoy it. I'm well aware of the calorie count, and adjust the rest of my intake accordingly.

I like starbucks coffee. I think you guys need to give it another try.

I've heard the smallest size is actually a "short". But you can only get it if you specifically ask for it--if you ask for small, you get a tall.

Does anyone know what exactly is in the sugarfree syrups?

I'm vegan... so it would be really helpful to know before I try it.

There is nothing wrong with your coffee. There is nothing wrong with my coffee. Pure and simple it's our tastebuds.

I love (and have got to have) my starbucks everyday. In my opinion, it is probably the best coffee out there. Now you can ask any one of my friends (or family for that matter) How much they love my coffee and they will all up and run away.

There is not one of them that will sit back and enjoy the same thick, none bitter taste of my coffee. To them - it's like drinkig tar. Litterally. But I look at them like they just killed my dog.

Now I am a coffee smob, %100. I won't drink anything but a "Quad Venti One Pump Mocha with Skim Milk".. (Usually in a drink like this, starbucks will pump 5-6 pumps of chocolate syrup into the venti cup, and add whole milk with the whip cream).

That works out to about 390 cal. When you take all but one pump of chocolate out, and add the non-fat milk, your looking at 120. There abouts. The website calc. states it's about 290, but they only factor in the milk change, not the chocolate. Plus you take most the carbs, and sugars (which is what I have to watch) out. Making this MY perfect drink. Of course it's about $4.75 (my starbucks takes $.50 off the price because of the redused chocolate)

I suggest trying diff. things tell you get your drink right. I started out hating the bitter tastes as well, but then you get the ratios worked out, it makes a gooooooood coffee.

At home, French roast all the way! I buy the larger bags from starbucks or the 2.5 lbs from costco. And freeze it.I drink approx. 3-5, 12cup pots a day. Not to stay awake, it doesn't effect me like that anymore, but because I just love the taste.

starbucks made me loook and feel great so shut up all of u!!!!

I'm a sleep deprived college student, and I must say that the drip coffee at work is distgusting.
I absolutley refuse to drink anything except Starbucks coffee.
I say this...if you balance your diet right and exercise at least twice a week for two hours, a Starbucks Americano won't hurt a bit.
It's called SELF CONTROL.
If you wanna look good, then take action and exercise.

People need to know and understand limits. Our society is always supersize me. Who cares if theres alot of fat?!? We all knew it the websites shows it and if you ask a cashier I'm sure would give a nutrion list. So fat hogs need to stop eating and push the food away from themselves and walk away when they aren't hungry! Thats the problem nowadays. And Violetta, I agree so much!

I agree with the people who practice "self control." It doesn't matter how many cals or fat is in Starbucks drinks. It all comes down to how many cals in a day you decide to stuff your body with. Starbucks, in my opinion, has great coffee.

If I decide to get myself a Vanilla Latte (which is usually always) or a White Mocha, I will watch what I eat throughout the rest of the day. If you enjoy it, who cares? People need to watch what they eat, and drink. Starbucks included.

someone made a comment about the sugar-free syrups at starbucks...and while it's true they do have them...they only have TWO. Vanilla and Hazlenut (and Cinnamon Dolce at some, to be fair.) I'd prefer to go to a local coffee shop and have some options (usually 5-10 choices sugar-free)!! either way, if you go nonfat milk and sugar free, it's not so bad for you(whether you're talking about the local coffee shop or starbucks)

Just an FYI: as an avid consumer of Starbucks... a latte even if it is non-fat and made with sugar free syrup.. still contains a high number of carbohydrates.

Additionally, I have tried all of the sugar-free syrups at Starbucks, they certainly need more choices. With obesity as the next pandemic the number of people with Diabetes is increasing, thus creating a potential dietary need for Starbucks to offer more sugar-free options, not to mention figure out ways to decrease the fat content of many of their beverages!

Just my 2 cents!

I'm not a fan of plain coffee, I only drink iced caramel macchiatoes, iced lattes, hot chocolate, or frappuccinoes. If I feel in a lite mood I order them with nonfat milk, no whip cream, and sugar free syrup but to tell you the truth normally I could care less about the fat, carbs, sugar or caffeine. I don't have a weight or health issue. I'm active and I eat healthy where it counts most besides coffee is just a rare treat not lunch. And to all you purest out there that think Starbucks is the devil out to destroy coffee with their crazy ideas, just chill out different people have different taste. Some like it plain, some like it dolled up, you cannot say ones better than the other because thats just a matter of opinion not fact. What would the world be without different taste and options, there would be no change. Some of you sound like 90yr olds, You whipper snappers with your crazy music, hair styles and worst of all your crazy coffee. Just listen to your selves. Lol

LaURi*C said:
Starbucks BUT the regular syrups have about 110 calories per pump. most drinks have 3-5 pumps of syrup in them. so hold the syrup![...]

I found this to actually be quite untrue the syrups only have twenty calories per pump...check out their nutritional information on their website http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverages.asp
...while i have also noticed that when you say a "vanilla blablabla" that it actually means more like three pumps instead of one, at least if your drink is a grande, i'm not sure how that changes based on size. If you only want one or two pumps then be sure to say so.

I hear a lot of different opinions, but when it comes right down to it, Starbucks will make your coffee any way you want it. If you want less calories then ask for non-fat milk or soy. Chocolate powder will give a mild taste of mocha. If the brewed coffee is to strong for you ask for it to be half hot water half coffee. If you complain about the fat, calories and taste its your own fault by how you order it. I like white mochas but that is one of the highest contents of fat grams and sugar, so i order a triple tall nonfat, one pump white mocha with no whip. It still tastes good and has less then 120 calories. You can't complain if you take what your given. They allow modifiers and you can make it the way you like it , instead of crying how the screw people. Sound to me most are just pissed of they don't get the money Starbucks makes, when instead it their own ignorance . If you really don't like Starbucks coffee then go buy some folgers instant , make your own cup O joe and stop whining.

it's about 11pm on a saturday nite and I am so enjoying all the comments regarding starbucks. If I am honest with myself, I must say that I drink a SB coffee every day of my life. According to my mood my drink changes daily.. I don't have a weight issue but I do adjust my caloric intake to fit my starbucks needs.. if I don't I would probably gain about 10 lbs a month. If I do see that my pants are a lil snugg. I will drink regular drip..for a bit.. my favorite coffee is the Gazebo Blend! Just curious.... what is yours???

Hi, I'm Italian, all my life I have been used to drink excellent espresso in nearly every bar around Italy, I have my espresso machine at home and I can't stand American coffee. I have been living in California for one month and I must say I'm really enjoying SB drinks, and in my humble opinion comparing their drinks to a good espresso is like comparing apples and oranges: they are completely different experiences, and no one says that you can't enjoy both.

I'm dieting and I can't really see any problems in having a SB drink, they have plenty of low fat and low sugar options, milk is one of the healthiest foods in existence, and it all boils down to your choices, you can have a big cup with caramel syrup and whipped cream, and you can have a medium (or "Tall" :), btw, agree with the guy that says that is ridiculous to have the smallest size 12 fl oz....) sized cup with nonfat milk , sugar free syrup and no cream, exactly as you can have a Big Mac with fries or a Salad with light dressing.

In short, is all about different tastes, personal choices and common sense. So, enjoy your drinks, whatever they are !!!

please don't complain about starbucks (or any other food chain for that matter) unless you inform yourselves. no one truly believes that a venti frappucino with whip and extra syrup or a big mac is actually good for your health and waistlines. starbucks makes nutrition info pamphlets available in their stores. if not, the info is ALL on their website, in a user-friendly format.

but if you're still scared $h!tless about what to order, why not just stick with the plain coffee? no matter what size you order, they give you black coffee. YOU control what you put in it, whether it be an additional cup of creamer and a ton of sugar, or a splash of skim milk and sweet n' low.

better yet, if you're not a coffee drinker, you can avoid starbucks altogether! bottom line, we all have choices.

Just so you know, Starbucks flavour shots have around 20 calories per pump not 110.

Just drink plain coffee folks. It's better for you.

bijou said:
please don't complain about starbucks (or any other food chain for that matter) unless you inform yourselves. no one truly believes that a venti frappucino with whip and extra syrup or a big mac is actually good for your health and waistlines.

That's true, but to some of us who like black coffee, Starbucks tastes repulsive. Like it's been burnt.

i drink starbucks nearly every day. I drink it nearly every day because with Starbucks on every corner, its convenient, and tastes much better then a truck stop. I also understand that Starbucks uses altered, low-grade coffee, and that ordering some Leapord Forest or Terroir to make at home is MUCH better...to those of you who think Starbucks is the best stuff in the world, you probably don't have any experience with quality coffee. Hotel coffee, truck stop coffee, and maxwell house do not count.

we have sugar free, vanilla, caramel, gingerbread, cinnamon dolce, hazelnut, and im so tirewd of saying every coffee is 5.oo, a tall coffee is 1.75, a garnde, 1.96. and venti, 2.07, a grande latte is 3.55. so why always you hear 5.00 coffee, trust me when i make the mistake of wringing up a grande instead of a tall, i hear about the 30 cent price difference in a latte, so dont generalize all our prices, people forget, that they dont get charged for, extra whipped cream,extra pumps syrups, extra extra caramel. or double the pumps of chai, people only complain about the prices, go to a little gas station, or mc donalds, and see if they will steam your milk to 130 or 190, or 200 degrees,like we will,or give you 1/3 2% milk, 1/3 soy, and 1/3 1%milk in the same drink, or make it 1/4 caffinated. and see what they tell you, everyone wants everything for nothing

Great news for all of you complaining about there not being enough flavors of sugar-free syrup: Starbucks has just introduced a sugar-free mocha flavor. As their mochas and caramel macchiatos are my favorite drinks, I am so happy to see that at least one of them can now be ordered at under 100 calories!

By ordering a tall nonfat sugar free mocha with no whip (the proper Starbuck's term for this drink is Tall Skinny Mocha), it will only set you back 90 calories! How's that for good news in the New Year? Your resolutions can now include a tasty and reasonable indulgence.

You people are idiots. If you think Starbucks' coffee sucks, don't drink it. I don't like sushi, so I don't eat it. I don't spout off on a website about how fish is nasty and no one should like it.

Furthermore, do you think the reason it's so bad for you is possibly the whole milk? Try ordering with skim and check that fat content again, or just stop complaining and get fat. It doesn't really matter.