A fitness expert has ranked popular coffee shop drinks from unhealthiest to healthiest, shedding light on hidden amounts of sugar and fat that might surprise coffee lovers. Discover how your favorite order stands in this ranking.
Consuming up to 400mg of caffeine a day is considered to be safe for most adults(Image: Getty)
For countless individuals, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a crucial part of their daily routine. A satisfying cup of your favorite blend can set the tone for the entire day.
Navigating a coffee shop menu for healthier choices can be challenging, given that many popular drinks contain hidden sugars, syrups, and sweeteners that aren’t immediately apparent.
To assist coffee enthusiasts, a fitness expert has compiled a ranking of common coffee orders from ‘unhealthiest to healthiest.’ She also discusses the ‘magic number’ of daily cups that can keep you within a healthy limit, alongside addressing several misconceptions regarding dairy.
During a conversation with coffee bean supplier Coffee Friend, fitness specialist and actress Kelly Michelle Gray evaluated various drinks and suggested beneficial alternatives.
As a personal trainer, wellness coach, and fitness expert for Ideal World TV, Kelly’s insights may surprise many coffee aficionados—especially those who frequently select some of the unhealthiest options on her list, according to reports from the Express.
Whether it’s the truth behind your dairy-free latte’s health claims or insights into trendy alternatives like soy or oat milk at coffee shops, Kelly unveils the reality behind these popular selections.
Unhealthiest coffee orders ranked
Pumpkin Spice Latte
“The much-loved pumpkin spice latte is unfortunately the least healthy coffee choice,” Kelly explains.
“It has the highest fat content among coffee drinks, alongside elevated sugar levels. A medium-sized pumpkin spice latte can contain around 350 calories.”
What a revelation!
Mocha
Next up is the mocha.
“This drink is a favorite among many,” Kelly states, “but it’s not the healthiest option due to the high sugar content from the chocolate, in addition to significant milk intake.”
While mochas can be an enjoyable occasional treat, Kelly advises against making them a regular choice.
Latte with flavouring
Kelly points out: “Lattes contain a significant amount of milk, which isn’t the healthiest option. Adding flavoring increases the calorie count by 30-40 with just one pump.”
Certain flavors might be worse than others. “Seasonal favorites like salted caramel and hazelnut fall on the unhealthier side,” she notes.
Matcha Latte
For matcha enthusiasts, there’s a surprising revelation: these drinks are often loaded with sugar.
“Despite the green hue, which suggests healthiness, matcha lattes tend to have significant sugar added for flavor,” Kelly warns.
Chai Latte
Kelly states, “The chai latte may sound healthy, but it contains more sugar than many of the drinks listed here. As delicious as they may be, they’re not as healthy as they seem.”
Latte without flavouring
“A latte, whether hot or cold, consists primarily of milk with a small amount of coffee, resulting in considerable sugar and fat intake,” Kelly notes. “Most coffee shops rely on whole milk for lattes, too.”
It turns out that the plain latte may not be as innocent as it looks.
Flat White
“Flat whites resemble cappuccinos but are made with more foamy milk, leading to higher sugar and fat intake. Their smaller serving size might tempt drinkers to consume them more quickly,” explains the fitness expert.
Macchiato
“A macchiato shares similarities with a cappuccino in terms of nutritional value,” says Kelly.
However, due to its smaller size, coffee lovers might find themselves tempted to order another drink or even a pastry to go with it, she warns.
Cappuccino
Kelly remarks, “A cappuccino strikes a good balance of milk and coffee, but the volume of milk means calories and fat can accumulate quickly. Additionally, many shops add a dusting of chocolate on top.”
Coffee with Milk
Concluding the list with more wholesome choices, Kelly explains: “Coffee with skimmed milk stands out as the healthiest option due to its lowest caloric and fat content. A coffee enriched with a dash of oat milk is also beneficial, while using semi-skimmed milk increases caloric intake slightly compared to skimmed or oat milk.”
“Coffee with whole milk is another alternative, but carries the highest level of fat and calories, which extends to some dairy-free options as well.”
Espresso
“Espressos make an excellent choice,” asserts the fitness expert.
“Opting for a single or double, espressos are as pure as coffee can be. However, limiting their intake is advisable due to their high caffeine content.”
Black Coffee
Some drinks are classic choices, with black coffee firmly within that category.
“You can rarely go wrong with black coffee, which is quite similar to an Americano but a bit more diluted.”
Americano
So, which coffee order takes the top spot?
“Americanos rank as the healthiest option since they contain no added sugars or preservatives. Simple yet effective, they’re great for a morning boost.”
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin spice lattes are the least healthy coffee due to high calories, sugar, and fat.
- Mocha drinks, while beloved, can be high in sugars from added chocolate.
- The additional flavorings in lattes can significantly raise calorie counts.
- Healthier options include coffee with skimmed or oat milk, and plain espressos.
- Black coffee and Americanos stand out as some of the healthiest choices available.
FAQ
Is it beneficial to drink coffee daily?
Moderate coffee consumption can enhance focus and may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to various studies.
What is the recommended amount of coffee per day?
Research indicates that 2-5 cups can be beneficial, provided they are not loaded with sugar or excessive dairy.
What milk options are healthiest for coffee?
Skimmed or semi-skimmed milk are the healthiest choices, with almond milk as a good dairy-free option due to lower calories and sugars.
Can too much coffee have negative effects?
Excessive coffee can lead to anxiety, disrupt sleep patterns, and impact certain digestive conditions negatively.
Conclusion
Understanding the health implications of your coffee choices can guide you toward better options while enjoying your daily routines. By making informed decisions, you can savor your coffee without compromising your health.
