As the festive season kicks into high gear, Britain's high street coffee chains are rolling out their much-anticipated seasonal menus. These sweet, creamy coffees provide the perfect companion for weary Christmas shoppers braving the bustling streets.
The Most Indulgent Festive Drinks
According to research by the team at Zava, Starbucks' eggnog latte emerges as the most calorific choice on their seasonal menu. A grande cup contains 365 calories, representing more than 16% of the average recommended daily intake of 2,250 calories for adults.
This traditional festive beverage, typically made with milk, cream, sugar and eggs and dusted with nutmeg, also packs a sugary punch. Each grande serving contains 41.1g of sugar, equivalent to consuming more than four glazed doughnuts.
Surprising Sugar Levels in Seasonal Favourites
Following closely behind is the pumpkin spice coffee frappuccino with 355 calories, significantly higher than its hot counterpart, the pumpkin spice latte, which contains 266 calories. The frappuccino variant takes the crown as the sugariest drink on the seasonal menu, containing 48.5g of sugar in a single grande cup.
One of this year's most talked-about newcomers, the chocolate mousse latte, has seen online searches surge by more than 4,000% in the past week. Despite its popularity, this blend of espresso, steamed milk, nutty flavour sauce, whipped chocolatey cream and cocoa powder contains 288 calories and 39.4g of sugar in a grande size - matching the sugar content of more than three glazed doughnuts.
Lighter Options for the Health-Conscious
For those seeking a less indulgent treat, Starbucks' iced gingerbread latte offers a refreshing alternative with just 178 calories and 16.9g of sugar - comparable to approximately one and a half glazed doughnuts. This cooler option combines signature espresso with gingerbread flavour syrup and milk, served over ice and finished with a dash of cinnamon.
Nutrition experts emphasise that understanding the calorie and sugar content of these limited-edition drinks doesn't mean you must avoid them entirely. Instead, this knowledge allows consumers to make informed decisions about when to indulge in these seasonal specials during the festive period.
