Baby, it’s cold outside! And while we may want to stay tucked up in bed, we all have to go outside now that the holidays are over.
So, whether it’s during the morning commute, lunchtime or a mid afternoon break, we all love to take a trip to the coffee shop for a hot cup of something nice to warm us up and give us a well needed a boost. But could this habit be piling on the pounds?
We know about the calorie content in our favourite foodie treats, but do you think about cutting calories in your coffee?
This guide will give you all the facts and tips you need to decide which hot drink will help or hinder that January diet (you know, the one that we are all begrudgingly trying to stick to!)
Ever wondered just how many calories you add to your hazelnut latte when you say yes to whipped cream? Or how much a shot of syrup will cost you in fat content? We have the answers!
We’ll let you know the calorie, fat and caffeine content of your most popular hot drinks and give you tips on how you can easily cut the calories to make them healthier… easy!
Espresso/Black coffee (no milk or sugar) 2 calories, 0g fat per 25ml shot, 75mg caffeine
Virtually calorie and fat free, this is the best choice for that morning or mid-afternoon boost.
Ask for a glass of water with your espresso to stay hydrated or order an Americano, this mixes the espresso with hot water for a coffee that lasts longer.
Caffé latte 142 calories, 8g fat with full fat milk, 75mg caffeine
A shot of espresso with two to three parts of steamed milk.
Don’t forget you can reduce the calories by asking for a skinny latte. It’s always tempting to add a flavoured syrup to your latte (caramel, yum!) so try to opt for a sugar free one if you can.
Caffé Mocha 177 calories, 8.5g fat with full fat milk, 75mg caffeine
A shot of espresso, milk and a shot of chocolate syrup.
Each shot is about 82 calories though, so something to think about before adding a second.
Cappuccino 127 calories, 7g fat with full fat milk, 75mg caffeine
An equal mix of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam.
Reduce the calories by asking for a skinny cappuccino, this uses skimmed instead of full fat milk. Skimmed milk is still a great source of protein.
Chai latte 272 calories, 8g fat with full fat milk, 50mg caffeine
Spiced tea with steamed milk. This seemingly innocent hot drink actually has more calories than a doughnut.
There’s definitely no harm in going skinny on this one.
A flat white 147 calories, 8g fat with full fat milk, 130mg caffeine
A single or double shot of espresso with 2 parts steamed milk.
Remember,1tsp of sugar adds about 20 more calories.
Roasted hazelnut latte 232 calories, 15g fat with full fat milk, 60mg caffeine
A shot of espresso, milk, spiced syrup and cream.
You can still opt for this yummy coffee while easily cutting the calories by opting for skimmed milk, sugar free syrup and axing the cream…sometimes. Well, we’re allowed to treat ourselves, right?
Hot chocolate 250 calories, 10g fat with full fat milk, 9mg caffeine
Chocolate powder and milk.
This comforting hot drink has the same calories as two digestive biscuits and five lumps of sugar. Skimmed milk will definitely help to cut the calories here.
Hot chocolate with whipped cream 293 calories, 18g fat with full fat milk, 9mg caffeine
This one packs a punch and going for a large increases the calories to 556 and the fat to 27g, about as much as a burger. I’m not sure even having skimmed milk will help that…ah well, we all need a treat every once in a while. Have I said that before?