The Surprising Reason You Shouldn't Order Pastries At The Coffeehouse

Sometimes, it's just too difficult to resist adding a muffin or doughnut from the coffeehouse display case when you are ordering up your favorite brew. But you might want to think twice the next time you feel the temptation. Coffeehouse pastries are riddled with calories and fat that can blow a conscientious calorie counter's mind, let alone eat into your daily calorie and fat intake with the kind of vengeance that rears its ugly head when you are trying to button your favorite jeans. We didn't want to believe it either, but there's a lot of info out there that makes a good case to skip your go to croissant or danish the next time you are standing in line for coffee.

A writer for The Seattle Times opines how muffins used to be small and contained as little as 200 calories. But today, coffeehouses seem to be suffering from muffin madness where these yummy morsels have been supersized, and now contain upwards of 500 calories. 

While ignorance can be bliss, and we hate to be a killjoy, all you have to do is look at the nutritional value of some of our favorite morning pastries from our go-to coffee shops to get the picture. Starbucks' hugely popular old-fashioned glazed doughnut is the sugary, cake goodness that was made to go with our coffee. Sadly, it is also packed with calories and fat. A single doughnut contains 480 calories, a whopping 27 grams of fat, and welp, no redeeming nutritional value save a single gram of fiber (via Starbucks). And what about those killer muffins from Peet's? If you are a fan of those sweet, delectable cranberry crumble muffins, expect to add 536 calories to your daily intake, and 20 grams of fat. And unfortunately, a healthy sounding honey nut berry bran muffin from Peet's is not much better. It packs 480 calories and 20 grams of fat (via Peet's). 

However, if you really want to enjoy your favorite pastry without the guilt, consider splitting one with a friend, or be gluttonous and enjoy it by yourself. Just cut back on calories at another meal.