The Ridiculous Amount Of Sugar Starbucks Frappuccinos Really Have

When you awake from a deep slumber to hear your alarm going off, it can be difficult to process the day. During the groggy morning, nothing helps quite like a bold brew to wake us up. Caffeine is the magic cure many of us need to get going and conquer our day, and luckily there are a ton of options to choose from. Whether you like your coffee black or something more sweet like a cappuccino, places like Starbucks have a ton of variety on its menus. However, if you're trying to keep in mind your waistline, not all of these drinks are healthy choices. 

For instance, a vanilla latte doesn't seem like it would be terrible for you, but it's surprisingly high in calories. According to Business Insider, a grande version of this beverage contains 250 calories and 35 grams of sugar. Even a drink with the word "skinny" in the title can be deceiving, like Starbucks' skinny espresso beverages that are blended with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrups. Unfortunately, while this might cut down on the calories, artificial sweeteners have been shown to cause weight gain and cause other health issues. But these caffeine options pale in comparison to the sugar in a Starbucks frappuccino.

While we have to admit that sipping on a cold frappuccino on a hot day sounds incredible, you may want to skip it after learning about how unhealthy it is. A grande size Caramel Frappuccino is 380 calories, with a whopping 54 grams of sugar, per Starbucks. Likewise, a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino will set you back a staggering 480 calories and has 55 grams of sugar. That's nearly double the sweetness that's in a vanilla latte, which isn't ideal if you're trying to be conscious of what you're consuming. It's also worth noting that the American Heart Association suggests men have no more than 36 grams of sugar per day, while women should only have 32. Clearly, this drink would put you way over the recommended amount. 

But don't worry, there's no reason to swear off the coffee chain just yet. Fortunately, there are also flavorful options that won't upset your diet. EatingWell advises customers to try the Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew, which is lightly sweetened and only has 10 grams of sugar. If you're looking for an iced drink, you can also ask the barista for a coffee with two pumps of your favorite flavored syrup, which also comes in at just 10 grams of sugar. These alternatives will make it much easier to eat healthy overall, but don't be afraid to splurge on a frappuccino every once and awhile. After all, moderation is key.