Starbucks' Most Caloric and Unhealthy Coffee Drinks

A leading U.S. men’s health magazine didn’t mince words when it called out some of the worst coffee drinks on the market—especially those served by major chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s. According to Men’s Health, these drinks may taste indulgent, but they’re packed with sugar, fat, and calories that turn your daily brew into a diet disaster.

The magazine ranked six of the worst coffee drinks available—and two from Starbucks and one from McDonald’s made the list, based on their extreme calorie counts and poor nutritional profiles.

What Makes a Coffee Drink ‘Bad’ for You?

Men’s Health drew a clear line: black, pure coffee is fine—but load it with syrups, chocolate, cream, whipped toppings, and flavored sauces, and you’ve strayed far from actual coffee. These add-ins hike calorie counts into the hundreds, often delivering more sugar than a dessert and almost no nutritional benefit. The magazine tracked New York coffee drinkers and found that around two-thirds of Starbucks customers opt for blended or flavored drinks, averaging 239 calories per serving—compared to just 63 calories for plain coffee or tea.

The Six Worst Coffee Drinks Ranked

Here’s the full list of the six worst-rated coffee beverages, with calorie counts and why they earned their place:

• Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino (whole milk & whipped cream): 520 calories. That’s 75% of your daily recommended fat intake and the sugar equivalent of ten popsicles.
• McDonald’s Caramel Latte (whole milk, large): 330 calories. Packed with unnecessary sugars and calories, with no real coffee flavor benefit.
• Starbucks White Hot Chocolate (whole milk & whipped cream): 640 calories. Essentially a liquid dessert masquerading as a coffee drink.
• Dunkin’ Donuts Gingerbread Latte (iced): 450 calories. A seasonal treat with a heavy calorie toll.
• Cold Stone Creamery Caramel Latte Lotta (with ice cream): 1,790 calories. Yes, over 1,700 calories in one drink—more than most fast-food meals.
• Cosi DoubleOh! Arctic Mocha: 434 calories. A so-called “Arctic” mocha that’s anything but light.

Healthier Coffee Choices

If you're trying to keep your coffee routine healthy—or are watching your calorie intake—the lesson is simple: skip the sugary syrups, heavy creams, and dessert-like add-ons. Black coffee, Americanos, or simple espresso drinks offer caffeine without the caloric overload. Even better, opt for a well-balanced espresso-based drink with a modest amount of milk or a dash of dark chocolate, which can enhance flavor without excessive calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most caloric coffee drink on the list?

The Cold Stone Creamery Caramel Latte Lotta contains 1,790 calories, making it the most calorie-dense coffee drink reviewed. It’s essentially a milkshake with coffee flavor.

Which Starbucks drink has the highest calories?

Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino made with whole milk and whipped cream has 520 calories. It also delivers the equivalent sugar of 10 popsicles and 75% of your daily recommended fat intake.

Why is white hot chocolate considered a bad coffee drink?

The Starbucks White Hot Chocolate, made with whole milk and whipped cream, contains 640 calories—far beyond what most people expect from a coffee beverage. It’s essentially a sweet, dessert-like drink rather than coffee.

Are McDonald’s coffee drinks any healthier?

Not always. The McDonald’s Caramel Latte (large, whole milk) contains 330 calories, which is high due to added sugars and full-fat milk, with little coffee flavor benefit.

What should I order if I want a lower-calorie coffee?

Stick to black coffee, espresso, or a simple café latte with skim or low-fat milk. Avoid flavored syrups, whipped cream, and chocolate sauces to keep calories under control.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Chocolate-Loving Coffee Drinkers

If you enjoy the rich, chocolatey notes found in many overly sweet coffee chain drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Specialty Blend, which offers complex nuttiness alongside smooth milk chocolate and almond flavors. For a more single-origin experience, the Brazil Queen Manor bean highlights creamy peanut, butter, and caramel cookie notes with a gentle sweetness and balanced acidity. Or explore the Lintong Mandheling, known for its deep roast profile that brings out bold black sugar, dark chocolate, and spice tones. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.