Starbucks’ Highest-Calorie Drinks Rated Worst Coffee Options

If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite Starbucks drink leaves you feeling more like you’ve had a slice of cake than a cup of coffee, a U.S. magazine investigation reveals the startling truth: some Starbucks drinks pack more sugar and fat than a full dessert. Specifically, two of the chain’s most popular blended beverages have been named among the worst coffee options available—not because of the coffee itself, but because of what’s added to it.

According to a U.S. magazine ranking, the two worst coffee drinks at Starbucks are the Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino Blended Beverage (with whole milk and whipped cream) and the White Hot Chocolate (also with whole milk and whipped cream), with calorie counts of 520 and 640 respectively. That’s over three times the calories found in a regular black coffee or tea, which average just 63 calories.

Why These Starbucks Drinks Are Considered the Worst

The issue isn’t the espresso or coffee base—it’s the heavy additions. The Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino includes whole milk, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips, while the White Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, whipped cream, and white chocolate mocha sauce. These ingredients ramp up the calorie, sugar, and fat content dramatically. The Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino alone contains the equivalent of the daily recommended intake of fat for three-quarters of an average adult, plus as much sugar as 10 popsicles. The White Hot Chocolate has been likened to “drinking a dessert.”

What Regular Coffee Really Contains

In contrast, a standard black coffee or traditional tea contains minimal calories—usually around 2 calories for black coffee and up to 63 calories for a lightly sweetened or milky tea. These drinks don’t include syrups, cream, or chocolate, which are the primary culprits in calorie inflation. The magazine emphasizes that drinking “the purest, blackest coffee” is not only healthier but also better for those managing weight or sugar intake.

Consumer Preferences at Starbucks

Despite the health impact, research cited in the report shows that around two-thirds of Starbucks customers in the U.S. opt for these blended or flavored drinks rather than black coffee. In China, the tendency is similar: when customers ask for black coffee, staff often suggest sweeter, creamier alternatives instead. The popularity of these high-calorie options highlights a gap between consumer taste preferences and nutritional awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Starbucks drinks were rated the worst in the U.S. magazine?

The Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino Blended Beverage (with whole milk and whipped cream) and the White Hot Chocolate (with whole milk and whipped cream) were ranked as the worst. They contain 520 and 640 calories respectively, far exceeding typical coffee or tea calories.

How many calories are in a regular black coffee?

A regular black coffee typically contains about 2 calories, while a lightly sweetened or milky tea contains up to 63 calories. These are much lower than blended or flavored Starbucks drinks.

What makes these Starbucks drinks so high in calories?

The high calorie count comes from ingredients like whole milk, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, and white chocolate mocha sauce. These add significant sugar and fat content, turning the drinks into calorie-dense desserts.

Do most Starbucks customers order black coffee?

No. Around two-thirds of Starbucks customers in the U.S. prefer blended or flavored drinks. In China, customers asking for black coffee are often steered toward sweeter alternatives by staff.

Is black coffee healthier than blended coffee drinks?

Yes. Black coffee has minimal calories and no added sugar or fat. The magazine suggests that drinking black coffee is better for health and weight management compared to sugary, creamy blends.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Black Coffee Lovers

For those avoiding high-calorie, sugary coffee drinks, FrontStreet Coffee offers several excellent single-origin and blend options ideal for black brewing. The FrontStreet Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral notes, perfect for enjoying the nuances of pure coffee. The FrontStreet Ethiopia Huakui presents delicate jasmine and stone fruit profiles, also excellent without milk or sugar. For something deeper, try the FrontStreet PWN Golden Mandheling, known for its balanced body and hints of dark chocolate and spice. All three are ideal for showcasing coffee’s natural flavors—no syrup or whipped cream required. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.