Christmas is known as a time of overindulgence, which includes treating yourself to a warming festive drink. However, new research suggests that we should think twice when it comes to ordering our favourite seasonal latte or hot chocolate.
Action on Sugar found that more than 200 drinks contain “shockingly” large amounts of sugar, even if they were made using milk alternatives that are thought to be healthier, reports the BBC.
Starbuck’s ‘venti signature caramel hot chocolate’, made with oat milk and topped with whipped cream, had the most amount of sugar. The drink contained 23 teaspoons of sugar and a shocking 758 calories, which equates to around three cans of Coca-Cola.
In second place, a ‘grande salted caramel hot chocolate’ with skimmed milk from Caffe Nero had 15 teaspoons, that’s around 503 calories.
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Starbucks was again one of the highest in sugar levels – its ‘vent gingerbread latte’ with oat milk had 14 teaspoons of sugar.
Action on Sugar highlighted that customers might be unaware of the extra sugars due to lack of labelling and the perception that vegan-friendly milk options are healthier.
Nutritionist Holly Gabriel, from Action on Sugar, was shocked over the findings: “Coffee shops and cafes need to take much greater steps to reduce the levels of sugar and portion sizes, promote lower sugar alternatives and stop pushing indulgent extras at the till.”
You can lower sugar levels by making sure the cow’s milk alternative used isn’t already pre-sweetened.
