By: Jamie Eason

Starbucks' "Healthy" Menu Additions

While at a photo shoot in Utah I walked into a Starbuck's early in the morning to get some much needed energy for my early call time and discovered that Starbuck's now offers oatmeal. Imagine my surprise and delight because I hadn't yet eaten.

For $2.45 I can pick two "mix-ins" for my oatmeal: dried fruit, nuts or brown sugar. Well, I know that dried fruit is loaded with sugar and of course, brown sugar would negate any health benefits of a great bowl of oatmeal, so I opt for the nuts and add my own Splenda and cinnamon. After adding just the right amount of Splenda and cinnamon I sit down and dig in.

Click Image To Enlarge.
Imagine My Surprise & Delight
Because I Hadn't Yet Eaten.

Much to my disappointment I discover that the oats are actually instant oats made with skim milk. Not only are instant oats less tasty than whole oats but they are less nutritious. Not to mention the fact that no one behind the counter could tell me if this variety of instant oats was made with sugar?

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Also, most skim milk varieties have a fair amount of sugar as well. This was nothing short of a bowl of mushy oats and sugar with a few nuts to top it off.

My advice, skip the Starbuck's "healthy" menu items, just order your tall black coffee with Splenda, and go. A closer look at the new menu:

Click Image To Enlarge.
Just Order Your Tall Black
Coffee With Splenda, And Go.

Oatmeal:

• Cost: $2.45
• Calories: 140 with no toppings, 390 with all three toppings

This whole-grain oatmeal will be served hot in a cardboard to-go bowl. The oatmeal comes with three "mix-ins" - dried fruit, nuts, or brown sugar.

Remember it is instant oatmeal made with skim milk. Although it may be a healthier option, it is not better than the whole oatmeal you make at home with water.

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You're Better Off Making Whole
Oatmeal At Home With Water.

Apple Bran Muffin:

• Cost: $1.75
• Calories: 330

Made with whole-wheat flour, oats, wheat bran, apples, cherries, and honey. Too calorie dense and too much sugar.

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Multi-Grain Roll:

• Cost: $1.60
• Calories: 280

Made with seven seeds and grains, served with a side of almond butter or strawberry preserves. Slightly better than the apple bran muffin but skip the sides.

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Chewy Fruit & Nut Bar:

• Cost: $1.75
• Calories: 250

This energy bar is made with oats, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and honey. I'd like to see the nutrition break down of these. If you are a marathon runner, it may actually be a decent option.

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If You Are A Marathon Runner,
It May Actually Be A Decent Option.

Power Protein Plate:

• Cost: $4.95
• Calories: 330

This "healthy" smorgasbord consists of a hard-boiled egg, a small whole-wheat bagel, a 70-calorie pack of peanut butter, a cheddar cheese wedge, apple slices, and grapes. Healthier than some breakfast options if you skip the bagel.

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Healthier Than Some Breakfast
Options If You Skip The Bagel.

Baked Berry Stella:

• Cost: $1.75
• Calories: 280

A whole-grain pastry featuring seasonal fruits. Pastry. Enough said!

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