Coffee shop cakes have a latte calories
Health bosses’ warning on combo
HEALTH chiefs are setting their sights on coffee shops in the war on obesity, urging people to think twice about a caffeine and cake fix.
Britain’s chief nutritionist has blasted high street chains for encouraging us to scoff muffins and croissants with often high-calorie drinks.
Dr Alison Tedstone, of Public Health England, said: “I was buying my lunch from a coffee shop... they were doing calorie labelling but it was badly done, you couldn’t read it.
“‘Would you like a muffin with that?’ You’re actually purchasing 400 additional calories, often.”
For example Starbucks’ largest whole milk latte has 298 calories, while Caffe Nero’s almond croissant has 350 – a breakfast of nearly 650 calories.
Some coffee shop drinks and pastries exceed 400 calories. Dr Tedstone said: “I’m saying think about it. If you’re having 800 calories for breakfast every day you’re probably going to be gaining weight. A portion of cake from a supermarket is likely to be half the size of a portion you’d buy from a coffee shop.”
PHE advises no more than 400 calories at breakfast, 600 at lunch and 600 at dinner. Daily intake should not exceed 2,000 for women, 2,500 for men. Supermarkets and fast-food outlets are reformulating foods. PHE is monitoring the National Obesity Strategy and can push for laws if firms do not comply.
The British Coffee Association said: “Many leading high street coffee brands provide nutritional information both on counter cards and packaging and allow consumers to customise drinks.
“We encourage responsible consumption and to be aware of the information available.”
Diners cut back on starters when given menus showing calorie content but booze and dessert orders remained the same, a New York study found.
A muffin with that? You’re purchasing 400 extra calories DR ALISON TEDSTONE ON PUSHY COFFEE SHOPS