Can’t resist your favourite cafe? These small changes to your order can make it a better-for-you treat
Is a sugar-laden latte your go-to on dark, winter days? While a caffeine hit has its benefits – including boosting your mood and supporting gut health – your drink might be packed with hidden calories. And if you’re also adding a sweet snack to your order, you could be racking up over 500 calories in just one visit! But, with colder weather and Christmas shopping on the horizon, there’s no need to deprive yourself of that much-needed warmth and a well-deserved treat when you’re out and about. Here’s how to get your fix without derailing your diet.
SWITCH UP YOUR ‘USUAL’
The same great flavour, minus a splash of guilt…
McDonald’s
SWAP Large cappuccino with semi-skimmed milk 124 cals
FOR Large white coffee with semi-skimmed milk 74 cals
SAVE 50 CALS
✱ In moderation, a cup of coffee (or tea) can be counted towards your daily fluid intake. After all, it is made with water!
Costa Coffee
SWAP Medium maple hazel hot chocolate with whole milk 469 cals
FOR Medium hot chocolate with skimmed milk 277 cals
SAVE 192 CALS
✱ Enjoying a comforting drink boosts happy hormones in the brain – the perfect remedy for festive stress.
Starbucks
SWAP Grande iced pumpkin spiced latte with whole milk 344 cals
FOR Grande pumpkin cream cold brew 270 cals
SAVE 74 CALS
✱ This pick contains cinnamon, which is packed with antioxidants to help ward off colds.
Pret a Manger
SWAP Medium breakfast tea 15 cals
FOR Peppermint tea 0 cals
SAVE 15 CALS
✱ Not only is peppermint tea calorie-free, it can help aid digestion and ease a bloated tum – order it when you’re out shopping for party outfits.
Greggs
SWAP Regular latte with semi-skimmed milk 111 cals
FOR Flat white with semi-skimmed milk 71 cals
SAVE 40 CALS
✱ Semi-skimmed milk is great for bone health thanks to its high content of vitamin B12 – just have less of it in your drink to keep your calorie intake down.
McDonald’s
SWAP Sausage and egg McMuffin 423 cals
FOR Egg and cheese McMuffin 295 cals
SAVE 128 CALS
✱ The ‘good’ cholesterol in eggs can help to lower your risk of stroke and heart disease.
Greggs
SWAP Triple chocolate cookie 358 cals
FOR Jammy heart cookie 273 cals
