Other issues of Nutrition Advisor

Looking for a cure for the end of summertime blues?

Just when you think the temperature outside is going to drop, Indian Summer makes an appearance. Are you cooling off with frozen coffee drinks? It’s the all-inclusive summer vacation in a cup… complete with eye-opening caffeine, refreshing ice, and a rich, creamy taste. Frozen coffee drinks may be convenient and satisfying, but they are also packed with calories and fat.

What’s hidden in the cup?
Before stopping for a frozen cup-of-joe, consider how many calories and fat grams are lurking under the lid. Good old-fashioned brewed coffee is calorie and fat free, but most frozen coffee drinks are prepared with syrups and cream. A 16-ounce frozen coffee drink has over 400 calories and 20 grams of fat, which is one-third of your recommended daily fat intake! That does just as much damage as:

• One Quarter Pounder
• One Burrito Supreme
• Three Original Drumsticks
• Two Bavarian Crème Donuts
• Or, one slice of Supreme Pan Pizza from a medium pie

To make matters worse, a 16-oz serving is often considered a "small" size. If you double your portion, you double the calories and fat!

Aren’t they part of the dairy group?
Other than a whole lot of sugar, fat and calories, frozen coffee drinks provide very little else in terms of nutritional value. Compare a frozen coffee drink to a glass of milk:

Frozen coffee drinks are not a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially calcium, which is essential to bone health. If you do not drink milk, frozen coffee drinks are not an alternative.

It’s still too hot to start drinking hot coffee!
Despite their limited nutritional value, an occasional frozen coffee drink can blend into a balanced diet. Be sensible when you make your selection. If the frozen drinks are made to order, ask for low fat or skim milk in place of the cream. You’ll save calories and fat grams:

That will save you close to 170-180 calories and over 20 grams of fat! If the drinks aren’t made to order, iced coffee with skim milk is another alternative. If you sweeten the iced coffee with a sugar substitute, you will further reduce calories. When you order your drink, request it without whipped cream, which is just another source of extra calories and fat.

The Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor is created by registered dietitians and dietetic interns who staff the Nutrition Clinic at Yale-New Haven Hospital. For information, contact the Nutrition InfoLine at (203) 688-2422.

For more information visit these sources:

• Why Milk
• National Dairy Council

Other issues addressed by Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor:

• Nuts are good for you
• Mom was right about breakfast
• A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away
• Let's get physical, summer activities

Last revised: March 10, 2005 (jj)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.