Listen — Frappuccinos are delicious. Nobody’s arguing that. But they’re not really the first thing you think of when you think about health… or the fifth thing… or the 15th thing, if we’re all being honest here (the whipped cream is a pretty dead giveaway). That’s one of the reasons why Starbucks thinks fewer people are ordering their Frapps. As far as drinks are concerned, a Frapp could pretty much replace an actual meal — it’s that decadent and filling.
According to Delish, who chatted with a Starbucks representative, the company is set on making a healthier Frappuccino — and they’re targeting sugar. In select locations, a new formula has been tested that’ll make customers feel a little better about their order. “We began this work in an effort to reduce sugar by 25 percent across our most indulgent beverages,” the spokesperson said. “We know that our customers are seeking balance with cold, less indulgent drinks.”
It’s definitely a step in the right direction. The 16 oz. Mocha Frappuccino, which was one of the original Frapps in their lineup, weighs in at 410 calories and 61 grams of sugar. To compare, a serving of cotton candy only contains 26 grams.
So, you can see how this might be a problem, especially for consumers who drink them multiple times per week.
Starbucks is reportedly testing the healthier Frappuccino in 600 locations throughout three states — California, Missouri, and Rhode Island. The drinks will still contain sugar, but less of it. Per Delish, a Caramel Frappuccino typically contains 67 grams of sugar. Their new version will only have 49. It’s still a lot, but it’ll make a big difference if it’s your favorite beverage.
It’s admirable for the chain to try and make their menu a little bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
To keep up with how decadent your drink really is, Starbucks keeps track of calories, fat, protein, carbs, fiber, and sodium on their website. You can find that info here.
