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Pumpkin Scones 8
Pumpkin Scones 8
Lifestyle

I Ranked Starbucks Pastries with the Highest Sugar Content

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Northwestern chapter.

Starbucks, my somewhat overrated, caffeinated pick-me-up. If you love their overpriced cups of coffee as much as I do, you’ll put up with standing in the never-ending lines. We’ve all been there: As you patiently wait for your drink, the lemon pound cake and various Starbucks pastries start staring at you through the glass (or is that only me?).

Before you realize it, the lemon pound cake — or whatever snack catches the attention of your stomach — is in your hands. Although the pastries continue to impress tastebuds, the amount of sugar proves unhealthy.  

Without further ado, here are 10 Starbucks pastries with the highest sugar content. Pastry-lovers, you may need to sit down for this.

10. Classic Coffee Cake

Cushiony pillows of cinnamon and brown sugar, the Classic Coffee Cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of joe. Beware: This simplistic slice of sweetness contains an alarming amount of sugar.

Sugar: 31 grams

9. S’mores Bar 

This take on the beloved campfire-staple includes layers of crunchy graham crust, milk chocolate and lightly toasted marshmallows. You’ll be begging for “s’more” if you indulge in this sugary treat. 

Sugar: 32 grams

8. Double Chocolate Loaf Cake

Tied with the S’mores Bar at a solid 32 grams of sugar, this dense, velvety slice of chocolate cake is the definition of perfection. Loaded with chunks of chocolate, this slice of happiness is topped with a creamy chocolate icing. No wonder the sugar content is sky-high.

Sugar: 32 grams

7. Butterfly Cookie

Celebrate rising temperatures and soon-to-be spring season with this seasonal, sugary offering. What’s better than a buttery sugar cookie? A buttery sugar cookie shaped like a butterfly.

Sugar: 37 grams

6. Chocolate Chunk Muffin

For all you chocolate-fanatics out there, this muffin (according to Starbucks’ website) contains four kinds of chocolates. A personal favorite of mine, this delicious treat is best served warmed and with a refreshing cup of iced coffee.  

Sugar: 39 grams

5. Pumpkin Bread

The epitome of all things fall, this pumpkin-spiced bread will warm your soul (and your desire for autumn). A sweet reminder of the beloved season, this treat includes a fat amount of added sugars— and nostalgia. 

Sugar: 39 grams

4. Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake

The sweet marriage of raspberry and vanilla flavors create a refreshing taste of summertime. Grab a slice of this gorgeous grub and pair it alongside a sweet latte. Those 40 grams of added sugar ain’t got nothing on me (except maybe impacting my health).

Sugar: 40 grams

3. Reduced Fat Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

The blurb found on the Starbucks website states apple sauce is used in this recipe, reducing the fat. However, don’t let the words “reduced fat” fool you — this Bundt-style coffee cake has a massive amount of sugar in it. 

Sugar: 41 grams

2. Iced Lemon Pound Cake

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), men should stick to consuming about 37.5 grams of sugar per day. Women, on the other hand, should stick to roughly 25 grams.

How tragic, considering a slice of Starbucks’ angelic iced lemon pound cake has a whopping 42 grams of sugar. Oh well.

Sugar: 42 grams

1. Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake

Drumroll please. I found the pastry with the highest sugar content to be this slice of pretty pound cake. With both vanilla and chocolate swirls, topped with a chocolate fudge icing, this sugary snack promises to make your stomach smile. 

Sugar: 43 grams

At the end of the day, be aware of your pastry-picks. Some of the most beloved snacks at Starbucks have a high sugar content. However, in the wise words of Donna Meagle: “treat yo self” to the occasional sugary snack on your next trek to Starbucks. 

Gabby Cano

Northwestern '20

Queso enthusiast, cereal aficionado and lover of all things brunch. Journalism Student. Northwestern University 2020.