Health-conscious Americans are trying harder to cut back on sugar in their diets, but some of the worst culprits are actually beverages. While we’re careful to fill our plates with greens and proteins, lots of us think nothing of knocking back a drink with more sugar than we’re supposed to have in a day - we’re looking at you Frappuccinos and Venti Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
The FDA recommends consuming no more than 50 grams of sugar in a day and if that doesn’t sound like much, consider that the World Health Organization calls for just half that amount. But some of the most popular drinks in the U.S. pack over 50 grams of sugar in just one cup or bottle. Starbucks knows it’s an issue so they’re starting to revamp their Frappuccinos with less sugar. So how much sugar is actually in our favorite drinks? Here’s the truth about some of the most popular drinks in the country.
Coffee:
- Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Grande - 16 ounces, 49 grams of sugar
- McDonald’s McCafe Mocha - 16 ounces, 52 grams of sugar
- Dunkin Donuts Frozen Coffee - 14 ounces, 146 grams of sugar
Sodas:
- Coca-Cola - 12 ounces, 39 grams of sugar
- Pepsi Cola - 12 ounces, 41 grams of sugar
- Sprite - 12 ounces, 38 grams of sugar
- Pepper - 12 ounces, 41 grams of sugar
Energy Drinks:
- Red Bull - 8.46 ounces, 27 grams of sugar
- Monster - 16 ounces, 54 grams of sugar
- Rockstar - 16 ounces, 60 grams of sugar
Source: Business Insider