Autumn Fusion Drinks Pack a Sugary Punch, Analysis Finds

Autumn is bringing a wave of new seasonal drinks to coffee shops, featuring elaborate "fusion" flavors like apple crumble lattes and banoffee matcha. However, an analysis of these offerings reveals that many are laden with sugar and calories, potentially exceeding recommended daily intake levels.

Several drinks analyzed contain sugar amounts comparable to or exceeding those found in popular candy bars or desserts. For instance, Starbucks' grande iced apple crumble matcha latte, made with semi-skimmed milk, contains 35.6 grams of sugar, more than a Mars bar and equivalent to a slice and a half of chocolate cake. This single drink accounts for an entire day's recommended intake of free sugars, which health experts advise limiting to seven teaspoons.

Dietician Carrie Ruxton notes that the high calorie count of such beverages, like the Starbucks apple crumble matcha latte at 328 calories (comparable to a McDonald's cheeseburger), can be problematic. "The problem with drinking 300-odd calories rather than eating them is that it has a minimal impact on hunger and fullness," Ruxton explained. "Our bodies barely notice the calories and we will probably go on to eat our usual amounts later in the day resulting in excess calories and weight gain."

Other Starbucks options also present significant sugar content. The grande maple pecan macchiato with semi-skimmed milk contains 31 grams of sugar, surpassing the daily limit due to the inclusion of two types of syrups. Even the Starbucks pumpkin spiced latte, a common autumn favorite, contains 31 grams of sugar, equivalent to nine custard cream biscuits, especially when topped with whipped cream which adds a considerable amount of fat.

Costa's offerings also feature high sugar levels. The medium maple hazel iced matcha, made with semi-skimmed milk, has 26 grams of sugar, and the maple hazel hot chocolate with a 'light whip' topping and semi-skimmed milk is described as the "big daddy" of calorie counts, totaling 456 calories and 54 grams of sugar—nearly twice the daily limit.

While some drinks attempt to incorporate ingredients with perceived health benefits, their overall nutritional profile often remains poor. Matcha, made from powdered green tea leaves, is promoted for its antioxidant content. However, experts suggest that the health benefits, while promising in early research, are far from conclusive in humans. Despite containing L-theanine, an amino acid that may promote relaxation, the high sugar content in matcha-based drinks can negate these potential advantages.

Caffè Nero's cinnamon roll latte, made with oat milk, offers a lower saturated fat content and nearly 10 grams of protein, which can contribute to feelings of fullness. However, it still contains 23.3 grams of sugar from its sweet syrup. The banoffee matcha latte from Caffè Nero, while containing some fiber from the banana, is high in sugar, exceeding that of a Twix bar. The spiced pecan latte from the same chain also suffers from a high sugar count, overshadowing its moderate calorie and fat content and nearly 10 grams of protein.

Experts emphasize that the significant amounts of added sugar in these seasonal beverages can lead to adverse health effects, including tooth decay and contributing to weight gain. The analysis suggests that simpler, less dessert-like coffee options are generally healthier choices for consumers.