Greggs Surpasses Costa in Store Count, Calorie Showdown Revealed

Greggs has officially become the UK's largest coffee chain, surpassing Costa Coffee in the number of outlets for the first time. According to data from the Allegra World Coffee Portal Project Cafe UK, Greggs added 34 shops in the first half of the year, bringing its total to 2,737 locations, while Costa has 2,707.

This expansion has led to a closer examination of the nutritional content of items offered by both chains, challenging the assumption that bakeries are inherently less healthy than coffee shops. Brenda Heather, a nutritionist at Meo Nutrition, noted that comparing like-for-like products reveals significant differences.

For example, a sausage bap from Greggs contains 377 calories, whereas Costa's version has 515 calories. A yogurt with compote from Greggs is 114 calories, compared to Costa's 206 calories, a difference of about 80 percent. Even drinks show variations, with Costa's Americano reportedly containing double the calories of Greggs' offering, and its hot chocolate being 33 calories higher than Greggs'.

However, the comparison is not universally in Greggs' favor. Greggs' chicken flatbread has 374 calories, while Costa's is 339 calories. Both chains' pain au chocolats are listed at 299 calories.

Dr. Ramon Velazquez, a Scientific Advisor at Mind Lab Pro, explained that Costa's ambiance, higher price point, and menu can create a "health halo effect," potentially leading consumers to underestimate their intake. Conversely, Greggs' reputation might make customers more aware of their choices.

Experts advise that while calories are a quick reference point, other nutritional factors like fiber, protein, salt, and saturated fat are also crucial. Heather suggests habits like choosing smaller drink sizes, skipping extra toppings, and checking labels before purchasing can help manage intake.