Most of us rely on a coffee first thing in the morning to wake us up, but do we ever give a moment’s thought to what we are actually drinking? That innocent-looking latte could contain many more calories than we realise.
This time of year we tend to watch what we eat as we strive for a bikini body. It’s easy to forget though that the drinks we have, such as a morning latte or cappuccino, can be just as calorific as snacks.
The Dairy Council has investigated the calorie content of a variety of cappuccinos and lattes, and discovered that huge calorie savings can be made depending on the type of milk used. For latte lovers, a whopping 144 kcal (calories) can be avoided by switching from a large latte made with whole milk to one made with skimmed milk.
Similarly, cappuccino fans can save calories by switching from a large cappuccino made with whole milk (214 kcal) to the same drink made with semi-skimmed milk (153 kcal) or skimmed milk (116 kcal).
For some, the creamier taste of whole milk is a must when it comes to coffee. Whole milk also contains more vitamin A and vitamin E than the skimmed option. But for those trying to lose the extra pounds, choosing milk made with semi-skimmed or skimmed milk may be the preferred option.
For some, a milky morning coffee may be the only calcium consumed that day and the good news is that skimmed milk contains just as much bone-building calcium as whole or semi-skimmed milk. Research from the USA (1) has also suggested that the calcium in dairy products may have a benefit for dieters, by encouraging fat to be burnt rather than stored.
“People will be surprised when they see how much difference the type of milk makes to the calorie content of their favourite coffee”, commented Jill Eisberg, Chief Executive of The Dairy Council. “For those aiming for a trimmer figure this summer, switching to coffee made with skimmed or semi-skimmed milk could be an easy way to cut calories, with no reduction in the amount of calcium consumed.”
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Notes to editors
Estimated energy values (kcal) for cappuccino and latte drinks made with whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk:
- Small = 200ml including froth
- Medium = 350ml including froth
- Large = 450ml including froth
- Latte made with whole milk: small-139 kcal, medium-241 kcal, large-309 kcal
- Latte made with semi-skimmed milk: small-100 kcal, medium-172 kcal, large-219 kcal
- Latte made with skimmed milk: small-77 kcal, medium-130 kcal, large-165 kcal
- Cappuccino made with whole milk: small-100 kcal, medium-169 kcal, large-214 kcal
- Cappuccino made with semi-skimmed milk: small-73 kcal, medium-121 kcal, large-153 kcal
- Cappuccino made with skimmed milk: small-57 kcal, medium-92 kcal, large-116 kcal
References
- Zemel MB, et al. Dietary Calcium and Dairy Products Accelerate Weight and Fat Loss During Energy Restriction in Obese Adults. Obesity Research. 2004; 12(4): 582-590
