How Many Calories Are in a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha and Are They Bad for You? – The Cheat Sheet

With the release of their beloved peppermint mocha, Starbucks is always one of the firsts to kickoff the holiday season. But, while the Starbucks holiday drinks are tasty, their health benefits — or lack thereof — don’t exactly make the nice list. And, because of that, some might wonder how many calories are in a Starbucks peppermint mocha.

Up ahead, we reveal the Starbucks peppermint mocha nutrition facts. Plus, answer some of your burning questions about the cult-favorite holiday drink.

Starbucks holiday drinks could be back as early as November 1st. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images

What is Starbucks peppermint mocha made out of

When it comes to Starbucks holiday drinks — and other non-seasonal menu items for that matter — most of the flavoring comes from the added sauce and syrup. And, Starbucks peppermint mocha is no different. According to the company’s website, the peppermint mocha includes sweet mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup to give it that nostalgic holiday taste you know and love. In addition, the espresso-based drink comes with steamed milk and is topped with whipped cream with dark chocolate pieces.

When does Starbucks bring back peppermint mocha

Judging by years past, Starbucks could bring back its peppermint mocha as early as November 1st. However, there will be a transition period when both the Starbucks holiday drinks and the fall menu items — like the pumpkin spice latte — are available.

After Halloween, Starbucks typically brings back red cups, seasonal drinks, and goes heavy on holiday advertising. If you’re holding onto the last days of fall (which actually don’t end until close to Christmas), but all pumpkin spiced out, we suggest going for the salted caramel mocha or the maple pecan créme — which are available on the holiday menu.

How many calories are in a Starbucks peppermint mocha

It should come of no surprise that Starbucks holiday drinks aren’t the most health-conscious things on the menu. And, unfortunately, the peppermint mocha falls into the fattening, sugary, high calorie, category. A grande Starbucks peppermint mocha with 2% milk and whipped cream amounts to 440 calories. Not to mention: It also contains 10 grams of saturated fat and a whopping 54 grams of sugar. If you hold the whip, change the milk, and downsize, you can make it somewhat healthier.

A tall peppermint mocha with almond milk and no whipped cream is around 220 calories with 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 32 grams of sugar. And, a short peppermint mocha with almond milk, sans the whipped cream is 150 calories with one gram saturated fat and 21 grams of sugar.

Are Starbucks peppermint mochas bad for you

This beloved seasonal beverage isn’t the worst thing you could order — especially if you downsize and change up the milk. But, it’s also not the best for you. The saturated fat and high sugar content are two top areas of concern. Even if you order a Starbucks peppermint mocha with almond milk and no whipped cream, you might want to ask for less syrup and sauce. Those ingredients are where much of the sugar comes from.

In addition, it is probably best to consume the seasonal drink as a once in a while treat — not every day. The sugar content in a Starbucks peppermint mocha amount to more than the daily recommended amount for men (37.5 grams) and women (25 grams).

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