A consumer advocacy group recently announced it would be targeting the Starbucks Corp,. charging that some of the chain’s popular beverages and deserts are high in calories and fat, which can cause an increase of obesity, heart disease and even cancer.

The group, The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), made similar claims against KFC’s parent company Yum brands, Inc. and has even filed a lawsuit charging that the popular chicken chain failed to inform consumers of the trans fat content in its fried chicken and of the possible health risks. CSPI says it has not ruled out taking similar legal action against Starbucks.

Starbucks does post nutritional information in brochures in its cafe and on its website, but the CSPI says such efforts are not enough. Instead, the group says the information should be posted on the menu board.

There is little dispute that some of the coffee chain’s drinks and snacks are high in fat and calories. According to Starbucks own website, a 20-ounce “Venti” Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino with whole milk and whipped cream has about 720 calories and 15 grams of saturated fat, as compared with a McDonalds Big Mac which has 560 calories and 10 grams of fat, according to the burger chain’s website. Nutritionists suggest the average person only needs to consume 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day.

But for its part, Starbucks issued a statement saying it is actively researching alternatives to high-fat ingredients and pledged it will eliminate trans fat from its seasonal baked goods by the fall.

Considered dieters should also note that Starbucks offers a small version of its beverages called a “short” that is not always advertised on the menu, but is usually available. Something to consider when you have a craving for a Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino but don’t want all the calories.

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