Starbucks targeted by consumer group
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.
One Response to “Starbucks targeted by consumer group”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
June 30th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
I work for a major chain that also serves alot of coffee drinks and deserts.we have a nutritional guide book at the customers request to post it on a menu board is nuts.If a person is wanting to conserve on what they eat they ask.People with half a brain will say I know this food or drink has calories how much and can it be made with skim milk etc. If starbucks post it on their website and brochures then they are covered.This group cspi can’t save the world from not eating correctly all the time.People know alcohol and cigerettes are bad and it’s posted on the carton and botttle but people still smoke and drink.these people just want to hurt strong restaurants and cafes.the economy is hurting and they want to hurt the big guys now because they are on top.Krispy cremes are closed down most of the them only corp owned are still here. burger kings got problems I hear.so tell these people to back off and work in a cafe such as starbucks or a kfc and see how concerned customers tell you what they want.My corp never says no. Tell this cspi to do things to help bussiness work together to help people who have cancer and heart disease in stead of causing problems. my cafe is rasing money for cancer now.