Gold Star for Starbucks

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 951
Word Count: 395

Tuesday, January 9th

All aboard.....Starbucks has jumped on the trans-fat elimination train! The Seattle-based coffee chain is ahead of the New York deadline that will manadate restaurants to eliminate trans fats from foods by July. Unfortunately, not every Starbucks store will be getting rid of the heart-clogging fat this year. Stores in New York, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston will be first on the list. As of January 3rd, all baked goods and lunch items at the above locations will contain zero trans fats. The company has not posted any dates for a nationwide switch, but assures consumers that change is definitely on the way to a location near you.

Kelly Mattron, Starbucks' Midwest marketing manager, was interviewed by ChicagoBusiness as to why Starbucks decided to make the change. She claims it was not a direct result of the trans fat ban in New York. “We started the process of reformulating recipes two years ago,” Ms. Mattran says. “We try to be proactive and stay ahead of the curve on things.” Mattron assures consumers that Starbucks will closely monitor customer feedback and make any necessary changes while maintaining a trans-fat free product. Several Starbucks locations had made trans-fat free products available before their recent press release. Consumers had no idea of the switch and the company claims it did not receive any complaints about taste. If Starbucks can change their recipes and not get complaints, you can change your recipes at home, too! Who needs to know you put tofu in that smoothie? Not only is Starbukcs reformulating existing products, they are introducing new trans-fat free products nationwide including cinnamon chip mini loaves and five-fruit banana muffins.

Just because the bakery is now trans-fat free does not mean that you can eat these items daily. As with any food, we need to be aware of total fat content and calories. A carrot cake bar with walnuts and pecans will cost you 420 calories and 28 grams of fat! That peanut butter cookie is a whopping 510 calories and 30 grams of fat. Choose wisely and in moderation. If you are indulging your sweet tooth, at least you can feel less guilty be knowing that you are avoiding dangerous trans-fats.

For more Starbucks nutrition information: www.starbucks.com

Now, if McDonald's could just find a replacement oil for their french fries.....

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