Starbucks is one of the world's leading coffeehouses, and their iconic banana nut bread often tops the list of their most popular snacks. But did you know that this seemingly indulgent treat packs a lot of calories and fat?
Starbucks banana nut bread is a presence at most Starbuck's locations across the country and is composed of real banana and walnuts. Those delicious ingredients certainly make it tasty, but unfortunately, it packs quite a few calories and fat, too. A one-slice serving of Starbucks banana nut bread has 460 calories and 17 grams of fat. That means that for a snack that is little more than 4 inches in size, you are consuming the same amount of calories, fat and sugar as four regular-size chocolate chip cookies.
It is also worth noting that Starbucks' banana nut bread from the bakery section, not the one from their heated section, contains even more calories and fat. A single slice of this flavorful treat contains 530 calories, which is equivalent to 12 regular-size chocolate chip cookies, and a shocking 36 grams of fat. Because of this, it is recommended that you watch your portion sizes if you choose to indulge in Starbucks' banana nut bread.
It is important to put these numbers in context, since eating many foods that contain saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars are part of an unhealthy lifestyle. Eating foods that are high in these items can significantly increase your risk of developing chronic health conditions. For example, it is well known that too much saturated fat can increase your risk for coronary heart disease and stroke.
To make sure you are receiving the best health benefits, try limiting your consumption of Starbucks banana nut bread to once every week or two. It is also helpful to pair it with a healthy snack such as small piece of fruit, or some air-popped popcorn. This way, you can enjoy the childhood favorite without compromising your health.
By taking small steps like these, you may be able to continue to enjoy Starbucks' banana nut bread without packing on the calories. Ultimately, it is important to understand what is in the foods you are consuming so that you can make an informed decision and maintain a healthy lifestyle.