For many, a trip to Costa Coffee is a daily ritual or a special treat. However, with growing public awareness of health and nutrition, many consumers are questioning the sugar content of their favourite drinks. While Costa Coffee has made significant strides in reducing sugar across its menu since 2015, some beverages, particularly flavoured and blended options, remain surprisingly high in sugar. This guide provides a detailed look at the sugar content across the Costa menu and offers practical tips for making healthier choices.
Understanding the Sugar in Your Cup
The sugar in Costa drinks comes from a variety of sources. Simple black coffee drinks, such as an Americano, have virtually no sugar. The sugar levels increase significantly with the addition of milk, syrups, sauces, and toppings. While milk contains naturally occurring sugar (lactose), the vast majority of sugar in the sweetest Costa drinks is 'free sugar'—the type added for flavour.
Hot Drinks: From Standard to Sweet Treat
While a standard, plain latte or cappuccino made with semi-skimmed milk contains a moderate amount of natural milk sugars, flavoured versions are a different story. The syrups and sauces added for flavours like gingerbread, caramel, or vanilla drastically increase the sugar count. For example, a large festive hot chocolate with all the trimmings could contain over 70g of sugar in past years, well over double the NHS recommended daily limit for adults. While recent data shows reformulation has helped, seasonal specials and indulgent options remain high in added sugar.
Iced Drinks: Frappes and Creamy Coolers
Iced drinks are often the biggest culprits for high sugar content. Frappes and Creamy Coolers, which are essentially blended coffee, milk, and sugary syrups topped with cream, can be sugar bombs. A consumer group survey revealed a Costa chocolate fudge and hazelnut frappe with oat milk contained 42.6g of sugar. Even iced lattes, when flavoured with syrup, see a significant jump in sugar levels compared to their unflavoured counterparts.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Canned Coffees
For those who grab a canned coffee on the go, it's also important to check the nutritional information. Costa's RTD line has seen changes, with a product update in early 2025 reducing sugar and calories in their US range. However, as with all pre-packaged items, consumers should check the label for exact sugar content, as it can vary by product and region.
How to Reduce the Sugar in Your Costa Order
- Swap syrups: Ask for sugar-free syrup alternatives, which are available for many flavours. This is one of the most effective ways to slash the added sugar from a flavoured drink.
- Size matters: Downsizing your drink from a large or massimo to a smaller primo or medio can make a substantial difference in total sugar and calorie intake.
- Skip the toppings: Whipped cream, marshmallows, and drizzles add a significant amount of extra sugar and calories. Ask for your drink without them.
- Choose alternatives: Opt for simpler drinks like an Americano or a plain tea. If you prefer a milky coffee, a standard cappuccino or latte with semi-skimmed milk contains only natural milk sugars.
- Consider milk options: While switching to a dairy alternative like almond or oat milk can be beneficial, be aware that some brands add sugar, so this doesn't automatically mean a low-sugar drink. Standard semi-skimmed milk often offers the lowest sugar option among the dairy and dairy-alternative options.
Comparison Table: Popular Costa Drinks and their Sugar Content
| Drink (Medio size, standard milk) | Approximate Sugar Content (g) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Americano | < 1g | Naturally occurring sugars only. |
| Hot Chocolate (with cream & marshmallows) | 72.9g (circa 2017) | Older data, but demonstrates the high potential. Newer versions have been reformulated. |
| Iced Latte (standard) | ~8-11g (natural milk sugars) | The majority of sugar comes from milk. |
| Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frappe (with oat milk) | 42.6g (circa 2023) | Example of a particularly high-sugar blended drink. |
| Gingerbread Latte (with cream) | 13.6g (circa 2021) | Shows significant reduction from previous years. |
Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on milk type, size, and added ingredients. For the most up-to-date and accurate figures, please refer to the official Costa Coffee nutrition guide.
Conclusion
The sugar content in Costa drinks varies dramatically depending on the type of beverage. While simple coffees like an Americano or unflavoured latte are low in sugar, indulgent and flavoured options like frappes and special hot chocolates often contain surprisingly high levels of added sugar. Costa Coffee has actively worked to reduce sugar across its menu, but consumers must remain vigilant, particularly with sweet treats.
By being mindful of your drink choice, opting for sugar-free alternatives, and customising your order, it's possible to significantly reduce your sugar intake at Costa. Ultimately, whether a Costa drink is a sugary indulgence or a low-sugar pick-me-up depends entirely on the choices you make when ordering.
Resources
For the most precise and current nutritional information, always consult the official Costa Coffee resources or speak to a member of staff in-store.
- Official Costa Coffee Nutrition Information: For in-store drinks, an up-to-date PDF guide is available on their website.
- In-store Menus: Some stores provide allergen and nutritional summaries on display or at the counter.
Your Health, Your Choice
As consumers, we have the power to influence menu options by making informed decisions. Being aware of what is the sugar content in Costa drinks allows you to enjoy your coffee shop experience without compromising your health goals. Consider these points next time you order to make a smarter choice for your well-being.
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For more information on the official UK government guidelines on sugar intake, visit the NHS website at nhs.uk.
