Drinks play a vital role in our daily lives, but do you know what’s in your favorite drink? Whether it’s a morning coffee, a fizzy soda, or an alcoholic beverage, the calorie count can be surprisingly high, and it’s essential to know what you’re putting in your body. In this article, we’ll explore the calorie counts of a variety of popular drinks and provide some helpful tips to make mindful choices in the future.

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea are the go-to drinks for many people in the morning to jumpstart their day. Unfortunately, many coffee and tea drinks at popular chains are loaded with sugar and calories, making them an unhealthy choice.

Below are the calorie counts for some of the most popular coffee and tea drinks:.

Black Coffee

One cup of black coffee has about 2 calories, making it an excellent low-calorie drink.

Latte

A 12 oz. latte with 2% milk has about 120 calories, while a 16 oz. latte has about 200 calories. Opting for skim milk can save you about 30-40 calories per drink.

Cappuccino

A 12 oz. cappuccino with 2% milk has about 90 calories, while a 16 oz. cappuccino has about 120 calories. Again, choosing skim milk can save you about 30-40 calories per drink.

Chai Latte

A 16 oz. chai latte with 2% milk has about 240 calories.

Iced Shaken Tea

A 16 oz. iced shaken tea with sugar has about 70-100 calories.

Soda and Other Sweet Beverages

Soda and other sweet beverages are perhaps the worst offenders when it comes to calorie count. These drinks are loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other additives that can be harmful to your health.

Here are the calorie counts for some common sweet drinks:.

Soda

A 12 oz. can of soda has about 140-180 calories. Diet sodas use artificial sweeteners, which have their own health risks, and have little to no calories.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are also high in sugar and calories. A 16 oz. energy drink can have up to 240 calories.

Juice

While natural fruit juice may seem like a healthier option, it’s still high in sugar and calories. One cup of orange juice has about 110 calories, while a cup of apple juice has about 120 calories.

Sweetened Iced Tea

A 16 oz. sweetened iced tea has about 120 calories.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are often an overlooked source of hidden calories. Cocktails, beer, and wine can all contain a surprising amount of sugar and calories. Below are the calorie counts for some popular alcoholic beverages:.

Beer

A 12 oz. beer can have anywhere from 90 to 200 calories, depending on the type and brand.

Wine

A 5 oz. glass of wine contains about 120-130 calories.

Margarita

A 12 oz. margarita can have up to 600 calories due to the sugary mixers used.

Cosmopolitan

A 4 oz. cosmopolitan cocktail can have up to 212 calories, mainly from the sugary cranberry juice.

Tips for Making Mindful Drink Choices

Now that you know the calorie counts of some of the most popular drinks, it’s time to start making more mindful choices. Here are a few tips to help you make healthier drink choices:.

Drink More Water

Water has zero calories and is essential for keeping your body hydrated. If you’re trying to cut down on calories, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

Choose Unsweetened Drinks

When possible, opt for unsweetened drinks like black coffee and unsweetened tea. If you prefer your drinks sweetened, use a natural sweetener like honey or agave rather than artificial sweeteners.

Avoid Soda and Other Sweetened Drinks

Soda and other sweetened drinks are some of the unhealthiest drinks out there. Cutting down on these drinks can have a significant impact on your overall health.

Choose Light or Low-Calorie Options

Many popular drinks have light or low-calorie versions available, which can significantly reduce the number of calories you’re consuming. Always check the label to make sure you know what you’re drinking.

Conclusion

Whether it’s coffee, soda, or an alcoholic beverage, it’s important to know the calorie counts of your go-to drinks.

By making more mindful choices and opting for lower calorie options, you can significantly reduce your daily calorie intake and improve your overall health.