The 6 Worst Coffee Drinks

Coffee consumption has been linked to diminished risk of Alzheimer’s, better brain function, and even better memory. The fact is, coffee in its purest, blackest form is good for you. But that mix of chocolate, whipped cream, egg nog, and mystery syrup in your cup is not coffee. And it's definitely not good for you. It sure is popular, though: Researchers studied coffee habits in New York and found that two-thirds of Starbucks’ customers opt for blended coffee drinks over regular brewed coffee or tea. The average caloric impact of the blended drinks was 239 calories. The regular coffee or tea, by comparison, was only 63 calories after factoring in added cream and sugar.

So even if you like your coffee sweet and light, you can strip away 176 calories every day, just by making this one swap—and shed a pound and a half a month. We've tracked down the worst dessert-in-a-cup crimes against weight loss, plus much healthier alternatives. Make these swaps to turn your neighborhood coffee shop of horrors into a tasty oasis of pick-me-ups—and stick with your new choices to keep the weight coming off.