The Hidden Calories in Your Drinks

Jan. 23, 2005 -- -- Think that smoothie is good for you? Think again.

Believe it or not, some of the most popular drinks out there are also packed with hidden calories, fat and sugar that can make people pack on the pounds.

Beverages are a significant, if little recognized, source of calories. Many dieters make the mistake of thinking they're doing everything right but are still not losing weight, because they ignore the calories they drink, said nutritionist Dr. David Katz. He calls these liquid calories "renegade" calories.

For instance, when you're drinking that Starbucks Frappuccino, you're drinking three cheeseburgers worth of calories.

You also may be drinking more calories than you realize in other drinks, such as a small mocha latte from Dunkin' Donuts.

"If you think about the 290 calories in it, then compare it to a small order of french fries from McDonald's," he said.

But there are plenty of ways to have your favorite beverages while avoiding those renegade calories.

"You've got to do portion control." Katz said. "Don't order the Venti. And use common sense. ... Recognize that that bottle of vitamin water is really two-and-a-half servings ... and it's sweetened with sugar. You just have to pay attention to what you're putting in your body. Don't automatically assume that just because it says 'water' it really is water."

Dunkin Donuts Peppermint Mocha Latte in a 10-ounce cup
Calories: 290
Grams of fat: 9g
Grams of sugar: 49g
COMPARE TO: One small McDonald's fries, 230 calories

Starbucks new hot chocolate, called Chantico, in a 6 oz. cup [no whipped cream]
Calories: 390
Grams of fat: 21g
Grams of sugar: 40g
COMPARE TO: One McDonald's quarter pounder, 420 calories

Snapple iced tea, mint flavored [16 ounces]
Calories: 220 calories
Grams of fat: 0
Grams of sugar: 50g
COMPARE TO: 1.5 oz. packet of Chips Ahoy Minis, 210 calories

Baskin Robbins Strawberry Smoothie, 24 oz.
Calories: 500
Grams of fat: 1g
Grams of sugar: 106g
COMPARE TO: A clear measuring cup of 106 grams [1/4 pound] of sugar

Vitamin Water, defense flavored -- The label says 2½ servings per container, but of course, most people drink the whole bottle, which is 20 ounces.
Calories: 150
Grams of fat: 0
Grams of sugar: 32.5
COMPARE TO: 13 pieces of Ritz bits cheese sandwiches, 150 calories