Coffee drinks
Starbucks Espresso and cream light
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains caffeine
Why it scores 57
Starbucks Espresso and cream light scores 57 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Sucralose: In a 2022 randomized study, sucralose and saccharin altered the gut microbiome and impaired glucose responses in some people; a 2023 lab study raised questions about its by-product sucralose-6-acetate. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K): In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, acesulfame-K intake was associated with higher cancer risk; cause and effect is not established. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better bottled coffee drinks
-
Cold brew black coffee espresso blend Califia Farms · 12 fl oz Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 43 points higher -
Matcha Green Tea Almond Latte Pop & Bottle · 11 fl oz/325 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 43 points higher -
Organic Espresso Blend Unsweetened Cold Brew Bizzy · 48 fl oz/1.5 Quart/1.42 L Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 43 points higher -
Espresso coffee Chameleon Cold-Brew · 10 fl oz/296 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 43 points higher -
Nitro Earl Grey Tea Oat Milk Latte Rise Brewing Co. · 7 fl oz/207 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 91 out of 100 , 34 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Espresso and cream light
Ingredients
- Sucralose minus 7.5 points
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) minus 7.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 ml
- Sugars 2.6 g / 100 ml minus 6 points
- Saturated fat 1.3 g / 100 ml minus 1 points
- Energy 36 kcal / 100 ml minus 3 points
100 − 43 = 57
Nutrition per 100 ml
| Energy | 36 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 2.1 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.3 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.6 g |
| Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Salt | 0.1 g |
Serving: 1 can (192 ml)
Ingredients
- Brewed espresso coffee (water, coffee)
- reduced-fat milk
- cream
- sucralose (moderate concern)
- ascorbic acid
- acesulfame potassium (moderate concern)
Label text, as published
Brewed espresso coffee (water, coffee), reduced-fat milk, cream, sucralose, ascorbic acid, acesulfame potassium.
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk
- Not vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More coffee drinks on GoodSwap
-
Frappuccino chilled coffee drink Starbucks · 13.7 oz Ultra-processedHigh in sugarContains added sugarsContains caffeine Score 42 out of 100 Okay -
Cold Brew Coffee Stok · 48 fl oz Ultra-processedContains caffeineNo additives Score 82 out of 100 Excellent -
Double Shot Espresso Black Rifle Coffee Black Rifle Coffee · 11fl Ultra-processedContains added sugarsContains emulsifiers studied for gut effectsContains caffeine Score 34 out of 100 Poor -
Vanilla Latte La Columbe’ Ultra-processedContains added sugarsContains caffeine Score 46 out of 100 Okay -
Frappuccino chilled coffee drink Starbucks · 13.7 oz Ultra-processedContains added sugarsContains caffeine Score 38 out of 100 Poor -
Starbucks DoubleShot Energy Caramel Starbucks · 15 fl oz Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains added sugarsContains emulsifiers studied for gut effects Score 12 out of 100 Bad
More from Starbucks
-
Doubleshot Energy Energy Coffee Beverage Starbucks · 15 oz Score 12 out of 100 Bad -
Eggs soude vide Starbucks · 21 oz Score 38 out of 100 Poor -
Caramel Macchiato Inspired Flavor Almondmilk & Oatmilk Creamer Starbucks · 28 fl oz/1.75 PT/828 mL Score 25 out of 100 Poor -
Oatmilk Creamer Starbucks · 28 fl oz Score 27 out of 100 Poor
Sources
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Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
-
“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
-
“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study
“In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.”
doi.org
-
Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive (plain language summary)
“The acceptable daily intake (ADI) considered safe for all population groups was set at 15 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children
“In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake”
who.int
-
Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org
-
Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?
“For most adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams* a day — that's about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee — as an amount not generally associated with negative effects.”
fda.gov
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Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III point 4.1 (beverages with high caffeine content)
“‘High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women’”
eur-lex.europa.eu