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October 20, 2008

Starbucks- It's What's For Breakfast!


While I must admit that I love Starbucks, being in the pregnant state that I am in it is not conducive to me imbibing endless rounds of lattes with wild abandon. No matter how much I want to on any given day. When Starbucks announced their new Health and Wellness breakfasts I was excited. Yes, we Americans do want healthy on-the-go breakfast alternatives, please! A breakfast full of protein, whole grains and fruit is really worth it in my opinion and from the countless area stores I have visited in the last few weeks the idea seems to be taking off. Here's what I found.

Perfect Oatmeal- 100% whole grain oats with fruit and nuts this oatmeal is a big hit. Everyone seems to be buying it when I walk into a store on any given morning. My kid included. It's not only fast and easy it is incredibly tasty and low in calories and fat.

Berry Stella (photo)- At this point I would give my right arm to try one of these. They are continuously sold out when I go into any of the four nearby locations. I've yet to see one in it's full 100% whole grain berry goodness. This treat contains lots of berries and omega 3s as well as 6 grams of protein which is unusual in a breakfast bar of its caliber. Now, if only I could find one.

The Chewy Fruit and Nut Bar and Multigrain Roll- My new go-to for treating my daughter at preschool pick up. The bar is tart and not too sweet, contains lots of real fruits and nuts and has a slight honey taste to it that she loves. The roll is also slightly sweetened with honey and made a big impression when I served it with either the almond butter or fruit preserves. Either way she was happy and she even eats it plain. I didn't think she would go for a plain roll but this one works!

Apple Bran Muffin
- My personal fave. I get this every time now. Not too sweet and with no sugary topping this muffin has a great tartness with its apple and dried cherries. The 7 grams of protein per muffin and moderate size (say no to the ginormous muffin!) is another added bonus.

Starbucks has also started offering a healthy drink alternative, the Vivanno.
Coming in the flavors Orange Mango Banana and Banana Chocolate each drink provides at least one serving of fruit, 16 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. With only 270 calories or less, no artificial colors or sweeteners or even high fructose corn syrup you can get one of these drinks to go and get a great pick me up!

The simple ingredient list for both beverages includes:
• one whole banana,
• a proprietary whey protein and fiber powder,
• choice of milk,
• and ice (in the Orange Mango Banana Blend, Naked® Juice is also added).

I've had both many times over in the last few weeks and love them. OK, maybe the Chocolate Banana is really my favorite but the Orange Mango is good too. They fill you up and keep you going which works great when I'm running around town with my toddler. I don't even mind sharing it with her which I would never normally do with the other Starbucks drinks.

Overall, I have been more than impressed with these new offerings from Starbucks. It is hands down a way better way to start your day and keep you going throughout than any other coffee or donut place is offering. Go, check it out yourself.

I'm giving away a $20 gift card to one lucky reader this week too! All you need to do is click here and then comment back on this blog. Include your email address so I can contact along with the title of the post you read and you are entered in the contest! Contest ends on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008. I'm making you work for it this week, aren't I?

32 comments:

Kim Moldofsky said...

Your post about acting like a toddler is hilarious!

I'd love to win this gift certificate. Though I might use it for mochas with whipped rather than healthy breakfast items. (I do like the oatmeal, though.)

Ann said...

Today I read, "I've Turned Into a Toddler." -Ann Pace
annpace06@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'll play along-- because I'm craving a Vanilla Bean right now. I have to say, your basement looks a lot like ours, makes me feel right at home.

karen@karenputz.com

Gemini Girl said...

I love starbucks coffee. Their food is a bit on the high fat/ calorie side so it's nice seeing them try out some healthier options!

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

I'd love to win! Yum. Love Starbucks!

Steph

Anonymous said...

I read "I've turned into a toddler" - hilarious!

owner@selfishmom.com

admin said...

I'm Starbucks crazed, and really like the new line of breakfast treats. I'd love to win!!!

admin said...

I'm Starbucks crazed! I like the new healthIER selections. I'd love to win this certificate!!!!!

justme said...

i am in...

Anonymous said...

I wish I could blame my toddler-behavior on pregancy. Instead, I'll claim it is from lack of Starbucks Soy Lattes. At least it has soy, right?

Jessica McFadden said...

I'd love to win, but if you need the gift card more because a 9th month of pregnancy-induced tantrum or meltdown is coming, I understand.

Unknown said...

I cannot believe I can't find that Berry Stella either. It looks so darn yummy!!! They should stock up more of 'em LOL.
BTW, would love to be entered in the Starbucks contest,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I do love Starbucks and all the things you described are making me very hungry!

jodifur said...

I read I've Turned Into a Toddler and really, haven't we all.

I wish I could try the smoothie but I'm allergic to banannas and they all have them. I wish they would make one without.

Anonymous said...

The double marketing is genius!

You are my hero.

(and if I win you can just hand me the thing on Friday and not have to mail anything.)

Delora said...

I read your post 'I've Turned Into a Toddler' this morning, which is how I found out about this giveaway!

Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama said...

I read "Starbucks- It's What's for Breakfast" in my reader and clicked over to enter. Also loved I've Turned Into a Toddler! Thanks for entering me! I'm a Starbucks junkie and am a fan of their new oatmeal!

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

I read "I've turned into a Toddler".

My email is on my google account!

I'm a coffee addict and any free coffee is good coffee!!

Thien-Kim aka Kim said...

Thanks for the review of their breakfast items. I've been thinking about trying but haven't taken the leap. I'll have to try it out soon!

Anonymous said...

i can totally relate to the toddler-regression during pregnancy. that was me, too.

i didn't start craving coffee until i became a nursing mom. i know, perfect timing, right?

i'd take that $20 and find some great pastry treats...so my decaf americano wouldn't feel so lonely.

Tiffany @ Lattes And Life said...

My coffee addiction suddenly makes me nauseous. Pregnancy RAWKS. If I win, I'll save the card for when I get my stomache back, and I for sure WON'T be getting any of this health food crap they're serving up nowadays :-)

Oh, and I've read all your posts. So there :-p

Susan Bearman said...

I have no excuse for turning into a toddler. I'm well past that age, as are my children, and I'm not even pregnant. What can I say, tantrums happen. Maybe a treat from Starbucks will chase it away. 2KoPeople@gmail.com.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading your post "I've Turned Into A Toddler." And, I hope I'll get to enjoy a Starbuck's Giftcard!
my email:
carmasez (at) bellsouth (dot) net

Thanks :)

cdr said...

I've read "Starbucks- It's What's For Breakfast!" and "I've turned into a Toddler."

I hope I win.
Charlotte
crich64 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love Starbucks!

I read "I've Turned into a Toddler." I feel the same way, especially when I'm pouty, and I'm not even pregnant.

kimberlykauer at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I read your turning back into a toddler post - hilarious. Although I am not 9 months pregnant and I still get just as excited as my kids about candy... ice cream... and MCDONALDS!

I am thrilled by the new oatmeal options at Starbucks. Really hits the spot.

vdruckman@hotmail.com

Palymama said...

Since I'm one of those bloggers who hang out at Starbucks...I've noticed these healthy new options. Haven't tried them yet...but I guess now I don't have an excuse. The calories in the drink aren't bad. I thought they were loaded! I guess I could use a $25.00 credit!

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

I'd love to win this...your post about the man cave cracked me up!

We are also "very" organized. Cough.

p.s. hope you get plenty of snacks in today! ;)

Simba fan said...

I read "I've turned into a toddler" too. Very observant. I'm eating a yummy berry stella as I read this ironically. Maybe it's the fact that we have 8 Starbucks in our small west coast town here (and none of them are slated to close - woo-hoo!), but I always see the berry stella available. I think I see people ordering a lot of the hot sandwiches, perhaps?
Please make me a winner!
slocindy@yahoo.com

Nicole Pelton said...

I loved your turning into a toddler post, too. I aint even pregnant and I feel like that a lot. I read a whole bunch of other posts too. Thought the whole elusive berry stella thing was a little odd, until I too went to a starbucks with none.

Shannon said...

Drinky, Drinky, Please? Oh, wow, do I remember how you feel. Hope the time passes fast for you.

I'd love to win the gift card, as I am addicted to Starbucks. phatmommy@gmail.com

jimpurdy1943@yahoo.com said...

I have to avoid caffeine, so I don't often go into Starbucks very often, but whole grain oats sure sound good.

jimpurdy1943@yahoo.com