As a result of these requests, we would like to offer our readers the low-down on the fat content of gourmet coffee beverages. Did you know that a Vente Caffe Mocha from Starbucks contains a gut-busting 465 calories, 24 grams of fat, 13.5 of those saturated fats (the bad ones!)?

There is an alarming trend in the food industry in general. Perhaps you have guessed what it is. Give up? If you have ever visited a fast food place or a fast coffee place recently, you will notice the push for bigger sizes. In fact, in the last few years, Starbucks has virtually eliminated any reference to the term "small" in their cafes worldwide. We are surrounded by references to "biggie" this and "super-size" that. Truth be told, we are being bombarded by the simple message of "consume more" and give no thought to quantity no matter how large. Obesity in children and young adults, for instance, is at epidemic proportions. In America, obesity rose 6 percent nationally between 1998 and 1999, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What does this have to do with drinking a latte after school, you ask?

The 16 fluid ounce Mocha Frappuccino, from Starbucks, packs a waist expanding 390 calories and 20 grams of fat, according to a Starbucks spokesperson. Starbucks is generally reluctant to part with its nutritional information and that speaks volumes to a paranoid customer such as myself. I tried to get a general rundown of as many drinks as Starbucks offers, and their relative fat and caloric content but was told they can only provide me with the numbers for specific menu choices. I, like others who have attempted the same thing, have been directed to the Starbucks website -- www.starbucks.com -- which may, one day, provide the numbers. I am not holding my breath.

As corporate citizens go, Dunkin Donuts may just be higher on the evolutionary ladder than some of its competitors. In fact, you can drop in on their website at Dunkin Donuts for a very complete look at the fat volume in many of their tasty beverages.

Now, do not get me completely wrong folks. I am not down on everything, particularly when it comes to my favorite hot drink. Everything in moderation can be a good thing. In fact, black coffee, in moderation, is fine. By itself it offers no food value. The caffeine may or may not keep you awake or give you the jitters. It might even supress your appetite somewhat. Additionally, there is no harm adding a little cream and sugar (again, pace yourselves!)

However, one of the fatty Coolatta coffee drinks served at Dunkin' Donuts has over 400 calories, 22 grams of fat and 14 grams of saturated fat! Thatís as much as a Quarter Pounder or two chocolate frosted donuts. This is all well and good if this "meal" is going to satisfy you for the day. But we know that beverages generally do not satiate the same way that solid foods do. So here lies the conundrum. If you grab one of these drinks on the way to school or work or after work and before dinner, you may be doubling up on your daily requirement for fat, calories and sugar. Consider an alternative.

Instead of a fat-rich coffee drink, pushing 400 calories and 22 grams of fat, not to mention all the added sugar, order a large iced coffee with nonfat or 1% milk, and sweeten with two sugar for about 180 calories and no fat. Each teaspoon of sugar adds about 15 calories. Heck, skip the sugar! After all, it's coffee right? An iced coffee with milk gives you an added bonus of 60% of your daily value for calcium and 20% of your daily value for vitamin A. And that is a "good thing". --Colin Newell 01/19/03