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Eat This, Not That!: New Starbucks Menu Items

To the untrained eye Starbucks and McDonald's seem nothing alike. While the former is known for their pricy coffee beverages and artisan snacks, the latter serves up cheap burgers and fries.

But the way we see it, the restaurants have quite a bit in common: Not only do the chains have major cult followings, they both seem to add new menu items more often than a Kardashian lands on the cover of a tabloid. And just this week, Starbucks announced not just one new menu offering, but a whole new collection of snacks, drinks and lunch and dinner items. While some of their new items are healthy eats, others aren't great picks if you're trying to lose weight. Here, we reveal some of the things you can expect to see at your local shop and what side of the Eat This, Not That! equation each one falls on, and why.

Eat This!

Eat This!

Omega-3 Bistro Box, 1 box

Calories 420
Fat 27 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Sodium 430 mg
Carbs 36
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 14 g
Protein 8 g

With just 40 more calories than the uber popular Protein Bistro Box, this is one of the best mini-meals you'll find at the coffee joint. Packed with a wild-smoked Alaskan salmon cream cheese spread, edamame hummus, dark chocolate trail mix, wheat-free crackers and cucumbers, this Box serves up a pleasing combination of salty and sweet flavors and is overflowing with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids—but thanks to its name, you likely assumed as much.

Eat This!

Bare Simply Toasted Coconut Chips, ½ cup

Calories 150
Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Carbs 16 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 14 g

If you're looking for something crunchy and little sweet, look no further than these toasted coconut chips. They're not only delicious, but also made with just three ingredients—coconut, cane sugar and sea salt—earning them a spot on our Eat This! list. To keep sugar in check, be sure to stick to just one serving.

Eat This!

Moon Cheese, various flavors, 7 pieces

Calories 70
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Sodium 140-190 mg
Carbs 0-1 g
Protein 4-5 g

Yes, the name Moon Cheese is a bit odd but we promise that this out-of-this-world snack (pun intended) is a healthy pick. Makers of this healthy snack use a patented technology that allows them to suck the moisture from their cheese without stripping away its natural nutrition or flavor. Since they don't add anything thing else to the mix before packaging it up, it's hard to go wrong eating these as long as you stick to the recommended serving size.

Eat This!

Field Trip Jerky Cracked Pepper Turkey Jerky

Calories 70
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Sodium 310 mg
Carbs 3 g
Protein 12 g

Unlike Slim Jims, Field Trip's take on the classic, naturally high-protein snacks are free of preservatives like MSG (an additive known to cause headaches and nausea in sensitive individuals), nitrites (chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer and diabetes) and corn syrup. Plus, they're lower in fat and sodium than many conventional varieties.

Not That!

Not That!

Teavana Shaken Iced Mango Black Tea Lemonade, grande (16 oz.)

Calories 120
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Carbs 31 g
Sugar 31 g

While black tea is a known stress-buster, this lemonade-infused variety is filled with nearly eight packets of sugar, which pushes it to the Not That! side of the equation.

Not That!

BBQ Beef Brisket on Sourdough, 1 sandwich

Calories 510
Fat 22 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Sodium 1,210 mg
Carbs 54 g
Protein 23 g

We hate to say it, but a hamburger and small fry from McDonald's has half the amount of sodium and fewer calories than this hearty beef- and cheese-filled sandwich. Coming in at 370 calories and 850 milligrams of sodium, the Chicken Santa Fe on Ancient Grain Flatbread is the best sandwich for your belly—and your health—at Starbucks. And if you're looking for even more waist-friendly options, try out these healthy secret menu items at any of Starbucks' locations.

Not That!

Prosciutto & Mozzarella Pinwheels Bistro Box, 1 box

Calories 460
Fat 31 g
Saturated Fat 11 g
Sodium 800 mg
Carbs 32 g

Thanks to the prosciutto and mozzarella, this Box has nearly twice the amount sodium as the Omega-3 Bistro Box, which is why it we've dubbed it a "Not That!"

Not That!

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Scone, 1 scone

Calories 410
Fat 17 g
Saturated Fat 11 g
Trans Fat 0.5 g
Carbs 58 g
Sugar 22 g

Say bye-bye to the classic Cranberry Orange Scone you've come to recognize, and hello to its summer raspberry- and chocolate-filled stand in. While its sweet smell and flaky crust may call your name, your heart and stomach will thank you if you leave it behind the glass; not only is it full of nutrient-void carbs, but it's also made with dangerous trans fats, which makes it automatic no-go in our eyes.

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Images: Courtesy of Starbucks

Dana Leigh Smith
Dana has written for Women's Health, Prevention, Reader's Digest, and countless other publications. Read more about Dana Leigh