Coffee Bean Lies.

So if you know me and we've taken a latte excursion together then you've probably heard me get on my soap box about this. Coffee Bean lies. It's no coincidence that their "No Sugar Added" lattes are superior to those of Starbucks. There's a reason for that, and that is because there is sugar added.

Starbucks and almost every other coffee shop offers a Sugar Free latte option, made with a liquid artificial sweetener that has NO calories. Coffee Bean on the other hand, uses a powder. Yes, it's lower cal than their regular latte flavored power but it is still packing an extra 35 to 100 calories. That means your 110 calorie Venti Sugar Free-Fat Free Iced Vanilla Latte at Starbucks jumps to 210 cals for the equivelent at Coffee Bean. Grande adds 67 cals, Tall adds 30.

And there you have it. I'm not saying don't drink Coffee Bean, because lets admit it, it just tastes better. But if you're calorie counting...know the facts (titles can be deceiving).

Also, I am not saying Starbucks is "healthier" than Coffee Bean. Both use artificial sweeteners which are not healthy per-say but friendly to your waistline. For a potentially healthier sugar-free sweetener, try Stevia. You can find it at Trader Joes. More on that mysterious substance later.

For more coffee calorie counting check out Starbucks nutritional calculator:

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverage_detail.asp