Update (8:55am): Sorry, guys, but I’m out of gift cards. The lucky 5 people are: DH of Mableton, LR of Atlanta, MB of Atlanta, VD of Suwanee, and LG of Cumming. I’ve already sent you separate emails. Thanks so much for stopping by! Chloe
Starbucks recently unveiled their new, healthy breakfast menu to the public. Which just makes sense, if you ask me. I mean, you can only have enough Marble Loaf with your morning coffee. We need options! Healthy options. So they decided to give America more nutritious alternatives . Six of them, in fact.
The Oatmeal: Priced at $2.45, America’s favorite breakfast item starts at only 140 calories. It is made fresh daily, served hot, and can be customized by adding your choice of milk and condiments including cinnamon and nutmeg. Each serving comes with three pre-packaged toppings of brown sugar (50 calories), dried fruit (100 calories), and a nut medley (100 calories). I had mine plain and just added half a packet of the brown sugar since I don’t have a sweet tooth anyway. The verdict: just like the regular ones you make at home. It has the right consistency and texture. And it is quite yummy.
don’t you just love the new coffee stirrers-slash-cuphole pluggers?
Power Protein Plate: For the protein-conscious folks, this plate comes with a whole wheat bagel, a cage-free hard-boiled egg, cheese, apples, grapes, and a single pack of peanut butter. Really, this is one power breakfast. I looked at it and thought it was too much to eat in one seating. No worries — you can munch on the rest the entire morning. It also makes for one light lunch. Which is exactly what I ate for lunch yesterday.
Baked Berry Stella: This 100% whole grain breakfast pastry is so yummy. I love the grainy texture and wheaty taste to it. Shaped like a star, it is topped with whole grains, raspberries and blueberries. It’s only 280 calories and has more than 200mg of Omega-3s. It is so perfect with my Cafe Mocha or a Skinny Latte (as they recommend). Did I tell you this is only $1.75?
Apple Bran Muffin: I hate the chalky taste (and aftertaste) that I get from most store-bought bran muffins which is why I never liked them. But this one doesn’t have that. It is moist and, well, branny. I also don’t like apple-flavored bread but this has a mellow apple taste that doesn’t overpower your taste buds. Or your coffee, for that matter. It’s not one of my favorites but it is also only $1.75.
Chewy Fruit and Nut Bar: For those who are always on the go, this one’s perfect for when you’re driving. Or when you just can’t find a minute to sit down and eat breakfast. Or when you need a quick snack. Like the muffin, I’m not a big fan of granola bars but I can totally see those who are to like this one. All I can say is that it tastes better than the ones you get from a box.
Vivanno: If you’ve never had one of these then you’re missing out. They call it a Nourishing Blend. I call it a smoothie. With only 270 calories, 16 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat, I have become a Vivanno addict since it came out in July. Really, I have to have one of these every afternoon! It comes in two flavors: Orange Mango Banana and Banana Chocolate. I like the Orange Mango Banana better (even though I’m a chocoholic). The Banana Chocolate just doesn’t have that real chocolatey taste. But anyway, I tell you, it is so refreshing and not too rich. And did you know they use one whole banana per serving and include whey protein and fiber? A perfect protein-packed, liquid snack or breakfast.
Multigrain Roll with Spreads: All of you already know I love bread and this one’s a prefect breakfast bread. It is made with honey, is soft and chewy, and can be spread with almond butter and/or strawberry preserve. It is great with just about any beverage you choose. This perfectly-sized bread costs a mere $1.60, and you get 6 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and only has 280 calories.Finally, a healthy addition to your morning Starbucks coffee.
Now here comes the good part…
In celebration of the Better Breakfast Month which is September, I am giving away five $10 Starbucks gift cards (that you can use to sample all these new healthy options) to the first 5 people that email me. Send me a note at chloe @ chowdownatlanta [dot] com and tell me your name and address and I will send it out to you by mail. Or, you can save me a stamp and we can always meet for coffee at Starbucks 
Insider tip:
The new menu is only available at company-owned Starbucks locations.
Technorati Tags: Starbucks, breakfast, coffee, Vivanno, oatmeal, baked berry stella
