Starbucks —home to many peoples beloved morning jolts, afternoon pick-me-ups, and sips of pure comfort. But have you ever thought about Starbucks as a destination to enjoy some delicious Mediterranean diet-friendly items?
Believe it or not, this might just be the perfect place to enjoy healthy meals on the go. I’ve been trying to follow the Mediterranean diet for a few years now, and I love the convenience of Starbucks. Yes, I like to splurge and get items like the chocolate cream cold brew.
But for healthier fare, these are my top choices. Remember, if you’re on the diet for a specific health reason rather than overall wellness, it’s important to check with your doctor or nutritionist about any specific items, or before making changes to your diet.
What to Look for In Mediterranean Diet Items at Starbucks
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating inspired by the traditional foods and cooking styles of countries bordering the Mediterranean sea, like Greece, Italy, and Spain.
It predominantly emphasizes plant-based meals, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, with moderate amounts of dairy, poultry, and seafood. Red meat and sweets are eaten infrequently, and the preferred fat is heart-healthy olive oil.
In this blog post, we will guide you through some of the best selections at Starbucks that cater to the Mediterranean diet lifestyle. So, whether you’re a Mediterranean diet devotee or just curious to try something new, read on and prepare to be delighted by these tasty gems.
Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap
One of the stars of the Mediterranean diet is the focus on vegetables and good fats like those found in feta cheese. Starbucks’ Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap is a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast or a quick snack in the afternoon. Its a refreshing break from heavy, greasy fast-food breakfasts.
Tomato & Mozzarella Panini
When it comes to Mediterranean ingredients, its hard to beat the classic combination of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. This grilled panini offers a mouth-watering balance of savory and creamy flavors, with the added goodness of spinach and a flavorful pesto spread. Its just the right size to enjoy on your lunch break without feeling weighed down.
Fruit and Protein Boxes
One of the essential aspects of the Mediterranean diet is the inclusion of fresh fruits, both as snacks and desserts. Starbucks often offers an assortment of seasonal fruits like grapes, oranges, and apples as part of their Fruit and Protein boxes, providing a healthy, refreshing option when you need a quick and easy snack.
We’ve seen these sold as “Cheese and Protein” boxes, “Protein Boxes’, and more. The exact contents vary seasonally and by the region, but these boxes almost always contains whole-grain breads, hard-boiled eggs, and other items–in addition to the fruit–that are Med diet compatible.
Lentils & Vegetable Protein Bowl with Brown Rice
Packed with lentils, butternut squash, and more, this salad is perfect for getting your daily dose of vegetables. It also showcases the use of whole grains, with a scoop of brown rice served cold, bringing both texture and nutritional value to the dish. Topped with lemon tahini dressing, this is a meal that truly embodies the essence of the Mediterranean diet.
Classic Oatmeal + Nut Medley Topping
Oatmeal is a standard breakfast choice for those adhering to the Mediterranean diet, and Starbucks offers a simple, delicious version. To spice it up in true Mediterranean style, choose their Nut Medley topping, which includes walnuts, pecans, and almonds. Add a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor.
Just make sure to skip the brown sugar packet. Added sugars are frowned upon by most people following the Mediterranean diet.
Avocado Spread
Starbucks has smartly tapped into the massive avocado trend, and their Avocado Spread is just the perfect companion for your morning toast. This spread contains avocado mixed with a touch of spices and lime, making it a creamy, healthy topping that adheres to the Mediterranean diet guidelines.
I like to get a thing of the spread and dip the Spinach Feta wrap into it
Teavana® Shaken Iced Green Tea
Indulge in Starbucks Teavana® Shaken Iced Green Tea for a refreshing, antioxidant-packed beverage. Green tea is commonly consumed in Mediterranean countries and has been recognized for its potential health benefits. You can always sweeten to taste with a touch of honey or enjoy it as is.
Conclusion
While its true that Starbucks is best known for its coffee and sweet treats, these Mediterranean diet-friendly choices are proof that you can enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal or snack there, too. With these options in mind, you can confidently stroll into your nearest Starbucks, knowing youre making a healthier choice for your body and keeping true to the Mediterranean diet lifestyle. Cheers to that!
