Frederic Melton
Starbucks' Cheese and Fruit Box has received mixed reviews regarding its health benefits. The box includes apples, grapes, sharp cheddar, brie, gouda cheese, and olive oil and sea salt crackers. While some customers praise the product as a tasty snack, others suggest that it lacks protein and contains too many calories and saturated fats. To increase the health benefits, some recommend swapping out one of the cheeses for a hard-boiled egg or two, or switching to a lower-calorie cheese like parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Apples, Grapes, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Brie Cheese, Olive Oil Sea Salt Crackers, Gouda Cheese |
| Weight Watchers Points | 19 Freestyle Points, 19 SmartPoints, 13 PointsPlus |
| Nutritional Concerns | High in saturated fat, low in fiber |
| Suggested Alternatives | Parmesan cheese, hard-boiled egg, baked whole wheat crackers, berries |
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What You'll Learn
The box contains apples, grapes, sharp cheddar, brie, gouda, and crackers
The Starbucks cheese and fruit box contains apples, grapes, sharp cheddar, brie, gouda, and crackers. This is a healthy mix of fruits, carbohydrates, protein, and calcium.
Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. They are also very high in fiber, which helps with blood sugar management and promotes gut health. Apples are a weight-loss-friendly food, as they are low in calories but very filling.
Grapes are also high in nutrients, antioxidants, and plant compounds. They are a quick and delicious snack, offering health benefits for the eyes, heart, and bones.
Both brie and gouda are soft cheeses, made from cow's milk. They are high in fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Brie is also associated with aiding weight loss and appetite control. Gouda is a good source of calcium, but it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially if you have high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease.
The crackers in the box provide carbohydrates, but the overall nutritional value of the Starbucks cheese and fruit box is high, offering a good balance of nutrients and a filling snack.
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The crackers contain olive oil and sea salt
The Starbucks Cheese and Fruit Box is a convenient and tasty snack option, but is it healthy? The box includes a variety of cheeses, fruits, and crackers, and one of the star ingredients is the olive oil and sea salt crackers. These crackers provide a crunchy and savoury element to the box, but what are they made of, and are they a healthy choice?
The crackers in the Starbucks Cheese and Fruit Box are described as "oily" and made with "white flour" by some customers. The ingredients list confirms that these crackers are indeed made with enriched unbleached flour, which is likely where the "white flour" description comes from. This type of flour has been enriched with nutrients, including iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and folic acid, which can be considered a positive attribute. However, the presence of olive oil and sea salt in the crackers is more intriguing.
Olive oil is a type of plant-based oil that is often associated with the Mediterranean diet and is considered a healthier alternative to other oils. It is a source of monounsaturated fats, which can have beneficial effects on heart health and cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation. Sea salt, on the other hand, is produced through the evaporation of seawater and is often marketed as a more natural and less processed alternative to table salt. It contains similar sodium levels to regular salt but may have a stronger flavour, allowing less to be used.
So, are these crackers a healthy choice? While the crackers in the Starbucks Cheese and Fruit Box may not be the most nutritious option due to their white flour base, the inclusion of olive oil and sea salt could be seen as a positive. Olive oil can provide some healthy fats, and sea salt may offer a more intense flavour, allowing for a reduced sodium content. However, it is important to remember that crackers are a processed food and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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The cheeses are high in saturated fat
While the Starbucks cheese and fruit box is a tasty and convenient snack option, it's important to consider the nutritional value of the ingredients, especially if you're watching your saturated fat intake.
The cheeses included in the Starbucks cheese and fruit box are sharp cheddar, brie, and gouda. These cheeses are undoubtedly delicious and provide a good source of protein. However, they are also known for having a relatively high content of saturated fat. For example, a single serving of sharp cheddar cheese can contain around 6 grams of saturated fat, which is about 30% of the daily recommended value.
Saturated fat is a type of fat found primarily in animal products, such as meat and dairy. While some saturated fat is necessary for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, consuming too much can have negative health effects. High levels of saturated fat in the diet have been linked to elevated "bad" LDL cholesterol, which can, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues over time.
To make the Starbucks cheese and fruit box healthier, one suggestion is to substitute one of the cheeses with a lower-fat option or a different protein source. For instance, you could swap out the gouda for a hard-boiled egg, as eggs are a good source of protein and contain less saturated fat. Alternatively, you could choose a lower-fat cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella or low-fat Swiss cheese, to reduce the overall saturated fat content of the box.
Another option is to reduce the portion size of the cheeses. Instead of including a full serving of each cheese, you could opt for smaller amounts or choose just one or two types of cheese to enjoy with the fruit and crackers. This way, you can still indulge in the flavors you enjoy while moderating your saturated fat intake. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.
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Suggested alternatives include berries, parmesan, boiled eggs, and whole wheat crackers
The Starbucks Cheese & Fruit Protein Box is a convenient and tasty option for those looking for a quick snack or light meal. It includes apples, grapes, sharp cheddar, brie, and gouda cheese, as well as olive oil and sea salt crackers.
However, if you're looking for healthier alternatives, there are a few simple swaps you can make. Firstly, grapes are high in natural sugars and lack fibre. Berries are a healthier option as they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants and have a lower sugar content.
Secondly, while the box includes a variety of delicious cheeses, they are also high in saturated fat. You could consider switching one of the cheeses for a harder variety like parmesan, which is lower in fat and higher in protein. Alternatively, you could replace a cheese with a boiled egg, which is a great source of protein.
Finally, the crackers in the box are made with white flour and can be swapped out for a whole wheat variety, which is higher in fibre and nutrients. Whole wheat crackers will also provide a good source of complex carbohydrates, keeping you fuller for longer.
By making these simple swaps, you can increase the nutritional value of your snack box, without compromising on taste. It's a great way to ensure you're getting a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, all while enjoying a delicious treat.
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Recreating the box at home can be cheaper
Recreating the Starbucks cheese and fruit box at home can be a cheaper option. The individual components of the Starbucks cheese and fruit box are available at grocery stores for more affordable prices. For instance, a similar box can be created with items from Trader Joe's, which has a great and fairly inexpensive cheese section.
The Starbucks cheese and fruit box typically includes apples, grapes, sharp cheddar cheese, brie cheese, gouda cheese, and olive oil and sea salt crackers. However, recreating this box at home provides the opportunity to customize it according to personal preferences and dietary requirements. For example, grapes could be replaced with berries to reduce sugar intake, and one of the cheeses could be swapped for a hard-boiled egg to increase protein and reduce calories.
Another option is to substitute the crackers for a baked whole wheat variety, increasing the fiber content of the box. Additionally, different nuts can be included to add variety and texture. Some suggestions include cinnamon praline almonds or dark chocolate-covered almonds.
By purchasing the items separately and assembling them at home, individuals can save money and tailor the box to their specific needs and tastes. This approach also allows for rotation and experimentation with different ingredients, ensuring that lunch remains interesting and enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
The Starbucks cheese and fruit box contains apples, grapes, sharp cheddar cheese, brie cheese, olive oil and sea salt crackers, and gouda cheese.
The Starbucks cheese and fruit box contains a variety of fruits and cheeses, which can be a good source of nutrients. However, the box is also high in saturated fat and calories due to the cheeses and crackers. To make it healthier, you could consider swapping out one of the cheeses for a hard-boiled egg or two, or choosing a baked whole wheat cracker instead of the olive oil and sea salt crackers.
The Starbucks cheese and fruit box has 19 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points, 19 WW SmartPoints, and 13 WW PointsPlus.
Yes, you can create your own adult lunchables or mini charcuterie boxes with similar ingredients. Some suggestions include jerky, cheese, nuts, berries, different types of crackers, and hard-boiled eggs. You can also find inexpensive cheese options at stores like Trader Joe's.
