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Page 32
Thursday, August 22, 2013
The University Daily Kansan
POUR ME ANOTHER
Calorie counts, prices don't deter coffee lovers
DANI BRADY
editor@kansan.com
As summertime comes to a bittersweet end, we begin to put down our iced coffees that got us through the hot days and our summer jobs. Now we move on to a semester of early mornings and long nights of studying beside a hot cup o' Joe.
Before downing our second or third cup of the day, whether it is for taste or to help keep us awake, USA Today suggests there are a few things we should know.
USA Today reported that an increase in coffee prices is possible because of a fungus infecting coffee plantations across South America. Accordind to USA Today, "the problem will not go away anytime soon because of the high cost of disease-fighting chemicals."
Another recent change for coffee drinkers is the calorie counts posted on Starbucks menus. A trip to Starbucks has become a part of avid coffee drinker Rachel Rich's everyday routine.
Rich, a junior from Chicago, said she always orders a grande-sized ice caramel macchiato with skim milk, with light ice and extra caramel. The drink would usually cost about $4.
"I never worry about the calories or realize how much money I would
be saving without it because it has become such a necessary part of my day." Rich said.
Perhaps this part of Rich's day will begin to change when prices rise and calorie counts are posted on menu boards.
"It is an important component in helping customers make more informed food choices," writes USA Today.
"Calorie counts were posted a few weeks ago and there has not been much of a change in orders," Hensz said.
Marjie Hensz, shift supervisor at the Starbucks on Sixth and Massachusetts streets, said there hasn't been much of a difference.
Hensz said she hears the shocked comments from customers about the amount of calories and may see a few more skinny vanilla lattes being sold. But according to sales, frappuccinos are as popular as ever.
What may have not felt like a guilty pleasure before might now have us making different decisions. Are the high prices and calorie context enough to keep us away? Or is that macchiato in our local coffee shop too delicious and just the jolt we need to stay productive?
Edited by Dylan Lysen
Despite the potential for rising costs and calorie counts printed on menus, coffee remains a staple in many students' college lifestyle. According to the Starbucks, located on the corner of Sixth and Massachusetts streets, neither have affected recent sales.
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
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