It's not just great for iced lattes. You can grab a quick, healthy lunch for under 500 calories at the ever-present coffee chain with these Self-approved picks.
By Stephanie Clarke, R.D., and Willow Jarosh, R.D., SELF
Photo: Cathy Crawford
If you're used to thinking of Starbucks as just coffee, coffee, and more coffee with the occasional mini vanilla scone thrown in -- you are missing out. The Bux actually offers some awesome food options for both breakfast and lunch. Try one of our picks for a healthy midday meal that you'll be able to find no matter where you are this summer.
Thai-Style Peanut Chicken Wrap: It's got exciting flavors and lots of filling (not loads of bread-y stuff with a sad sprinkling of chicken). We were also impressed how low it is in sodium -- a hard quality to find in a fast food sandwich. The only thing this wrap doesn't provide is enough veggies, so pack an extra serving into your afternoon snack and dinner.
430 calories, 20g fat, 510mg sodium, 51g carbs, 4g fiber, 11g protein
Hearty Veggie & Brown Rice Salad Bowl: This salad is topped with brown rice and roasted butternut squash, which are both satisfying sources of high-fiber carbs. And while the dressing is super creamy, it's dairy-free. The meal is slightly light on protein, but the extra fiber will keep you feeling full.
430 calories, 22g fat, 640mg sodium, 50g carbs, 8g fiber, 10g protein
Zesty Chicken & Black Bean Salad Bowl and Seasonal Harvest Fruit Blend: The beans and quinoa in this salad beef up its protein and fiber content, making it especially satiating. Add the fruit and you'll be getting 12 grams of fiber -- nearly half of your daily needs -- and 20 grams of muscle-building protein. All in all, that's one perfectly balanced lunch.
450 calories, 15g fat, 850mg sodium, 62g carbs, 12g fiber, 20g protein