Starbucks Rolls Out Small Meals

The coffeehouse debuted its Bistro Boxes, meals with less than 500 calories.

July 13, 2011

SEATTLE - Starbucks has expanded its food offerings with the launch of Bistro Boxes, small compact meals boasting less than 500 calories, USA Today reports. The coffeehouse is following up its Petites bite-size desserts line with the addition. Sales of its Petites line of eight small desserts have "exceeded expectations," said spokeswoman Lisa Passe.

Other restaurant chains also are toning down calorie counts, such as Chipotle??s Chicken Wraps and Sesame Noodles, which clock in less than 500 calories. Food manufacturers also are launching new, low-calorie offerings, such as Kraft??s SnackWell??s in 100- and 150-calorie packets and Cola-Cola??s 7.5-ounce minicans with 90 calories. Coke added minican versions of Sprite, Cherry Coke and Fanta Orange recently.

While foods with fewer calories might be good for American waistlines, one nutritionist thinks we no longer know how much food to eat and are relying on food makers and restaurants to tell us. "Americans don't want to think about it," said food psychologist Carolyn Costin. "We'd like to be able to stop in a place and have our food made, packaged and certified for us as just enough."

Around 5,400 U.S. Starbucks locations will have the Bistro Boxes, which come in four choices, such as Sesame Noodles and Chicken Lettuce Wrap. The chain is targeting American "wellness seekers ?" [those who are] constantly looking for healthy options," said Annie Young-Scrivner, global chief marketing officer for Starbucks.

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