How many calories does a Starbucks blueberry scone have?

A Starbucks blueberry scone contains 430 calories. This is according to the Starbucks website nutrition information for their blueberry scone.

Calories in Starbucks Scones

Starbucks offers several varieties of scones, each with a different calorie count:

  • Blueberry scone – 430 calories
  • Cinnamon swirl coffee cake – 350 calories
  • Raspberry swirl – 420 calories
  • Morning bun – 440 calories
  • Pumpkin scone – 400 calories

As you can see, scones at Starbucks generally range from 350-440 calories per scone. The blueberry scone is on the higher end with 430 calories.

Nutrition Facts for Starbucks Blueberry Scone

Here is the complete nutrition information for a Starbucks blueberry scone (430 calories):

Nutrition Facts 1 scone (106g)
Calories 430
Total Fat 19g
Saturated Fat 12g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 45mg
Sodium 330mg
Total Carbohydrates 60g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 29g
Protein 6g

As you can see from the nutrition label, the blueberry scone is high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The majority of the 430 calories come from fat (19g) and carbs (60g). It also contains 29g of sugar.

Breakdown of Calories in Blueberry Scone

Here is a breakdown of where the calories in a Starbucks blueberry scone come from:

  • Total fat: 19g – Total fat provides 170 calories
  • Carbohydrates: 60g – Carbs provide 240 calories
  • Protein: 6g – Protein provides 24 calories

So the majority of calories (about 40%) come from the total fat content. Carbohydrates make up over half the calories at 56%. Protein accounts for only 6% of calories.

High Calories and Fat Compared to Other Bakery Items

The Starbucks blueberry scone is very high in calories and fat compared to some other bakery items you may find at a coffee shop:

Bakery Item Calories Total Fat (g)
Blueberry muffin 350 12
Blueberry scone 430 19
Coffee cake 210 7
Croissant 280 15

The blueberry scone contains 80 more calories and 7 more grams of fat than a blueberry muffin. It also has much more fat and calories than coffee cake.

High Sugar Content

With 29 grams of sugar, the Starbucks blueberry scone is a high sugar food. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men.

So the blueberry scone alone exceeds the recommended daily limit for added sugars for women. The high amount of refined flour also causes a spike in blood sugar.

Low Fiber and Protein

The scone offers minimal fiber and protein. There are only 2 grams of dietary fiber, which is 8% of the daily value. There are 6 grams of protein, which is not a significant source.

This combination of high refined flour, sugar, and fat with low fiber and protein makes the scone a food low in nutrients. The majority of the calories come from refined ingredients.

High Sodium Content

There are 330mg of sodium in a blueberry scone, which is 14% of the daily limit. This is considered high for a single bakery item.

It’s best to limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day. So the scone alone provides a significant amount of your maximum daily recommendation.

Low Satiety Despite High Calories

Although the blueberry scone is very high in calories at 430 calories, it is unlikely to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Refined grain scones are quickly digested and spike blood sugar.

Protein, fiber, and healthy fats are nutrients that promote satiety and keep you feeling fuller longer. With minimal protein and fiber, the scone is not very filling compared to its calorie count.

Low in Essential Nutrients

Here is a comparison of the major vitamins and minerals in a Starbucks blueberry scone compared to the daily values:

Vitamin/Mineral % Daily Value
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 4%
Iron 6%
Vitamin D 0%
Potassium 2%

As you can see, the scone provides minimal vitamins and minerals. There are no significant sources of essential vitamins like vitamins A, C, and D.

It also lacks minerals like calcium and potassium. The only nutrient it provides higher amounts of is iron at 6% of the daily value.

High Calories from Added Sugars

Many of the calories in a Starbucks blueberry scone come from added sugars. There are 29 grams of sugar listed on the nutrition facts label.

Since the main ingredients are enriched wheat flour and sugar, the majority of sugar grams come from added sugar rather than natural sources like fruit.

Foods high in added sugars provide empty calories and lack nutritional value. They are linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease.

Should be Eaten in Moderation

The Starbucks blueberry scone is a high calorie bakery treat that should be enjoyed occasionally in moderation, rather than regularly. At over 400 calories, it makes a very filling breakfast.

However, it is low in protein, fiber, and nutrients. The high amount of refined flour, sugar, and fat also make it a food that spikes blood sugar sharply.

It’s best to balance out a blueberry scone with protein like eggs, fiber from fruit, and healthy fats. Pairing it with black coffee or tea can help slow digestion.

Healthier Starbucks Bakery Alternatives

If you are looking for a healthier bakery item at Starbucks, here are some better options:

  • Whole grain oatmeal cookie – 130 calories
  • Reduced-fat cinnamon swirl coffee cake – 190 calories
  • Banana nut loaf – 310 calories
  • Protein box with hard-boiled egg – 270 calories

Choosing a baked good made with whole grains and less sugar can provide more nutrients and fiber.Adding protein like eggs or nuts also gives you more lasting fullness.

Making Your Own Healthy Blueberry Scones

You can easily make healthier scones at home by modifying a few simple ingredients:

  • Use whole wheat or almond flour instead of refined flour
  • Replace some oil with mashed ripe banana or applesauce
  • Use a natural low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol
  • Add lemon zest and vanilla extract for more flavor
  • Mix in nuts or oats for fiber and texture
  • Reduce added sugar

Baking your own scones allows you to control the ingredients. You can boost nutrition by using wholesome ingredients and limiting added sugars.

Should You Eat a Blueberry Scone Every Day?

The Starbucks blueberry scone is high in calories, carbs, sugar, and fat. So it is not a food that should be part of a daily balanced diet.

Regularly eating scones and other high-calorie bakery items can lead to weight gain over time. The refined carbs and sugar also promote blood sugar spikes.

Experts recommend limiting intake of added sugars to 25-50 grams per day and focusing on whole foods. So blueberry scones should be an occasional treat.

For daily breakfasts, it’s better to choose whole grain oatmeal with fruit, Greek yogurt with nuts and seeds, vegetable egg scramble or other nutrient dense foods.

Comparison to Other Popular Breakfast Items

Here is how the blueberry scone compares to some other common breakfast foods at Starbucks:

Breakfast Item Calories
Blueberry scone 430
Blueberry muffin 350
Banana nut loaf 310
Bacon, Gouda, egg sandwich 450
Spinach, feta, egg white wrap 290
Oatmeal with nuts and fruit 390
Vegetable and Monterey jack frittata 260

As you can see, while the blueberry scone is lower in calories than some sandwich options, it’s higher than many other bakery items. And it provides less nutrition than oatmeal or egg-based breakfasts which offer protein.

What Makes the Blueberry Scone So High in Calories?

The Starbucks blueberry scone contains over 400 calories, which is very high for a relatively small pastry. What makes it pack such a calorie punch?

  • Refined flour – Enriched white flour is quickly digested and spikes blood sugar. The simple carbs become glucose rapidly.
  • Sugar – There are 29 grams of sugar, adding empty calories without nutrition.
  • Butter/oil – The scone is high in fat from the butter or oil used to make it rich and flaky.
  • Lack of fiber – With only 2 grams of fiber, the scone does not promote fullness and satiety like whole grain fiber.
  • Low protein – Minimal protein does not provide lasting energy.

It’s the combination of refined carbs and sugar with high fat content and low fiber that makes the scone a calorie bomb for its size.

Tips for Making Your Blueberry Scone Healthier

If you want to enjoy an occasional blueberry scone but make it somewhat healthier, here are some tips:

  • Order a smaller size like the cake pop scone which is 210 calories
  • Ask for light syrup or drizzle on top to reduce added sugars
  • Enjoy it with protein like nuts, seeds, or nut butter for lasting fullness
  • Pair it with fiber from fruit, vegetables, or whole grains
  • Watch your portions for the rest of the day to balance calories
  • Split the scone and save half for later
  • Substitute the blueberry scone for doughnuts, muffins, or other less nutrient-dense high-calorie bakery items

While the scone is a treat high in refined carbs and sugar, you can take simple steps to reduce the impact and enjoy it occasionally.

Conclusion

A Starbucks blueberry scone contains a substantial 430 calories, mainly from refined flour, sugar, and fat. It is low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients.

The blueberry scone is not a food that should be consumed daily, due to its high calorie, carb, and sugar content. It rates low in nutrient density.

But an occasional scone can be part of an overall balanced diet. Just account for the indulgence by reducing other carbs and fat that day or getting extra activity.

Enjoy your Starbucks blueberry scone in moderation alongside other more wholesome, nutritious foods for your best health.

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