Social Responsibilities

Social Responsibilities:

1. Health Aspect

a. Find better ways to cut down on fat and calories

Is Starbucks adding to the growing weight problem with American society? You be the judge. I personally was shocked at the nutritional facts on their products (Figure 1). Some fast food places offer healthier products than some of the Starbucks products (Figure 2). The nutritional facts circled in red in figure 1 and figure 2 shows that one cup of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Crиme with whip is less nutritional than an entire meal at McDonalds. Imagine what the nutritional facts would look like if you included a Classic Coffee Cake with your coffee beverage! (Figure 1.2)

The Starbucks nutritional values listed below are not completely accurate as shown in the following statement:

"The nutrition information for beverages is based on Starbucks® standardized beverage recipes. Because each of our beverages is handcrafted and may be customized, some variation can be expected. The data is calculated using ESHA Research's Genesis® R&D software. All data is rounded to meet current United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) packaged foods labeling regulations."

Works cited: (http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_info.asp)

This means that depending on your taste, the fat content and calories could be more than what is shown in the chart.

Figure 1 - Starbucks Nutritional Facts (Beverages)

(http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_info.asp)

Figure 1.2 - Starbucks Nutritional Facts (Food Items)

(http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_freshfood_detail.asp)

Figure 2 - McDonalds Nutritional Facts

(http://app.mcdonalds.com/bagamcmeal)

What is Starbucks planning to do to lower fat and calories in their products? Starbucks is offering non-fat milk and soy to help trim down the fat and calories. The alternative ingredients do alter the flavor a bit, so it may not be the choice of most customers.

b. Advertise to public about fat content of their products

It seems like Starbucks doesn't want the general public to really know how bad the nutritional facts are right up front in their stores. If you walk into a Starbucks store you see mostly pictures of