coffee drinks

Despite well-timed seasonal drink promotions at nationwide coffee chains, I couldn't help but notice that Winter beverages are looking less-than-creative this year. Now that peppermint mochas and pumpkin spice lattes are household phrases, what's the new flavor of the month?

New couple Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal might have the answer: maple lattes. In the past week, the two have been spotted at beaneries across the country, sampling versions of maple coffee drinks in Brooklyn, NY, and two Nashville, TN, coffeehouses.

Although a latte with maple flavoring made the rounds in the Northeast and Canada as recently as five years ago, it's not been seen at mainstream coffee chains in recent times, despite scattered campaigns to bring it back. Given the trend of the tree sap in tipples, could Taylor and Jake single-handedly push Grade B maple syrup back into the coffee mainstream?

Source: Flickr User karine*imagine

Decadent coffee shop desserts and fancy espresso drinks can be diet killers, but there are lower calorie options if you're watching your calories and find yourself hungry on the go. Chains like Starbucks may serve up seriously indulgent seasonal drinks, but the company also lists nutritional facts on its website, so you can scout out treats that won't wreck your healthy eating habits in a few bites. I was curious to scope out the best calorie bets on the menu, so I compiled 15 Starbucks items you can snag for under 250 calories if you're ever on the go and looking for a healthier treat.

1. Birthday Cake Mini Doughnut has 130 calories and six grams of fat.
2. Marshmallow Dream Bar has 210 and four grams of fat.
3. Petite Vanilla Bean Scone has 140 calories and five grams of fat.
4. Chicken on Flatbread with Hummus Artisan Snack Plate has 250 and nine grams of fat.
5. Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal without topping has 140 calories and two and a half grams of fat.

Keep reading for a peek at drinks for under 250 calories.