Starbucks' festive coffees contain double recommended maximum sugar intake

Starbucks' honey and almond hot chocolate contains 72.5g of sugar and the eggnog latte 58.2g

The red cup has a minimalistic design (Starbucks)

When Starbucks made its festive red cups available to customers on 3 November they unwittingly started a storm in a coffee cup.

Conservative MPs called the design "political correctness gone mad" and Donald Trump suggested a boycott.

But critics and fans alike may be shocked to discover how much sugar their festive drinks contain.

Starbucks' honey and almond hot chocolate contains 72.5g of sugar - over twice the maximum amount of sugar the NHS recommends.

Starbucks' festive drinks sugar and calorie content

• Honey and almond hot chocolate, venti: 72.5g sugar, 560 calories.
• Eggnog latte, venti: 58.2g sugar, 547 calories.
• Toffee nut latte, venti: 50g sugar, 417 calories.
• Gingerbread latte ginger whip, venti: 47.9g sugar, 403 calories.

The NHS recommends those aged 11 and over consume a total of 30g of sugar a day, while the World Health Organisation recommends adults have no more than six teaspoons.

Simon Redfern, director of communications at Starbucks, told The Independent: “Our Red Cups are all returning favourites which we know our customers love and enjoy at this time of year.

"For those looking to enjoy lighter versions of the same great flavours, our baristas can advise on options such as skimmed milk or forgoing whipped cream.

"We continue to offer over 87,000 different drinks combinations at Starbucks so there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking to enjoy your regular drink or an occasional treat.”