Interview: Starbucks Nutritionist
I was lucky to have the opportunity to “blog interview” Katie Thomson, MS, RD, CD, a Senior Nutritionist for Starbucks. With the recent reveal of the Starbucks better-for-you breakfast, I had some burning questions about the new nutrition-friendly breakfast options, specifically the oatmeal. 
For our interview, I prepared some questions ahead of time to ask Katie via email. Katie thoroughly and thoughtfully answered each one. Her responses are below.
What do you do as a nutritionist for Starbucks?
- As the Health & Wellness strategy & communications lead, I develop and track global nutrition strategies, programs, and initiatives. I translate nutrition data and claims into customer-facing language. I work with Global Communications/PR and participate in media interviews, press releases, etc. I also work on internal & external communication tools such as Nutrition Brochures & Starbucks.com
- I provide nutrition consultation to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
- I interface with outside technical organizations to develop and represent Starbucks interests and positions regarding Nutrition and Wellness.
What is a typical day like for you?
- On average, I spend at least 1/2 of my day in meetings– leading a H&W initiative & presenting to cross-functional teams & leadership, working with R&D, obtaining/providing project updates, developing communication strategies, providing interviews with media, and consulting on Partner wellness initiatives.
- The other half of my day is spent answering emails, providing input on H&W communications, and developing presentations.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
- Listening to customers’ and Partners’ ideas and desires for healthier options and delivering on their needs.
What was your role in selecting the new nutrition-friendly breakfast at Starbucks?
Assisted in the following areas:
- Strategy: Identified the need for new products that delivered on taste and nutrition.
- Product Development: Created and implemented nutrition & ingredient goals.
- Marketing: Developed consumer-friendly language for signage and marketing materials.
- PR: Presented to and interviewed with external influencers (magazines, newspapers, bloggers, nutritionists, etc.) about new products.
What nutritional criteria did Starbucks use to select the new breakfast items?
- Wholesome, simple ingredients.
- Good source of protein and/or fiber satiety and sustained energy.
- Great taste, while moderate in calories, fat, saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium.
What is your top choice for a healthy Starbuck’s breakfast?
- I LOVE the Oatmeal! It’s fun to choose your toppings and make it your own. It’s warm, satisfying, and 100% guilt-free– a great way to start each and every day. My favorite combination is: Perfect Oatmeal with Dried Fruit, Nut Medley, and a sprinkle of Cinnamon (from the condiment bar), and Brown Sugar (about 1/2 packet = 25 calories).
- I’m also a big fan of the Spinach Feta Wrap (240 calories, 13g protein, 7g fiber) for a hearty, warm breakfast option that’s nutritious and filling.
- Other delicious options: Vivanno Nourishing Blends (packed with fiber, protein, and real fruit – delicious & sure to keep you satisfied!), Skinny Lattes (taste indulgent, but 100% guilt free – also helps me get my protein, calcium, and vitamin D), Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits, Fruit Cups, Fiesta Salad (great fiber & protein), Chewy Fruit & Nut Bar, Apple Bran Muffin (you won’t believe how delicious this is while packing 7g of fiber!), Power Protein Plate (great for ‘grazing’), Berry Stella (tastes like an indulgent bar, but is 100% whole grain, contains real fruit, and has Omega-3’s).
My blog has a lot of readers who love oatmeal. Can you tell me more about the Starbuck to-go bowl?
- The Oatmeal bowl is simple, yet genius. The insulated bowl and lid allows a customer to eat their breakfast at Starbucks, or take it ‘to-go’ and enjoy a hot breakfast when they arrive to work or wherever they’re heading.
What’s your best advice for making healthy choices at Starbucks and similar eat-out/on-the-go establishments?
- ‘Healthy’ is different to every individual. Whether you’re looking for choices that are lower in fat & sugar, or higher in fiber and antioxidants, you can choose nutritious items made with whole grains, real fruit & vegetables, lean protein, beans, nuts & seeds, and low fat dairy.
- Know Your Options: Like Starbucks, most restaurants have nutrition information available in a brochure, online, or on the package. You can always ask your barista for recommendations as well.
- Tip: There can be hidden calories in seemingly-healthy items. For example, check out the calories levels of some of the burritos out there- shockingly, you can wrap half your day’s calories in one of those tortillas.
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 9:04 am
FABULOUS interview and new Starbucks product reviews!!!
My favorite take-out/cafe/on-the-go breakfast = fresh fruit, oatmeal, Larabars, protein shakes.
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Such a cool post! Thanks for the reviews!
I’m so glad that I have no desire to eat fast food breakfasts… they’re so unappealing to me. I usually eat my bowl of oatmeal once I get to work. But for something to take on-the-go, I might grab an apple with a string cheese and a few almonds.
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 9:40 am
how neat that you got to interview that lady! very cool. i LOVE the berry stella… so damn good. the oatmeal was good, but i can’t believe they charge $3 for a packet of instant oatmeal that you can buy for like 10 cents. kind of crazy. it’s nice to have the option of getting it though if i’m out and about.
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 9:56 am
great reviews! I had seen the products, but hadn’t made it in to a starbucks yet. Made at home muffins and fresh fruit are great on-the-go!
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I love Mal’s four carrots out of five!
I am sure the oatmeal is delicious, but it’s so expensive for a bowl of oats. Maybe in a breakfast emergency !
Also, love the interview. I hope you do more of them.
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Great interview, Tina. This is the kind of stuff I love to see on a blog.
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Tina – thank you for this great interview! Very informative and interesting!
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
It’s really cool that you interviewed her! Man that sounds like a dream job to me:) I’m so glad they’ve come out with these new items
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hello Dream job!
on Sep 29th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Tina! Great post! I must say- I am currently a Community Health Education Major in Wisconsin and I am beginning the journey of deciding where and in what area I would like to do my preceptorship. Posts like these persuade me to go into worksite wellness and the like! thank you so much for the information and the guest review!
on Sep 30th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Katie’s responses to your questions/comments:
“Thought I’d address many people’s concerns of the cost of the Oatmeal. The cost includes your choice of toppings – you can choose any of the 3 toppings at no additional charge. If you think of the premium cost of high-quality nuts and dried fruit, the $2.45 price of Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal makes a lot more sense.”
“To assure our customer’s are presented with the perfect cup of oatmeal, we evaluated several kinds of oatmeal and oatmeal preparation methods. The oatmeal chosen for Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal rated the highest from a customer & barista perspective. Customers found this oatmeal to have the best taste and quality and barista’s preferred the preparation method of a consistent, easy-to-prepare instant oatmeal. You can feel good about this breakfast option as the oatmeal is highly nutritious: 100% whole grain and fortified with vitamins & minerals. It’s served with your choice of any or all of the 3 pre-portioned toppings (Brown Sugar, Nut Medley, Dried Fruit) at no additional charge. Enjoy!”