How many calories are in your Starbucks festive latte?

Winter is upon us and that can only mean one thing, Starbucks’ iconic red cups are back.

This year’s festive offerings include gingerbread, toffee nut and even eggnog lattes, not to mention a marshmallow-flavoured hot chocolate.

The warming indulgence signals the start of the holiday season for many, but just one of the syrupy drinks could add up to nearly a quarter of your recommended daily calorie intake.

Gingerbread Latte

A festive favourite, this classic is made with Starbuck’s espresso blend, complete with gingerbread syrup, whipped cream and a sprinkling of wafer on top.

It will undoubtably satisfy your sweet tooth but a whole-milk venti, that’s extra large to you and me, contains 472 calories.

That’s almost a quarter of the 2,000 calories the NHS recommends for the average women. Men are advised to consume around 2,500 calories a day.

As if that wasn’t enough, the drink also contains 48g of sugar - 18g more than the NHS’ recommended daily limit of 30g.

For the more restrained, the “short” size made with skimmed milk contains a more modest 160 calories.

But still expect a sugar high, with the smaller drink containing two thirds (20g) of your daily allowance.

While the occasional treat will unlikely do much harm, overindulging could damage your teeth or cause you to pile on the pounds this December.

And expect the inevitable energy slump at your desk.

All the festive lattes start at £3.15 ($3.98). The environmentally conscious can also purchase the classic reusable red cup for £1.50 ($1.89).

Toffee Nut Latte

Back by popular demand, customers can indulge in the toffee nut taste complete with whipped cream and a crunchy topping.

Similar to the Gingerbread Latte, opting for a whole-milk, venti toffee-nut treat will add 473 calories and 47g of sugar to your daily intake.

Going vegan marginally eases the load, with coconut milk alternatives containing 374 calories and almond “mylk” 302 calories.

But don’t be fooled into thinking dairy-free is healthier.

The plant-based options still contain 40g and 37g of sugar, respectively.

Eggnog Latte

This comforting drink is inspired by festive traditions in the US.

With founding father George Washington said to be a fan, eggnog is usually a mix of raw eggs with sugar, whole milk and double cream.

The whole lot is finished off with bourbon or rum.

While drinking raw eggs may not appeal to everyone, this latte bypasses that part of the recipe while keeping the festive tastes of nutmeg and cinnamon.

A venti whole-milk option contains 451 calories and a 56g of sugar, taking you well over your daily limit of the sweet stuff.

Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate

For the chocolate lovers, Starbucks is offering fans the ultimate in cocoa indulgence.

Mocha sauce is mixed with marshmallow syrup, before being topped with marshmallow flavoured whipped cream and finished with caramelised sugar.

The most calorie-dense of them all, a venti, whole-milk treat contains 544kcal and an astonishing 59g of sugar.

Opting for a short, skimmed option will save you 358 calories, coming in at 186kcal per drink.

But it still contains 24.8g of sugar, nearly all your daily allowance.

Chocolate fans may be pleased to hear this is slightly cheaper than the other festive offerings at £3.10 ($3.91) for a short size.