Last week I complained bitterly about the new Starbucks Skinny Mocha [m-b]. Phrases akin to “please set my mouth on fire” were bandied about. I think there was turpentine involved, too.

Josh, ever so helpful, pointed out that taking the sugar and fat out of chocolate is asking for trouble and perhaps the Skinny Lattes were better. Other commenters were thankful for the new line of Skinny drinks because it meant them or their loved ones requiring a sugarless diet could drink up without worry.

So, I decided to give the Skinny Latte a try. I settled on a tall Skinny Cinnamon Dolce. After pouring it into a ceramic mug (the smell from the cardboard sleeve was pungent), I took a sip and noted my ambivalence. It wasn’t good, per say, but I didn’t feel like I was poisoning myself. It was drinkable, at least.

Now, as I sit here typing, I find myself stopping to reach over and take sips of my coffee without giving it a second thought. It’s sweet with a hint of a chemical aftertaste not unlike Diet Coke. That is to say, it’s not for me but it’s easy to see why people with concerns about the level of sugar (or fat) in their diets would appreciate having this as an option. Noting that I usually prefer an Americano or straight espresso over flavored lattes, I think this counts as a win for Starbucks.

So, good job Starbucks. Offering healthier items is always a good idea (except for the Skinny Mocha which, as far as I can tell, is a combination of bleach, used motor oil, and Splenda).