FANCY new seasonal drinks from coffee shops have been slammed for containing “unbelievable” amounts of sugar normally found in cans of coke.

Firms including Costa and Starbucks have launched posh hot drinks for autumn that boast lavish herbs and spices.

But the sugar-laden brews have fallen foul of NHS guidelines which say adults should have no more than 30g of sugar in one day.

Costa’s range of “Bonfire” hot chocolate has a staggering nine teaspoons per serving – the same as a can of coke.

Rival chain Starbucks has also gone heavy on sugar content in its autumn offering.

Their Pumpkin Spiced Latte – served small with semi-skimmed milk – contains 20.8 grams – soaring to an astonishing 43.3grams for its largest “grande” serving.

The load is more than one-and-a-half days’ worth of an adult’s recommended sugar intake in a single serving.

Bakery giant Greggs has also introduced a Pumpkin Spiced Latte in a bid to compete with its coffee rivals.

Their version of the popular autumnal brew contains a hefty 31grams of sugar in a single serving.

Last night health experts blasted the chains for fuelling Britain’s spiralling levels of obesity and tooth decay.

Kawther Hashem, Nutritionist and Researcher for Action on Sugar, said: “Brands must reduce the amount of sugar in these hot drinks and have nutrition labelling available to all customers.

“They are laden with an unbelievable amount sugar and calories and are often accompanied by a high sugar snack.

“It is not surprising that we still have high rates of tooth decay.”

Costa said it only offered the Bonfire Spiced Hot Chocolate in its smallest size.

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And a spokesman for Starbucks said it had already reduced calories by 10% and sugar by 13% in its Pumpkin Spiced Latte compared to last year.

But nutritionist Lucy Jones said: “If you drink these regularly, it can contribute to an enlarging waistline and dental decay.”

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