Dunkin’ is a favorite stop for coffee lovers, but many menu items pack a surprising amount of calories and sugar. While the occasional treat is fine, regularly consuming these sugar-laden beverages could impact your health goals. Take a look at these 15 drinks that might make you think twice before placing your next Dunkin’ order.
1. Large Frozen Caramel Coffee Coolatta with Cream and Whipped Cream
Imagine drinking more than half your daily calories in one cup! This frosty behemoth contains a jaw-dropping 1,040 calories and a whopping 134 grams of sugar. That’s equivalent to eating about 33 teaspoons of sugar in a single sitting.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25-36 grams of added sugar daily, meaning this one drink provides nearly four days’ worth of sugar. The combination of cream, whipped cream, and caramel syrup creates a delicious but dangerous concoction for your health.
Regular consumption of such high-calorie, high-sugar beverages has been linked to weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Consider ordering a small size or choosing a less indulgent option to satisfy your sweet tooth.
2. Large Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream
Sweet tooth alert! The Large Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream packs approximately 1,050 calories into one cup – about half the daily calorie needs for an average adult. This dessert-in-disguise combines coffee with sweetened condensed milk and buttery pecan flavoring.
Nutritionists warn that consuming this much sugar in one sitting can lead to energy crashes and increased cravings later in the day. The high fat content from cream adds to the calorie load while providing little nutritional benefit.
Enjoying this treat regularly could contribute to significant weight gain – potentially adding up to two pounds per week if consumed daily without adjusting the rest of your diet. For a healthier alternative, try a small iced coffee with a splash of butter pecan swirl.
3. Bonfire S’mores Frozen Coffee (Large)
Campfire flavors come at a steep nutritional price in this seasonal indulgence. With 1,070 calories and a staggering 155 grams of sugar, the Bonfire S’mores Frozen Coffee contains more sugar than six Hershey’s chocolate bars combined.
The graham cracker toppings, chocolate syrup, and marshmallow flavoring create an authentic s’mores experience, but your body processes all that added sugar the same way – by spiking insulin levels and potentially storing excess calories as fat.
Many customers don’t realize they’re essentially drinking a milkshake rather than coffee. Drinking just one of these provides more than five times the maximum daily sugar recommendation for women and more than three times for men. If you’re craving those campfire flavors, consider a small hot coffee with just a pump of s’mores syrup instead.
4. Frozen Chocolate (Large)
Chocolate lovers beware – this frosty treat comes with consequences. The Large Frozen Chocolate delivers nearly 900 calories and 114 grams of sugar, making it more like a dessert than a beverage. That’s more calories than a typical fast-food burger.
The thick, milkshake-like consistency comes from a blend of cream, milk, and chocolate syrup that creates a satisfying mouthfeel but contributes to its high fat content. Many nutritionists point out that liquid calories don’t trigger the same fullness signals as solid food, making it easy to consume excessive calories without feeling satisfied.
Drinking this regularly could contribute to unwanted weight gain and increased risk of metabolic issues. For a more reasonable chocolate fix, try a small hot chocolate with skim milk and skip the whipped cream to save hundreds of calories.
5. Caramel Craze Signature Hot Latte (Large)
Don’t be fooled by the coffee base – this latte is more dessert than caffeine fix. Boasting 530 calories and 57 grams of sugar, the Caramel Craze Signature Hot Latte delivers more sugar than five glazed donuts from Dunkin’s own bakery case.
The combination of whole milk, caramel swirl syrup, and whipped cream topped with caramel drizzle creates a decadent flavor profile that masks its nutritional impact. Many customers order this as their morning coffee without realizing they’re consuming nearly a quarter of their daily calories in one cup.
The sugar content alone exceeds the American Heart Association’s recommended daily limit by more than double. For a more reasonable option that still satisfies a caramel craving, try ordering a small latte with skim milk and just one pump of caramel swirl.
6. French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Chocolate (Medium)
Even in a medium size, this vanilla-chocolate hybrid delivers a shocking 124 grams of sugar – that’s like eating 31 sugar cubes in one sitting. The combination of frozen chocolate base and French vanilla flavoring creates an irresistible taste that masks its nutritional downside.
The creamy texture comes from a blend of whole milk and cream, adding significant fat content alongside all that sugar. Many health experts warn that beverages like this can contribute to dental problems beyond just weight gain, as the sugary liquid bathes teeth for extended periods.
Consuming this much sugar at once can trigger inflammation in the body and contribute to energy crashes later in the day. If vanilla and chocolate flavors are what you’re craving, consider a small hot chocolate with just one pump of vanilla syrup and skim milk instead of whole.
7. Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee (Large)
Coffee purists might not recognize this sugary concoction as coffee at all. With 134 grams of sugar – more than three times the recommended daily limit – this frozen beverage delivers a massive sugar rush alongside its caffeine kick.
The caramel swirl syrup combined with the sweetened frozen coffee base creates a dangerously delicious drink that can quickly become habit-forming. Many customers don’t realize that the base mixture already contains sugar before any flavoring is added. The large size compounds the problem by increasing all ingredients proportionally.
Regularly consuming this much sugar can lead to insulin resistance over time, potentially increasing diabetes risk. For a more reasonable caramel coffee fix, try ordering a small iced coffee with a light splash of caramel swirl and milk instead of the fully-loaded frozen version.
8. Strawberry Coolatta (Medium)
Fruit-flavored doesn’t mean nutritious! The Medium Strawberry Coolatta contains 83 grams of sugar – that’s more than you’d get from eating 8 actual strawberries plus 20 teaspoons of added sugar.
This bright pink drink might look refreshing, but it’s essentially flavored sugar water. Unlike real strawberry smoothies that contain fiber and nutrients, the Coolatta relies on artificial flavoring and corn syrup for its fruity taste. Many parents mistakenly order this for children, not realizing it contains more sugar than three servings of most children’s breakfast cereals combined.
The lack of protein or fiber means this drink won’t keep you satisfied, potentially leading to increased hunger shortly after consumption. For a healthier strawberry fix, consider adding fresh strawberries to unsweetened iced tea or water instead of reaching for this sugar bomb.
9. Caramel Swirl Hot Latte (Medium)
Morning coffee or liquid dessert? With 52 grams of sugar – about 13 teaspoons – this seemingly innocent latte delivers more sugar than two full-sized candy bars. The caramel swirl syrup adds both flavor and a significant calorie load to what could otherwise be a reasonable coffee choice.
The combination of whole milk and caramel syrup creates a creamy, sweet experience that many people don’t associate with unhealthy choices. Many customers order this daily without realizing they’re consuming twice the recommended daily sugar limit before even starting their day.
For a more balanced option, try ordering a latte with skim milk and just one pump of caramel flavor instead of the standard three or four.
10. French Vanilla Swirl Hot Cappuccino (Medium)
This seemingly sophisticated coffee choice hides a not-so-sophisticated nutritional profile. With 45 grams of sugar – about 11 teaspoons – the Medium French Vanilla Swirl Hot Cappuccino contains more sugar than most candy bars, despite its coffee-shop credibility.
The vanilla flavoring comes from a sweetened syrup rather than actual vanilla beans, adding empty calories without nutritional benefits. Many coffee drinkers choose cappuccinos thinking they’re making a healthier choice than lattes or frozen drinks, not realizing that flavored versions still pack a significant sugar punch.
The milk foam may make this drink feel lighter than a latte, but the sugar content remains problematic for daily consumption. For a more reasonable option that still satisfies a vanilla craving, try ordering a cappuccino with skim milk and just a half-pump of vanilla syrup, or use vanilla extract and a touch of honey.
11. Brownie Batter Swirl Hot Coffee with Cream (Extra Large)
Dessert for breakfast? This extra-large coffee creation delivers 420 calories and 60 grams of sugar – equivalent to eating a brownie while drinking your coffee, rather than just tasting like one. The brownie batter swirl syrup transforms regular coffee into a decadent treat with serious health implications.
Adding cream further increases the calorie content while contributing saturated fat that nutrition experts recommend limiting. Many customers choose this as a “coffee” option without realizing they’re essentially drinking liquified dessert with a caffeine boost. The extra-large size compounds the problem by increasing all ingredients proportionally.
Consuming this much sugar in one sitting can lead to blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, potentially affecting energy levels and concentration throughout the day. For a more reasonable chocolate fix, try a small coffee with a splash of milk and just a half-pump of brownie batter swirl.
12. Caramel Swirl Hot Coffee with Cream (Medium)
Don’t let the simple name fool you – this medium coffee packs a sweet punch with 40 grams of sugar, equivalent to about 10 sugar cubes dissolved in your morning brew. The caramel swirl syrup transforms basic coffee into a dessert-like beverage that could sabotage health goals.
Adding cream further increases calorie content while contributing saturated fat that heart health experts recommend limiting. Many coffee drinkers choose this thinking it’s a basic coffee option, not realizing that the flavored swirls add significant sugar beyond what they might add themselves.
Starting your day with this much sugar can trigger cravings and hunger later as blood sugar levels rise and fall rapidly. For a more balanced morning ritual, try ordering regular coffee with a splash of milk and just a half-pump of caramel flavor, or use cinnamon for a naturally sweet taste without added sugars.
13. Sweet Tea (Large)
Southern tradition comes with a health warning! This seemingly simple beverage contains 58 grams of sugar – more than you’d find in five original glazed Dunkin’ donuts. Many customers choose tea thinking it’s a healthier alternative to coffee drinks without realizing just how much sugar is dissolved in each cup.
Unlike home-brewed sweet tea where you can control the sweetness, Dunkin’s version is pre-sweetened to appeal to the broadest audience. The large size means you’re getting more sugar with every additional ounce compared to a smaller option.
The lack of fat or protein in this drink means the sugar hits your bloodstream quickly, potentially leading to energy crashes later. For a refreshing alternative that won’t spike your blood sugar, try unsweetened iced tea with a lemon wedge, or ask for “lightly sweetened” tea which contains about half the sugar.
14. French Vanilla Swirl Hot Macchiato (Medium)
Fancy name, familiar problem. This layered coffee creation contains 45 grams of sugar – about 11 teaspoons – transforming what could be a reasonable espresso drink into a high-calorie indulgence. The vanilla flavoring comes from sweetened syrup rather than actual vanilla, adding empty calories without nutritional benefits.
Many coffee enthusiasts order macchiatos thinking they’re making an artisanal choice, not realizing that flavored versions still deliver a significant sugar load. The pretty layers mean the sweetness hits you all at once rather than being evenly distributed throughout the drink.
For a more reasonable option that preserves the macchiato experience, try ordering it with skim milk and just a half-pump of vanilla syrup, or skip the flavoring entirely and add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
15. Butter Pecan Swirl Iced Cappuccino (Medium)
Cool and creamy doesn’t mean healthy! This medium iced cappuccino delivers 45 grams of sugar – about 11 teaspoons – in a refreshing but problematic package. The butter pecan flavoring adds a rich, nutty taste that masks just how much sweetener is actually in your cup.
The combination of milk, ice, and flavored syrup creates a satisfying summer drink that many people don’t associate with unhealthy choices. Nutritionists point out that cold, sweet beverages are particularly easy to consume quickly, meaning you might ingest all that sugar before your body has a chance to register fullness.
The caffeine content can mask the energy crash that typically follows consuming this much sugar at once. For a more balanced option that still delivers butter pecan flavor, try a small iced coffee with a light splash of the flavoring and extra ice to dilute the sweetness while keeping it refreshing.
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