Are the Dutch Bros protein coffees sugar free?

December 23, 2025 •

5 min read

While advertised as having "no added sugars," Dutch Bros protein coffees are not entirely sugar-free due to the lactose naturally present in milk. This nuance is important for those monitoring their sugar intake to understand what they are truly consuming when ordering a protein coffee from the popular chain.

Quick Summary

Answering if Dutch Bros protein coffees are sugar free. Explaining the difference between "no added sugar" and being completely sugar-free, clarifying sugar content, and offering customization tips.

Key Points

Not truly sugar-free: Dutch Bros protein coffees are promoted as "zero added sugar," but they still contain natural sugar from the lactose in the dairy-based protein milk.
Sugar-free syrups available: To minimize sugar, customers should specify that they want sugar-free versions of all flavorings, as Dutch Bros offers many.
Protein milk is dairy: The protein comes from a 2% milk base with added protein, making it unsuitable for those who are dairy-free or strictly lactose-free.
Customize for control: To achieve the lowest sugar count, ask for sugar-free flavorings and skip any additional sugary sauces or drizzles.
Lactose affects sugar intake: The natural lactose sugar in the protein milk contributes to the overall carbohydrate and sugar count, which is important for people monitoring their intake for health reasons.
Verify all ingredients: Always communicate with the broista to ensure all components of your customized drink are sugar-free if that is your goal.

Deciphering 'Zero Added Sugar' in Dutch Bros Protein Coffees

Understanding the sugar content of Dutch Bros' protein coffees requires a closer look at the key ingredient: protein milk. The company's official menu and promotional materials often highlight that their protein coffees, such as the Hopscotch Zero Sugar Added Protein Latte, have "zero added sugars". This phrasing is accurate but can be misleading for those seeking a completely sugar-free beverage. The protein milk is made from 2% cow's milk with extra protein added, and like all dairy products, it naturally contains lactose, which is a form of sugar.

For example, nutritional information for a small iced Salted Caramel Protein Latte indicates 7g of total sugar, while a small iced Salted Caramel Protein Mocha has 6g of total sugar. These grams of sugar are not from added sweeteners but from the milk itself. The Dutch Bros sugar-free syrups and sauces, used for flavoring these drinks, are sweetened with alternatives like Stevia and monk-fruit extract, avoiding additional sugar. Therefore, a Dutch Bros protein coffee is not zero-sugar, but rather free of any extra granulated sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

Customizing Your Low-Sugar Dutch Bros Protein Coffee

For those who are particular about their sugar intake, customizing your order is key. The foundational elements of the protein coffees—espresso and protein milk—provide a base of protein with inherent lactose. The sugar content can then be managed through your choice of additional flavorings and toppings. Choosing the standard protein coffee options made with sugar-free syrups is the first step, as flavors like vanilla, salted caramel, and chocolate are available in a sugar-free format. However, adding any standard (not sugar-free) sauces or flavored drizzles will introduce added sugars.

Here are some tips for ordering a lower-sugar protein coffee:

Specify sugar-free: Always clarify with the broista that you want all flavorings to be sugar-free. While some protein coffee promotions come standard with sugar-free syrups, it is not always the case for all customizations.
Skip the drizzle: The Hopscotch Protein Latte, for example, comes with a sugar-free caramel drizzle, but other customized drinks might include a regular drizzle with added sugar. Specify a sugar-free drizzle or skip it entirely to minimize sugar.
Choose your milk wisely: Currently, the protein milk at Dutch Bros is 2% cow's milk and they do not offer a dairy-free protein milk option. This means the lactose-derived sugar will always be present in their standard protein coffees. Those needing a dairy-free, no-lactose option must order a different drink with a non-dairy milk alternative and a separate protein addition, which may change the flavor and sugar profile.

Comparison Table: Understanding Sugar in Dutch Bros Coffees


Component	Sugar Source	Sugar Type	Can it be Sugar-Free?
Protein Milk	2% Milk with Added Protein	Lactose (Natural)	No, inherent to dairy
Sugar-Free Syrups	Stevia, Monk Fruit	Artificial/Natural Sweeteners	Yes, zero added sugar
Standard Syrups	Granulated Sugar, Fructose	Added Sugars	No
Drizzles & Toppings	Sauces, Sugar	Added Sugars	Only if specified sugar-free
Espresso	N/A	N/A	Naturally sugar-free

The Health Implications of 'No Added Sugar' vs. 'Sugar-Free'

For the average consumer, the distinction between a "zero added sugar" protein coffee and one that is completely sugar-free may seem minor. However, for individuals managing conditions like diabetes, following a ketogenic diet, or simply monitoring their overall sugar intake, this is a crucial difference. The lactose in the protein milk contributes to the total carbohydrate count, which can affect blood sugar levels. Understanding this helps customers make informed decisions that align with their dietary goals. It also highlights the importance of checking the full nutritional information, which is available on the Dutch Bros website and app, rather than relying solely on marketing descriptions.

Navigating the Menu and Ordering Process

Dutch Bros is known for its extensive menu and customizable drinks, and the protein coffee line is no exception. By being proactive in the ordering process, customers can ensure their beverage meets their specific nutritional needs. Broistas are generally knowledgeable about the sugar-free options and the nuances of the protein milk, so asking direct questions can be very helpful. For instance, you can ask for a specific protein coffee "with no added sugar, just like the promotion," or "made with all sugar-free ingredients." The use of alternative sweeteners like Stevia in their sugar-free flavorings also provides a taste profile that some may prefer over artificial sweeteners.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Dutch Bros Protein Coffee Sugar Content

In summary, while Dutch Bros protein coffees are free of added sugar when ordered with sugar-free flavorings, they are not completely sugar-free due to the natural lactose content in the protein milk. The "zero added sugar" claim refers to the exclusion of standard syrups and sweeteners. To minimize sugar intake, specify sugar-free syrups and sauces for your customized drink. However, if you require a genuinely sugar-free or dairy-free protein coffee, you will need to seek an alternative option, as the protein milk is dairy-based and contains inherent sugars.

For more nutritional details, visit the official Dutch Bros nutrition guide on their website, or ask a broista for clarification before you order. A knowledgeable approach will ensure you get a beverage that not only tastes great but also fits your specific dietary requirements.

Takeaways

"Zero added sugar" does not mean sugar-free: Dutch Bros protein coffees contain natural sugar from the lactose in the protein milk.
Sugar-free flavorings are available: You can use sugar-free syrups for all flavorings to avoid extra sugar, including salted caramel and vanilla.
Customization is key: Always specify sugar-free options for all added flavors and toppings to control sugar levels.
Protein milk is dairy-based: The standard protein milk is 2% milk with added protein, so it is not suitable for those seeking a dairy-free option.
Natural milk sugar is still sugar: The lactose in the milk will contribute to the total sugar and carbohydrate count, which is important for people monitoring their intake.
Check the nutrition facts: For precise nutritional information, it is best to check the official Dutch Bros website or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when ordering the protein coffees, Dutch Bros uses sugar-free syrups for the flavorings unless you specify otherwise. For instance, the Hopscotch Zero Sugar Added Protein Latte uses sugar-free salted caramel and sugar-free caramel.

The sugar in Dutch Bros protein coffee comes from the naturally occurring lactose in the 2% cow's milk used to create the protein milk. The amount of this milk sugar varies depending on the size and specific drink.

No, you cannot get a completely dairy-free protein coffee at Dutch Bros, as the protein is premixed into 2% cow's milk. You can, however, order a regular coffee with a non-dairy milk and sugar-free flavors, but it won't contain the extra protein boost.

Dutch Bros uses sweeteners like Stevia and monk-fruit extract in their sugar-free syrups to provide sweetness without adding sugar. Some people may notice a slight taste difference due to these sugar alternatives.

While promotional protein coffees are often made with sugar-free syrups by default, it is always best to specify that you want "sugar-free" for all flavorings and sauces to avoid any mistakes or sugary additions.

You can find the nutritional information, including total sugar and carbohydrate counts, on the official Dutch Bros website or their mobile app. This allows you to check the exact content of your desired drink.

Most of the flavorings used in Dutch Bros protein coffees have a sugar-free counterpart, such as vanilla, salted caramel, and chocolate. However, certain sauces or limited-time offerings may not have a sugar-free version, so it's best to ask a broista.