Current Sweetener Options at Dunkin'
When you visit a Dunkin' location and head for the condiment station, you'll find a variety of sweetener packets. While the familiar Splenda box may be missing, there are still several low-calorie and sugar-free options to choose from. For many years, Dunkin' offered Splenda as its primary zero-calorie sweetener in yellow packets. However, this changed significantly in 2016 when the company was sued by Heartland Consumer Products, the owner of the Splenda brand. The lawsuit alleged that Dunkin' was misleading customers by continuing to serve a generic sucralose in similar yellow packaging. As a result, Dunkin' switched to a generic sucralose product.
Stevia In The Raw: The Natural Alternative
For those who prefer a plant-based, natural sweetener, Dunkin' offers Stevia In The Raw. Stevia In The Raw is made from the stevia plant and is blended with dextrose to make it easier to measure and pour. Unlike some other stevia products, Stevia In The Raw does not contain erythritol or artificial flavors. It is a zero-calorie sweetener with a low glycemic value, making it suitable for people with diabetes. Its clean, sweet taste is a great way to sweeten your coffee or tea without the sugar.
The Sucralose Situation: Not Your Mama's Splenda
The yellow packets at Dunkin' still contain sucralose, the same key sweetening ingredient found in brand-name Splenda. The difference is the brand and sourcing. Dunkin' now uses a generic version manufactured by a different company. While the taste and properties are very similar to Splenda, it's important for brand-conscious customers to be aware of the change. This generic sucralose, like Splenda, is approximately 600 times sweeter than table sugar.
Other Low-Calorie Sweeteners
Beyond Stevia and sucralose, most Dunkin' locations also carry other popular low-calorie sweetener packets. These include:
- Equal (blue packets): Made with aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener.
- Sweet'n Low (pink packets): Made with saccharin, one of the oldest artificial sweeteners.
It's important to note that the availability of these specific packet brands can sometimes vary by individual franchise location, so it's always a good idea to check with your local store.
Navigating Dunkin's Menu for Sugar-Free Drinks
Understanding the distinction between flavor shots and flavor swirls is key to ordering a genuinely sugar-free beverage at Dunkin'.
Flavor Shots vs. Flavor Swirls
One of the most common points of confusion for customers is the difference between flavor shots and flavor swirls. The official Dunkin' news blog clarifies this difference, stating that their flavor shots are unsweetened and sugar-free, whereas flavor swirls are sweetened, creamy, and contain sugar and dairy. This is a critical distinction for anyone managing their sugar intake, as a flavor swirl can add significant calories and sugar to a drink.
- Unsweetened Flavor Shots (sugar-free): These contain no artificial sweeteners or added sugar. Options include vanilla, hazelnut, toasted almond, blueberry, raspberry, and coconut.
- Sweetened Flavor Swirls (contains sugar and dairy): These are sweet, creamy, and indulgent. Classic flavors include caramel, French vanilla, hazelnut, and Mocha.
Comparing Dunkin's Sweetener Choices
| Feature | Stevia In The Raw | Generic Sucralose (Yellow Packet) | Sweet'n Low (Pink Packet) | Equal (Blue Packet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Plant-based (stevia leaf) | Artificial (sucralose) | Artificial (saccharin) | Artificial (aspartame) |
| Calories | Zero-calorie* | Zero-calorie* | Zero-calorie* | Zero-calorie* |
| Taste Profile | Natural, slightly herbal undertone | Clean, sugar-like taste | Often a slightly bitter aftertaste | Clean, sweet taste |
| Glycemic Index | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Composition | Stevia extract + dextrose | Sucralose + dextrose/maltodextrin | Saccharin + dextrose | Aspartame |
*Note: All zero-calorie sweeteners contain trace amounts of calories and carbs, which are legally rounded down to zero per serving.
Making the Best Choice for Your Health
When choosing a sweetener at Dunkin', your best option depends on your personal health goals and taste preferences. If you prioritize natural ingredients, Stevia In The Raw is the way to go. If you are accustomed to the taste of sucralose and don't mind the generic version, the yellow packets will work just fine. For those avoiding both sugar and artificial additives in their flavors, remember to always choose flavor shots over flavor swirls. Combining unsweetened coffee or tea with your choice of zero-calorie sweetener and a sugar-free flavor shot is the most reliable way to create a low-sugar, low-carb drink.
Conclusion
In summary, Dunkin' does offer Stevia In The Raw and a generic sucralose, but no longer carries brand-name Splenda. Customers can easily customize their beverages to be low-sugar by using these packet sweeteners and opting for unsweetened flavor shots instead of the dairy-based flavor swirls. By understanding the difference between the available options, you can confidently order a delicious drink that meets your dietary needs.
For official nutritional information and ingredients, you can visit the Dunkin' website for the most current details.
