Does Iced Coffee Have More Sugar Than Coke?

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a consumer watchdog, some high street iced coffee drinks can contain almost 140% more sugar than a can of Coke. This surprising fact challenges the common perception that soda is always the less healthy beverage, begging the question: does iced coffee have more sugar than Coke?

Quick Summary

Some highly customized iced coffee beverages like frappuccinos often pack a higher sugar content than a standard can of Coca-Cola, while a simple iced coffee or latte has far less. The key differentiator is the addition of syrups, whipped cream, and other sugary toppings versus a basic recipe.

Key Points

Not all iced coffee is equal: While plain iced coffee is sugar-free, specialty blends like frappuccinos are packed with sugar from syrups and cream.
Frappuccinos can contain more sugar than Coke: Some popular chain frappuccinos have been found to contain significantly more sugar than a standard 330ml can of Coca-Cola.
Added ingredients are the main issue: The sugar in high-sugar iced coffees primarily comes from flavoring syrups, sweetened milk, and whipped cream toppings, not the coffee itself.
Customization is key to reducing sugar: Consumers can dramatically lower their sugar intake by ordering unsweetened drinks, using sugar-free syrups, or asking for no whipped cream.
Regulatory loopholes exist: In some countries, iced coffee from cafes is exempt from sugar taxes that apply to soft drinks, highlighting a legislative gap in addressing high-sugar beverages.
A simple iced latte is a healthier alternative: For those who need milk and a little sweetness, a standard iced latte with semi-skimmed milk contains a fraction of the sugar found in a blended frappuccino.

It Depends on the Brew: The Iced Coffee Spectrum

The simple answer to whether iced coffee has more sugar than Coke is that it depends entirely on the preparation. A plain, unsweetened iced coffee or an iced americano contains virtually no sugar and is a healthier choice than soda. However, many popular chain offerings, especially blended drinks like frappuccinos, are loaded with added sugars from syrups and toppings, easily surpassing the sugar content of a can of Coke. Consumers can be unknowingly consuming a day's worth of recommended sugar in a single decadent coffee drink.

Where the Sugar Hides

The sugar in iced coffee comes from a variety of sources beyond just a few added sugar packets. In specialty coffee drinks, the main culprits are:

Flavoring Syrups: Caramel, vanilla, mocha, and other syrups are pure concentrated sugar and are added generously to many popular iced beverages.
Sweetened Milks: While milk contains naturally occurring lactose sugar, sweetened condensed milk or other flavored dairy products can dramatically increase the overall sugar count.
Whipped Cream and Toppings: The indulgent swirls of whipped cream, caramel drizzles, and chocolate shavings all contribute a significant amount of sugar and calories.

Sugar Showdown: Coke vs. Common Iced Coffees

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison between a standard can of Coke and a few popular, branded iced coffee drinks. Figures are based on published nutrition data, with sugar content represented in grams (g).


Drink	Serving Size	Sugar (g)	Compared to 330ml Coke (35g)	Main Sugar Source
Coca-Cola	330ml can	35g	The Baseline	Added Syrups
Starbucks Grande Caramel Frappuccino	473ml (Grande)	48.5g	38% more	Caramel syrup, whipped cream
Starbucks Grande Iced Coffee (Unsweetened)	473ml (Grande)	0g	100% less	None
Caffè Nero Belgian Chocolate & Hazelnut Frappè Crème	473ml (One Size)	44.5g	27% more	Chocolate syrup, hazelnut syrup
Costa Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frappè Mocha	499ml (Medium)	42.6g	21% more	Mocha syrup, toppings
Starbucks Tall Iced Latte (Semi-Skimmed Milk)	354ml (Tall)	8.7g	75% less	Natural milk sugars (Lactose)

The Customization Factor

Unlike a sealed can of soda, iced coffee from a café is highly customizable. This allows conscious consumers to significantly reduce their sugar intake without giving up their favorite brew. Key customization options include:

Requesting 'no syrup' or 'sugar-free syrup'. This immediately eliminates the largest source of added sugar in many drinks.
Asking for light or no whipped cream. This is an easy way to cut sugar and fat.
Using a smaller size. Downsizing your drink naturally reduces the sugar content.
Opting for milk alternatives. While soy or oat milk can contain some sugar, they are often less sugary than a full-cream, flavored dairy option.
Choosing simple iced drinks. An iced americano, iced latte, or cold brew offers a much cleaner, lower-sugar base.

The Loophole in Legislation

In some regions, legislation like the UK's soft drinks sugar tax was implemented to curb high-sugar drink consumption. However, this tax often exempts specialty coffee drinks prepared on-site, allowing high-sugar iced coffees to remain unregulated while soft drinks like Coke are taxed. This highlights a legislative blind spot and underscores the importance of consumer awareness, as a seemingly healthier option can fly under the radar as a significant source of sugar.

Conclusion: Read Between the Lines of the Menu

While black iced coffee is a low-sugar choice, the sweet, blended versions commonly sold by coffee chains can easily outstrip a can of Coke in sugar content. The dramatic difference lies in the added syrups, milks, and toppings that make these beverages taste more like desserts. By understanding the composition of your drink and taking advantage of customization options, you can enjoy a refreshing iced coffee without the hidden sugar overload. The lesson is simple: don't let the name fool you. A drink's sugar content is determined by its ingredients, not its category. For more information on healthy drink choices and daily sugar recommendations, the American Heart Association offers valuable resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large Starbucks Frappuccino often has significantly more sugar than a standard can of Coke. For example, a Grande Caramel Frappuccino can contain 48.5g of sugar, compared to 35g in a 330ml can of Coca-Cola.

No, not at all. Plain iced coffee or an iced americano contains almost no sugar. The high sugar content is found in sweetened, blended, and flavored iced coffee drinks that contain sugary syrups, sweetened milk, and whipped cream.

To reduce sugar, you can ask for sugar-free syrups, skip the whipped cream and drizzles, and choose a smaller size. Opting for a simple iced latte or cold brew without added sweeteners is the best way to minimize sugar.

In some countries, like the UK, iced coffees made and sold on-site at coffee shops are legally exempt from the soft drinks sugar tax. This allows them to avoid the levy despite containing high sugar levels that would otherwise incur a tax.

An Iced Latte made with milk and no added flavorings or syrups is relatively low in sugar, containing only the natural lactose found in the milk. However, adding flavored syrups will increase the sugar content.

Yes, they are generally healthier because you have complete control over the ingredients. By brewing your own coffee and adding only a small amount of sweetener or none at all, you can avoid the excessive sugars found in many commercial offerings.

While the comparison focuses on sugar, it's worth noting that coffee naturally contains more caffeine than soda. For a straight energy boost, coffee is more potent, but the added sugar in many iced coffees adds an extra—and often less healthy—kick.