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How many calories are in a medium caramel craze?

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a medium Caramel Craze iced latte with whole milk from Dunkin' contains 410 calories. The final calorie count for your drink will vary depending on whether you order it hot or iced and the type of milk you choose, with a skim milk option being significantly lower.

Quick Summary

A medium Caramel Craze latte's calorie count depends on the milk used and whether it's hot or iced. Whole milk versions have around 410 calories, while skim milk options reduce this to approximately 340. The beverage is high in sugar.

Key Points

  • Medium Caramel Craze Calories: A medium Caramel Craze iced latte with whole milk contains 410 calories.

  • Milk Choice Impact: Opting for skim milk instead of whole milk reduces the calorie count by approximately 70 calories, bringing the iced latte down to 340 calories.

  • High Sugar Content: A single medium drink can contain 57g of sugar, which is over the daily recommended limit.

  • Carb and Fat Levels: The whole milk version is also high in fat (14g) and total carbohydrates (61g).

  • Calorie Reduction Tips: To reduce calories, consider asking for skim milk, skipping whipped cream, or using fewer pumps of the caramel swirl.

  • Temperature Effect: The hot versus iced preparation has a minimal impact on the overall calorie count compared to the choice of milk.

In This Article

Understanding the Calorie Count in Your Caramel Craze Latte

When ordering a medium Caramel Craze, the most significant factors influencing its calorie total are the milk type and the preparation style (hot or iced). The classic combination of espresso, caramel, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle creates a rich and indulgent beverage, but also one that is calorie-dense.

The Whole Milk vs. Skim Milk Difference

The choice of milk is the single biggest variable in the Caramel Craze's calorie count. The fat content in whole milk adds substantial calories, whereas skim milk provides a lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing the core espresso and caramel flavor.

For a medium iced Caramel Craze:

  • With whole milk: 410 calories
  • With skim milk: 340 calories

This 70-calorie difference highlights the impact of a simple substitution. Hot lattes follow a similar pattern, with whole milk versions being higher in calories than their skim milk counterparts.

Hot vs. Iced Variations

While the difference is minor, the preparation method can also slightly alter the final count. The volume of milk and ice can cause slight discrepancies. For example, a medium hot Caramel Craze latte with whole milk contains approximately 410 calories, almost identical to the iced version. The key takeaway is that the milk choice is far more critical for calorie control than the temperature of the drink.

Beyond Calories: A Look at Macronutrients

Calories are just one part of the nutritional picture. The Caramel Craze is also packed with sugar, primarily from the caramel swirl and flavored syrup. A medium iced latte with whole milk contains a staggering 57 grams of sugar, which is over the daily recommended limit for many individuals.

  • Carbohydrates: The high sugar content means a very high carbohydrate load. A medium Caramel Craze with whole milk has 61g of carbs.
  • Fats: Primarily from the whole milk and whipped cream, the fat content is also significant. The whole milk version contains 14g of fat, including 8g of saturated fat, a high percentage of the daily value.
  • Protein: With 11-12g of protein, the drink does offer some protein, mainly from the milk, but it is not a balanced source of nutrition given the sugar and fat content.

Comparison of Medium Caramel Craze Lattes

Here is a comparative look at the nutritional values for different medium Caramel Craze options.

Attribute Iced with Whole Milk Hot with Whole Milk Iced with Skim Milk Hot with Skim Milk
Calories ~410 ~410 ~340 ~340
Total Fat 14g 14g 5g 5g
Saturated Fat 8g 8g 3g 3g
Carbohydrates 61g 61g 61g 61g
Sugars 57g 57g 57g 57g
Protein 11g 11g 12g 12g

Customization Strategies for a Healthier Choice

If you're a fan of the Caramel Craze flavor but want to reduce the calorie and sugar impact, there are several modifications you can request at Dunkin'. Small changes can make a big difference for your daily intake.

  • Opt for Skim Milk: As the table above shows, simply choosing skim milk over whole milk can save you 70 calories per medium drink.
  • Hold the Whipped Cream: The whipped cream and caramel drizzle toppings add extra sugar and fat. Removing them is an easy way to reduce calories.
  • Request Fewer Caramel Swirls: Ask for fewer pumps of the caramel swirl flavoring to significantly cut down on the sugar and carb count.
  • Use Sugar-Free Swirls: If available, requesting sugar-free flavor swirls can dramatically lower the sugar content while maintaining the flavor profile. Be mindful that this may use artificial sweeteners.
  • Consider a Smaller Size: Choosing a small over a medium will reduce the overall volume of milk, swirls, and toppings, leading to a lower calorie count.

Conclusion

In summary, a medium Caramel Craze is a high-calorie and high-sugar drink, with the exact number of calories depending on the milk type. A whole milk medium contains around 410 calories, while a skim milk version is closer to 340. For those seeking a healthier alternative, simple modifications like switching to skim milk, skipping the toppings, and reducing the number of flavor pumps can make a significant difference in the drink's nutritional profile. By understanding these options, you can still enjoy the taste you love while making more informed dietary choices.

For more detailed nutritional information, check out resources like CalorieKing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The difference in calories between a hot and iced Caramel Craze of the same size and milk type is minimal. The milk choice has a much larger impact on the overall calorie count.

A medium Caramel Craze iced latte made with skim milk contains approximately 340 calories. The hot version with skim milk has a very similar calorie count.

Yes, you can reduce calories by requesting skim milk, asking for fewer pumps of caramel swirl, and skipping the whipped cream and extra drizzle on top.

Due to its high sugar and fat content, particularly in the whole milk version, the Caramel Craze is not considered a healthy everyday beverage. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

A medium Caramel Craze, regardless of whether it's hot or iced or made with whole or skim milk, contains about 57 grams of sugar.

The Caramel Craze is one of Dunkin's more decadent signature lattes. Other flavored drinks, especially those with whole milk and toppings, can have similar high calorie and sugar counts, while simpler coffee options have far fewer calories.

The calories in the Caramel Craze come primarily from the sugars in the flavored caramel swirl and syrups, as well as the fat and protein from the milk and whipped cream.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.