Dunkin' Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee: The Full Calorie Count
Dunkin's frozen coffee beverages are a popular sweet treat, but they are also known for being very high in calories and sugar. The caramel creme frozen coffee, with its rich, sweet flavor profile, is no exception. It's important to know the full nutritional breakdown to make an informed choice, especially if you are monitoring your caloric intake.
Nutritional breakdown by size
The calories in a Dunkin' caramel creme frozen coffee vary significantly depending on the size you order. As the drink gets larger, so do the calories, and often in a disproportionate manner due to the extra sugar and cream added to maintain consistency and flavor.
Small (16 fl oz): A small Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee with cream contains approximately 610 calories, with 22g of fat and 92g of sugar.
Medium (24 fl oz): The medium version of the Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee has roughly 860 calories, along with 30g of fat and a massive 132g of sugar.
Large (32 fl oz): The large-sized drink can contain up to 1,120 calories. It also has 40g of fat and a staggering 172g of sugar, which is significantly more than the recommended daily limit for added sugars.
What makes this drink so high in calories and sugar?
The high caloric content comes from several key ingredients used to create the frozen, creamy texture and sweet flavor. These include:
- Liquid Cane Sugar Base: All of Dunkin's frozen coffees are made with a base of liquid cane sugar, which adds a significant amount of sugar and calories before any flavorings are even mixed in.
- Caramel Flavored Swirl Syrup: The caramel swirl, like other flavor swirls, is made from a blend of sweetened condensed milk, high fructose corn syrup, and sugar, which rapidly increases both the calorie and sugar count.
- Cream or Milk: Depending on the base milk used, this adds additional calories and fat. Frozen coffee drinks are typically made with cream or whole milk unless specified otherwise.
- Whipped Cream: Adding whipped cream as a topping further increases the total fat and sugar content.
How to order a lower-calorie alternative
If you love the taste but want to reduce the guilt, here are several ways to customize your order for a healthier option:
- Opt for Iced Coffee: A regular iced coffee with a flavor shot is a much lower-calorie option than a frozen coffee. Flavor shots are unsweetened, while flavor swirls are sweetened.
- Choose Lighter Milk: Substitute the standard milk or cream for a lower-calorie option like almond milk. This can significantly reduce the overall fat and calorie count.
- Use Sugar-Free Swirls or Flavor Shots: Request a sugar-free vanilla or other sugar-free flavor shot instead of the high-sugar caramel swirl to get the flavor without the added sweetness.
- Request Less Swirl: If you can't part with the caramel flavor, ask for fewer pumps of the swirl syrup. This will still provide the taste but with fewer calories and sugar.
- Go for a Smaller Size: Ordering a small instead of a medium or large is the simplest way to reduce the calories and sugar you consume.
Comparison Table: Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee vs. Alternatives
| Drink Item | Size | Calories | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee | Medium | ~860 | ~132 | ~30 |
| Frozen Coffee w/ Skim Milk | Medium | ~370 | ~84 | ~0 |
| Iced Coffee w/ Cream & Sugar | Medium | ~190 | ~27 | ~6 |
| Iced Coffee w/ Almond Milk & SF Vanilla | Medium | ~30 | ~0 | ~0 |
Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly based on preparations. The table above reflects approximate values for comparison.
What are the health implications of high-calorie, high-sugar drinks?
Consuming beverages with high sugar and calorie counts on a regular basis can contribute to various health concerns, including weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar intake to 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women, making a single large Dunkin' frozen coffee far exceed this limit. Opting for healthier alternatives is a better choice for your overall well-being.
Conclusion
While the Dunkin' caramel creme frozen coffee is a delicious and indulgent treat, it is extremely high in calories and sugar. A medium size packs in over 800 calories, which can quickly derail a healthy diet. By understanding the nutritional content and exploring customization options, such as switching to an iced coffee with sugar-free flavor shots and alternative milk, you can still enjoy a caramel-flavored drink without the excessive calories and sugar. The occasional splurge is fine, but for regular consumption, healthier alternatives are strongly recommended.
For more detailed nutritional information, consult the official Dunkin' website or their mobile app.
