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How many calories are in Dunkin' drinks? A comprehensive guide

3 min read

While a medium black coffee at Dunkin' contains a mere 5 calories, a medium frozen coffee with cream and a flavor swirl can pack over 850 calories, illustrating the enormous range of calorie counts in Dunkin' drinks. This guide breaks down the nutrition facts to help you navigate the menu and understand how various ingredients impact the final count.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for Dunkin' beverages vary dramatically based on the type of drink, size, and added ingredients like milk and flavor swirls. Simple black coffee is very low in calories, while blended drinks and those with creamy additions can contain hundreds of calories.

Key Points

  • Significant Calorie Range: Dunkin' drink calories vary drastically, from 5 for a black coffee to over 850 for some frozen beverages.

  • Swirls vs. Shots: Flavor swirls add 150-160 calories to a medium drink, while flavor shots add only 5-10 calories.

  • Low-Calorie Options: Black coffee, cold brew, and Americanos are the lowest-calorie choices. Refreshers with water or green tea are also low-calorie alternatives.

  • Milk Matters: Selecting skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk over whole milk or cream can significantly reduce the calorie count of lattes and other creamy drinks.

  • Control Customizations: To manage calories, specify the number of pumps for flavor swirls and choose unsweetened options whenever possible.

  • Frozen Drinks are Calorie-Dense: Frozen coffee drinks and Coolattas are typically the highest-calorie items on the menu due to high sugar and cream content.

In This Article

Understanding the Calorie Spectrum at Dunkin'

When you walk up to a Dunkin' counter, your calorie count can be anywhere from single digits to nearly four figures, depending on your beverage choice. A plain, medium hot or iced coffee is one of the lowest-calorie options available, containing just 5 calories. The calories start to climb when you add milks, sugars, and flavorful ingredients like swirls, which are much more caloric than flavor shots. Some of the most indulgent frozen drinks can carry a significant calorie and sugar load, making them more of a dessert than a simple beverage.

The Impact of Customization

Customization is key to managing the calorie count of your Dunkin' drink. Every pump of flavor or splash of cream can increase the total. For example, opting for a flavor shot instead of a swirl is a simple way to save hundreds of calories. A flavor shot adds only 5-10 calories, while a flavor swirl adds 150-160 calories to a medium beverage. Choosing low-fat milk, almond milk, or oat milk over cream or whole milk also significantly reduces calories.

Calorie Breakdown by Drink Category

Hot and Iced Coffee

  • Plain Hot Coffee (Medium, 14 fl oz): 5 calories
  • Hot Coffee with Cream (Medium, 14 fl oz): 90 calories
  • Iced Coffee (Medium, 24 fl oz): 5 calories
  • Iced Coffee with Cream (Medium, 24 fl oz): 90 calories
  • Pumpkin Swirl Iced Coffee (Medium, 24 fl oz): 180 calories

Espresso Drinks

  • Hot Latte with Whole Milk (Medium, 14 fl oz): 170 calories
  • Iced Latte with Whole Milk (Medium, 24 fl oz): 170 calories
  • Mocha Swirl Iced Latte with Whole Milk (Medium, 24 fl oz): 330 calories
  • Iced Macchiato (Medium): 113-170 calories (varies based on preparation)

Frozen Drinks

  • Frozen Dunkin' Coffee with Milk (Small, 16 fl oz): 300 calories
  • Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream (Medium, 24 fl oz): 850 calories
  • Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream (Medium, 24 fl oz): 860 calories
  • Cereal N' Milk Coolatta (Medium): 670 calories

Refreshers and Other Beverages

  • Iced Matcha Latte with Almond Milk (Medium): 180 calories
  • Strawberry & White Chocolate Iced Matcha (Medium): 255 calories
  • Mango Refresher with Green Tea (Medium): 33 calories
  • Mango Refresher with Lemonade (Medium): 65 calories

How to Order Lower-Calorie Drinks

Making smart substitutions is the best way to enjoy Dunkin' without overdoing it on calories and sugar. Here are some simple hacks:

  • Choose Black or Espresso: Start with a black coffee, cold brew, or Americano. These are your lowest-calorie base options. Add a zero-calorie sweetener if desired.
  • Opt for Flavor Shots: Instead of a high-sugar flavor swirl, ask for a calorie-free flavor shot. Options include vanilla, hazelnut, toasted almond, and more.
  • Select Lower-Calorie Milks: Swap cream or whole milk for a lighter option like skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk. This can save dozens, or even hundreds, of calories depending on the drink and size.
  • Control the Sugar: Request fewer pumps of a syrup or swirl, or ask for unsweetened flavor shots. Don't be afraid to specify how many pumps you want to control sweetness and calories.
  • Mind the Size: Ordering a small or medium rather than a large or extra-large is an easy way to reduce calories across the board, especially for sugar-heavy or cream-based drinks.

Dunkin' Popular Drink Calories: A Comparison Table

Drink (Medium Size) Calories Key Factors Affecting Calories
Black Coffee 5 Unsweetened, no additions
Cold Brew with Cream 90 Contains cream, low sugar
Iced Coffee with Cream & Sugar 190 Sugar and cream add significant calories
Iced Latte with Whole Milk 170 Whole milk increases calorie count
Pumpkin Swirl Iced Coffee 180 Pumpkin flavor swirl adds substantial calories
Strawberry & White Chocolate Iced Matcha 255 Sweet flavor swirl and milk add calories
Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream 850 High sugar and cream content

The Final Word on Dunkin' Calories

Ultimately, how many calories are in Dunkin' drinks is completely within your control. A simple, black coffee is a very low-calorie option, while frozen and flavored drinks can contain hundreds, or nearly a thousand, calories. By understanding the impact of different ingredients and customizations, you can continue to enjoy your favorite Dunkin' drinks while making more informed choices about your caloric intake. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive nutrition information, always consult the official Dunkin' nutrition guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium (24 fl oz) black iced coffee from Dunkin' contains just 5 calories. Adding cream and sugar, however, will increase the calorie count, with a medium iced coffee with cream and sugar containing 190 calories.

Flavor swirls add significantly more calories than flavor shots. For a medium beverage, a flavor swirl contributes 150-160 calories, while a flavor shot adds only 5-10 calories.

Dunkin' Refreshers can be a lower-calorie option, especially when ordered with water or green tea. For example, a medium Mango Refresher with Green Tea is 33 calories, while the same drink with lemonade is 65 calories.

Almond milk is one of the lowest-calorie milk alternatives available at Dunkin', adding minimal calories to your beverage compared to whole milk or cream.

Some of the highest-calorie drinks at Dunkin' are the frozen beverages. A large Frozen Dunkin' Coffee with cream can have nearly a thousand calories, and a medium mocha swirl frozen coffee with cream has 850 calories.

To reduce the calories in your latte, order it with skim milk or almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also skip the added sweetener or opt for a zero-calorie flavor shot instead of a sugar-laden flavor swirl.

Yes, the size of your drink significantly affects the calorie count, particularly for beverages with added sugars and creams. A larger size means more milk, syrup, or swirls, leading to a higher total calorie intake.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

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