The number of calories in a Dunkin' iced coffee can vary greatly. A medium black coffee has around 5 calories, whereas a large coffee with cream and sugar can exceed 250 calories. The coffee base has few calories. The calories mainly come from milk, sugar, and flavorings. Understanding these differences helps in enjoying coffee while managing dietary needs.
The Low-Calorie Base: Black Iced Coffee
Black iced coffee from Dunkin' is a low-calorie drink. A medium (24 fl oz) iced coffee with no additions has only 5 calories. This is a good option for people watching their calorie intake. It provides caffeine without sugar or fat. Cold brew is another low-calorie choice, with a medium also at around 5 calories.
Calorie Considerations for Add-ins
Adding anything to black iced coffee increases the calorie count. Sweeteners and dairy products have the biggest impact. Dunkin' has flavor shots and flavor swirls.
- Flavor Shots: These are unsweetened and have few calories. They add flavors like vanilla or hazelnut without adding sugar.
- Flavor Swirls: These are sweetened and caloric, often containing condensed milk and sugar. One pump can add about 50-60 calories. Adding several swirls raises the drink's total calories.
Milk choices also matter. Almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk are low-calorie options compared to cream or whole milk. A small iced coffee with almond milk is 15 calories, compared to 60 calories with cream.
Iced Coffee Calorie Comparison Table
Here is a comparison of how different add-ins affect total calorie counts for various sizes and options. These figures are based on a standard Dunkin' order.
| Drink Customization | Small (16 fl oz) Calories | Medium (24 fl oz) Calories | Large (32 fl oz) Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Iced Coffee | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| With Cream Only | 60 | 90 | 120 |
| With Cream & Sugar | 130 | 190 | 260 |
| With Almond Milk | 15 | 25 | 35 |
| With Oat Milk | Not listed | 30 | Not listed |
| With Skim Milk | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| With Hazelnut Swirl | 110 | 170 | 220 |
| With Pumpkin Swirl | 120 | 180 | 240 |
Customizing Your Drink for Lower Calories
Customization helps people enjoy a flavorful iced coffee without high calories. Strategies include:
- Choose Flavor Shots: Pick sugar-free flavor shots for flavored coffee with almost no extra calories. Swirls have lots of sugar and are a main source of calories.
- Choose Lighter Milk: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or skim milk instead of cream or whole milk. These have fewer calories and less fat.
- Use Artificial Sweeteners: Use zero-calorie sweeteners like Splenda instead of sugar or sweetened flavor swirls.
- Reduce Pump Count: If you like flavor swirls, ask for fewer pumps. A medium iced coffee typically has 3 pumps. Requesting 1 or 2 makes a big difference.
- Order a Cold Brew: Cold brew is a good base with minimal calories, especially with low-calorie add-ins.
Seasonal and Signature Iced Coffees
Dunkin's seasonal and signature lattes have higher calories due to whipped cream, special sauces, and extra swirls. A Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte can have 540 calories. For a lower-calorie seasonal treat, order a regular iced coffee with one or two pumps of the seasonal swirl and a light milk alternative.
Conclusion
A basic black Dunkin' iced coffee is nearly calorie-free, but customizations can increase the total. Cream, sugar, and sweetened flavor swirls significantly raise the calorie count. Choose healthier options, like unsweetened flavor shots and light milk options, to enjoy a delicious iced coffee while managing calorie intake. Smart ordering helps you savor the taste without sacrificing your health goals. Visit Dunkin's official nutrition page to explore all the nutritional information.
