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How Many Calories in a Matcha Latte from Dunkin Donuts?

4 min read

A medium Dunkin' Matcha Iced Latte made with whole milk contains approximately 250 calories. Understanding how many calories are in a matcha latte from Dunkin Donuts is crucial for managing your daily intake, as the total depends heavily on your choice of size and milk.

Quick Summary

The caloric content of a Dunkin' matcha latte varies widely depending on the size and milk selection. For example, a small iced version with almond milk can be 120 calories, while a large with whole milk can exceed 300.

Key Points

  • Caloric Range: The calorie count for a Dunkin' matcha latte can range from approximately 120 calories for a small with almond milk to over 300 for a large with whole milk.

  • Milk Choice Impacts Calories: Opting for a lower-calorie milk like almond or skim can significantly reduce the total calories compared to whole milk.

  • Pre-Sweetened Mix: Dunkin' uses a sweetened matcha powder blend, meaning even with no extra sugar, the latte will contain considerable calories and sugar.

  • Customize for Lower Calories: To cut calories, choose a small size, request a lower-calorie milk, and ask for fewer pumps of the sweetener.

  • Compare to Coffee: Unlike a nearly zero-calorie black coffee, a matcha latte's calories come from its sweetened mix and milk.

In This Article

Dunkin' Matcha Latte Calories by Size and Milk Type

Your choice of milk and size at Dunkin' directly impacts the final calorie count of your matcha latte. The standard matcha latte is made with a sweetened matcha powder mix, which contributes to the overall sugar and calorie content from the start. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for various sizes and milk combinations, compiled from reputable sources:

Iced Matcha Latte Calories

  • Small with Whole Milk: 170 calories
  • Medium with Whole Milk: 250 calories
  • Large with Whole Milk: 340 calories
  • Small with Almond Milk: 120 calories
  • Medium with Almond Milk: 180 calories
  • Large with Almond Milk: 230 calories
  • Medium with Skim Milk: 180 calories

Hot Matcha Latte Calories

  • Medium with Skim Milk: 180 calories
  • Medium with Whole Milk: 250 calories

Frozen Matcha Latte Calories

  • Small with Whole Milk: 260 calories

Sources of Calories in Your Latte

To understand these numbers, it is helpful to break down the primary calorie sources:

  • The Sweetened Matcha Mix: Dunkin' uses a pre-sweetened matcha powder blend, which contains a notable amount of sugar and calories before any milk is even added. This is a key factor differentiating it from a simple, unsweetened matcha tea.
  • The Milk: The type of milk you choose makes a significant difference. Whole milk has the highest fat and calorie content, while skim milk has less and almond milk is the lowest-calorie alternative. Oat milk is also an option, but it generally has a higher calorie count than almond milk.
  • Added Sweeteners: While the mix is already sweetened, some people add extra sugar or flavor shots, which can add substantial hidden calories.

Customizing Your Dunkin' Matcha for Lower Calories

If you want to enjoy a matcha latte without the high calorie count, customization is key. Here are several ways to reduce the calories in your Dunkin' drink:

  • Choose a Lower-Calorie Milk Alternative: Opt for almond or skim milk over whole milk. Almond milk, in particular, offers a creamy texture with a significant reduction in calories.
  • Ask for Less Sweetener: The amount of sugar in Dunkin's standard matcha mix is high. If possible, ask for fewer pumps of the syrup or a lesser portion of the mix, though this may not always be an option since the powder is pre-sweetened.
  • Opt for Plain Matcha: While it's not a latte, ordering a hot or iced matcha tea made with just water will provide all the benefits of matcha with almost zero calories.
  • Control Your Portions: Simply ordering a smaller size, like a small instead of a medium or large, is an easy way to cut down on total calories and sugar.

Matcha vs. Coffee: A Calorie Comparison

When considering your daily caffeine intake, it's useful to compare the caloric content of a Dunkin' matcha latte with a standard cup of coffee. A regular black coffee from Dunkin' contains only about 5 calories and no fat or sugar, whereas even a small matcha latte with almond milk contains 120 calories due to the sweetened powder and milk. For those focused strictly on minimizing calories, black coffee or plain tea is the clear winner. However, matcha provides a different experience and other health benefits, such as a more sustained energy release due to L-theanine.

Beyond Calories: Other Nutritional Considerations

While calories are important, they are not the only nutritional factor to consider. The high sugar content in Dunkin's sweetened matcha mix is a major point of concern for many people. A medium matcha iced latte with whole milk contains 32g of sugar, which is over half the recommended daily limit for many adults. On the plus side, matcha itself is a potent source of antioxidants called catechins, which are linked to various health benefits like increased metabolism and improved heart health. The L-theanine in matcha also promotes a state of calm alertness, offering a smoother energy boost than the typical coffee crash. When weighing your options, consider not just the numbers, but the overall nutritional profile and how it aligns with your health goals. For more detailed nutrition information, you can check resources like CalorieKing for various Dunkin' drinks.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for a Dunkin' matcha latte is not a fixed number and varies significantly based on your order. While it is a delicious and trendy option, it is important to remember that it is often high in both calories and sugar due to the pre-sweetened matcha mix and milk. By choosing a smaller size, opting for a lower-calorie milk like almond milk, or asking for less sweetener, you can easily reduce your intake. Understanding these nutritional facts empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your dietary preferences and health objectives, allowing you to enjoy your drink without derailing your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Dunkin's matcha is made with a pre-sweetened powder mix. There is no option for a completely unsweetened matcha latte, as the sweetener is already part of the base powder.

The simplest way is to choose a lower-calorie milk alternative like almond milk or skim milk. You can also ask for fewer pumps of the sweetener, or simply order a smaller size.

The calorie counts for hot and iced matcha lattes at Dunkin' are very similar for the same size and milk type, as they use the same sweetened powder mix. However, there can be slight variations.

The high sugar content is a primary source of calories. A medium matcha iced latte with whole milk contains 32g of sugar, which contributes significantly to its 250-calorie total.

From a caloric standpoint, a black coffee has almost no calories, while a sweetened matcha latte has hundreds. However, matcha contains antioxidants and L-theanine, which offers a different set of health benefits and a smoother energy boost than coffee.

Yes, Dunkin' offers several milk alternatives, including skim milk and almond milk, which can be substituted in your matcha latte order to reduce the calorie count.

A medium Dunkin' matcha iced latte contains approximately 75mg of caffeine. The L-theanine in matcha helps moderate the caffeine release, providing a calmer, more sustained energy boost compared to coffee.

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Medical Disclaimer

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