Deciphering the Sweetness at 7brew
Many of 7brew's most popular and flavorful drinks, from the signature Originals to their energizing Seven Energy and Lemonades, are often loaded with added sugars. The final sugar count in your cup depends on several key factors: the base drink, the size you order, and any additions or substitutions you make. Awareness of these nutritional details is essential for those monitoring their sugar intake.
The Signature 7 Originals: A Closer Look at Sugar
The '7 Originals' are a staple of the 7brew menu, and their sugar levels vary significantly by type and size. The Blondie, for instance, a caramel and vanilla breve, can range from 50 to a staggering 150 grams of sugar in a large size. The Brunette, a hazelnut and caramel mocha, typically contains between 30 and 60 grams of sugar. While the Cinnamon Roll breve sits in a similar range, with 35 to 60 grams of sugar. The richness and sweetness of these drinks often come from multiple pumps of flavored syrups and sauces, which are the primary source of sugar.
Smoothies, Fizzes, and Lemonades: Sugar Bombs
Beyond the coffee drinks, certain 7brew categories are particularly high in sugar. Their smoothies, for example, which might seem like a healthy option, can pack 40 to 90 grams of sugar depending on the size and flavor. A Fizz, the shop's carbonated energy drink, can be around 435 calories and likely has a significant sugar load unless ordered sugar-free. The lemonades also showcase a wide range, from 0 to 100 grams of sugar, depending entirely on the customer's choice of syrups. These drinks illustrate how seemingly refreshing options can contain surprising amounts of added sugar.
How to Customize for a Lower-Sugar Drink
Fortunately, for those looking to enjoy 7brew with less sugar, customization is key. The company offers a variety of sugar-free syrups and sauces, making it possible to create nearly any drink with a minimal sugar impact.
To reduce your sugar intake, try the following:
- Choose sugar-free syrups and sauces: Swap standard flavorings for the sugar-free versions, which include popular options like vanilla, caramel, and white chocolate.
- Order “skinny” or “half-sweet”: This is a popular way to reduce the amount of sweetener used in your drink.
- Select alternative milks: While some milks, like oat milk, contain naturally occurring sugars, they can be a lower-sugar option than the standard breve base.
- Downsize your order: Simply choosing a small or medium over a large can drastically reduce the sugar content.
- Opt for simple drinks: A house blend coffee or unsweetened tea has less than 20 calories and minimal to no sugar.
Comparing Standard vs. Low-Sugar 7brew Drinks
| Drink (Medium) | Standard Sugar (g) | Low-Sugar Options | Sugar Content (g) with Low-Sugar Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blondie | 50-150 | Sugar-free caramel & vanilla, almond milk | ~10-20 |
| Matcha Latte | 56 | Sugar-free matcha, alternative milk | ~5-15 |
| 7 Fizz | 55+ | Sugar-free base, SF syrup | 0-5 |
| Smoothie | 40-90 | No such option, but can be made with less fruit/syrup if requested | Varies |
| Chai Tea | 20-35 | Sugar-free syrup, half sweet | ~10-20 |
Note: Exact nutritional information may vary. Always confirm with the barista and specify "sugar-free" or "half-sweet" clearly.
Reading the Menu with Sugar in Mind
When you approach the 7brew menu, consider the type of drink and its base. Breves, which are typically made with half-and-half, and smoothies will generally be higher in calories and sugar than lattes made with standard milk or, even better, non-dairy options. Understanding that flavor shots are the main contributor to sweetness allows you to control the sugar level. You can ask for a small amount of flavor, or switch to a sugar-free alternative completely.
Conclusion
Determining how much sugar is in a 7brew beverage requires paying attention to the specific item and size. While many signature and specialty drinks can contain significant amounts of sugar, the customizable nature of the menu offers a wide array of options for those seeking lower-sugar or sugar-free alternatives. By leveraging sugar-free syrups, choosing smaller sizes, and opting for simpler drinks, you can still enjoy a delicious 7brew treat without the excessive sweetness. Always feel comfortable communicating your preferences to the friendly baristas, who are trained to accommodate such requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sugar is in a 7brew Blondie?
A large 7brew Blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve, can contain up to 150 grams of sugar, though the amount varies by size. Opt for a sugar-free version to drastically reduce the sugar content.
Does 7brew offer sugar-free options?
Yes, 7brew offers a variety of sugar-free syrups and sauces, and most drinks can be made sugar-free upon request. Just specify your sugar-free preference when ordering.
How can I make my 7brew drink less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, ask for your drink to be made "half-sweet" or with fewer pumps of syrup. You can also switch to sugar-free syrups entirely.
Are 7brew smoothies high in sugar?
Yes, 7brew smoothies are notably high in sugar, with many containing between 40 and 90 grams, depending on the flavor and size. They are not generally considered a low-sugar option.
What is the lowest sugar drink at 7brew?
The lowest sugar options are simple, black coffee (like the House Blend) or unsweetened tea, which contain very little sugar and fewer than 20 calories.
How does the sugar content in 7brew compare to Starbucks?
7brew and Starbucks both offer highly customizable menus, and the final sugar content in any drink depends on the order. However, many customers prefer 7brew for its wider range of sugar-free flavor options compared to Starbucks.
Do the sugar-free sauces have carbs?
According to social media discussions, some 7brew sugar-free sauces, specifically caramel, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, contain carbohydrates and are not entirely carb-free. It's best to confirm with the barista or stick to sugar-free syrups if you are strictly monitoring carbs.
Key Takeaways
- High Sugar Content: Many signature 7brew drinks, particularly large-sized breves and smoothies, are very high in sugar, with some exceeding 100 grams.
- Customization is Key: To control sugar intake, customize your order by specifying sugar-free syrups, a lighter sweetness level, or a smaller size.
- Sugar-Free Options: 7brew offers a variety of sugar-free syrups, though certain sugar-free sauces may still contain carbs.
- Menu Awareness: Smoothies, Fizzes, and Originals are generally the sweetest drink categories, while plain coffee and tea are the lowest in sugar.
- Ask Your Barista: Do not hesitate to ask your barista about sugar-free options and for less sweetener in your order; they are trained to accommodate these requests.
