How much sugar is in frozen coffee?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Business Insider, some popular iced coffees from major brands can contain as much sugar as five cans of regular Coke. For those wondering exactly how much sugar is in frozen coffee, the answer is often alarmingly high, with some specialty drinks easily exceeding the daily recommended sugar intake in a single serving.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the sugar content of popular frozen coffee beverages from major coffee chains. It compares the nutritional data of different drinks, explains where the sweetness comes from, and provides actionable advice for reducing sugar intake or choosing healthier alternatives.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Many frozen coffee drinks contain shockingly high levels of sugar, often exceeding daily recommended limits in a single serving.
Hidden Sources: Sugar comes from syrups, sweet sauces, sweetened bases, and whipped cream, not just from simple coffee and milk.
Significant Variation: Sugar levels differ greatly among brands, sizes, and flavors; for instance, a small Dunkin' caramel swirl has 92g of sugar, while a plain Starbucks Iced Americano has near-zero.
Control Your Intake: To reduce sugar, request fewer pumps of syrup, opt for sugar-free alternatives, or choose simpler drink options like an iced Americano.
DIY Options: Making frozen coffee at home allows for full control over ingredients, enabling healthier, low-sugar versions using natural sweeteners like dates or bananas.

Decoding the Sweet Truth: What’s in Your Frozen Coffee?

Frozen coffee drinks are a popular treat, especially during warmer months, but the sweet, creamy taste comes at a nutritional cost. Unlike a simple cup of black coffee, these blended beverages often contain high amounts of added sugar from syrups, sauces, and sweetened bases. While the exact amount can vary significantly by brand, size, and flavor, it’s not uncommon for a single serving to contain double or triple the daily recommended sugar limit. The American Heart Association suggests a daily intake of no more than 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women, a limit easily surpassed by many frozen coffee options.

Where Does the Sugar in Frozen Coffee Come From?

Syrups and Sauces: The primary source of added sugar in flavored frozen coffees is the flavored syrups and drizzles. These concentrated sweeteners are packed with sugar and are used generously to create flavors like caramel, vanilla, mocha, and hazelnut.
Sweetened Milk and Bases: Many frozen coffee drinks are not made with just plain milk. They often use sweetened dairy or non-dairy milks and pre-made base mixes that already contain sugar to ensure a consistent, sweet flavor profile.
Whipped Cream: The final dollop of whipped cream on top isn't just for decoration. Whipped cream is a source of both fat and sugar, adding to the drink's overall indulgence and sugar count.

Comparison: How Different Frozen Coffees Stack Up

To illustrate the wide range of sugar content, let's compare some popular frozen coffee options. This table highlights how different brands and variations can impact your sugar consumption.


Brand	Drink (Size)	Sugar (grams)	Sugar (teaspoons)	Notes
Starbucks	Caramel Frappuccino® (Grande)	54 g	13.5	Can exceed daily recommendations.
Dunkin'	Frozen Coffee w/ Cream (Small)	54 g	13.5	High sugar, even in a small size.
Dunkin'	Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee w/ Cream (Small)	92 g	23	Adding flavored swirls dramatically increases sugar.
Starbucks	Iced Americano (Grande)	0.2 g	~0	Healthy benchmark option.
Costa	Coffee Frappè (Skimmed Milk, Medium)	21.3 g	5.5	Lower-sugar frozen option.

Note: One teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to about 4 grams.

Making Healthier Frozen Coffee Choices

With awareness of the high sugar content, it's easy to make smarter decisions to reduce your intake. Here are some actionable tips:

Customize Your Order: When at a coffee shop, always ask for fewer pumps of syrup or opt for sugar-free syrups. You can also request unsweetened milk alternatives to cut down on added sugars.
Choose Simpler Drinks: Opt for beverages like an iced Americano or a plain iced latte, adding a small amount of sweetener yourself if necessary. These are naturally lower in sugar.
DIY at Home: Making your own frozen coffee at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. Blend brewed coffee, ice, unsweetened milk, and a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or dates for a healthy and delicious alternative.
Use Frozen Coffee Cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray. You can then blend these with milk and your sweetener of choice for a rich, coffee-forward drink without watering down the flavor.

Homemade Frozen Coffee Recipe

To control the sugar, try this simple, low-sugar recipe at home:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 frozen banana or a few Medjool dates for natural sweetness
- 1 cup ice cubes (or frozen coffee cubes)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender.
2. Blend on high until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Conclusion

While a frozen coffee from a cafe can be a tempting and indulgent treat, it’s important to recognize that many are more akin to a dessert than a simple coffee drink. The sheer volume of hidden and added sugar in these beverages can pose a significant risk to your daily dietary goals. By understanding where the sugar comes from and actively choosing simpler, less-sweetened versions or making your own at home, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing coffee experience without the sugar shock. Being mindful of your choices, asking questions, and exploring homemade options are the best ways to keep your sugar intake in check. For more information on daily sugar guidelines, consult resources from health organizations such as the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average sugar content in a large frozen coffee can be extremely high, with some drinks containing over 70 grams of sugar. For example, a large Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino has 78 grams of sugar.

No, not all frozen coffees are high in sugar. The sugar content depends heavily on the brand, size, and added ingredients. Plain blended iced coffee with unsweetened milk and no syrups will have very little sugar, while specialty, flavored Frappuccinos are typically loaded with it.

Yes, you can. Request fewer pumps of flavored syrup, ask for sugar-free syrup options, or choose a non-dairy milk alternative, as some dairy milks are sweetened. You can also skip the whipped cream and sweet toppings.

A healthy alternative is to make your own at home using brewed coffee, ice, unsweetened milk, and natural sweeteners like Medjool dates or a frozen banana. You can also order a simple iced Americano from a cafe.

Yes, nutritional information includes total sugars, which encompasses both naturally occurring sugars (like lactose in milk) and added sugars from syrups and flavorings. It's the added sugars that contribute most significantly to the high levels.

A large, flavored frozen coffee can easily contain more sugar than a can of soda. For comparison, a 330ml can of Coca-Cola has 35 grams of sugar, while many large Frappuccinos contain significantly more.

Most major coffee chains provide nutritional information online or in-store. Checking their websites or apps before you go is the most reliable way to find specific sugar counts for their menu items.