Is Dunkin Black Iced Tea Sweetened by Default?

With an estimated 3 million customers visiting daily, Dunkin' serves a huge number of iced tea enthusiasts, many of whom want to know: is Dunkin black iced tea sweetened automatically? The simple answer is no; the base black iced tea is served unsweetened unless you ask for sweeteners to be added.

Quick Summary

Dunkin's plain black iced tea is served unsweetened, providing a naturally crisp and zero-calorie base. Customers can fully customize their drink by adding liquid sugar, flavor shots, or other sweeteners, but the default preparation contains no added sugar. Regional variations may exist, so clear ordering is important.

Key Points

• Unsweetened by Default: The plain black iced tea at Dunkin' comes with no sugar added unless specified.

• Liquid Sugar for Sweetness: The standard method to sweeten iced drinks is with pumps of liquid cane sugar.

• Customize Your Order: You must specify if you want your tea sweetened and how, either with liquid sugar, flavor shots, or flavor swirls.

• Flavor Shots are Sugar-Free: Flavor shots add taste without extra calories or sugar, unlike the sweet and creamy flavor swirls.

• Know Your Region: Some southern locations might offer a pre-made sweet tea, but it's best to always clarify.

Dunkin's Default Iced Tea is Unsweetened

When ordering a regular black iced tea from Dunkin', you receive an unsweetened brew of black tea and water. This provides a calorie-free and sugar-free base, popular for those monitoring sugar intake. Sweetness can be added during the ordering process.

Sweetening Your Dunkin' Iced Tea

Dunkin' offers various options to customize the sweetness of your iced tea:

• Liquid Cane Sugar: This is the standard sweetener for iced beverages, dissolving easily for consistent sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Standard sugar packets are available to add yourself.
• Sugar Substitutes: Packets of alternative sweeteners like Splenda are offered for those avoiding sugar.
• Flavor Swirls: Creamy, sugary syrups like Caramel or French Vanilla add both sweetness and flavor.
• Flavor Shots: These are unsweetened, sugar-free flavorings that add taste without calories or sugar, such as raspberry or blueberry.

Regional Differences and Ordering Sweet Tea

Some southern Dunkin' locations might offer a separate, pre-sweetened iced tea, but this is not standard everywhere. To ensure you get the desired sweetness, clearly specify your order. Ordering "an iced tea" typically results in an unsweetened drink.

How to Order a Sweetened Dunkin' Black Iced Tea

To get a sweetened tea, be specific:

1. Request the base: State the size and "black iced tea."
2. Add sweetener: Specify the type and amount, e.g., "with two pumps of liquid sugar," or simply "sweetened" for the standard amount.
3. Add flavor without sugar: Use a flavor shot, like "With a raspberry flavor shot".
4. Use the app: The Dunkin' app allows precise customization of sweeteners and flavors.

Customization: Flavor Shots vs. Flavor Swirls

Understanding the difference is key to controlling sweetness:

Feature	Flavor Shot	Flavor Swirl
Sweetness	Unsweetened	Sweet and indulgent
Calories	Low (5-10 calories per medium drink)	High (150-160 calories per medium drink)
Dairy	Non-dairy	Contains dairy (except Mocha)
Flavors	Vanilla, Hazelnut, Toasted Almond, Blueberry, Raspberry, Coconut	Caramel, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Mocha, seasonal flavors
Use Case	Adding flavor without sugar, lower calorie option	Adding significant sweetness and a creamy, rich flavor

Nutritional Considerations

Unsweetened black iced tea is calorie and sugar-free. Adding sweeteners significantly changes the nutritional profile. A medium iced tea with standard liquid sugar adds notable sugar and calories. Sugar-free flavor shots offer flavor without the extra calories.

Conclusion: Your Order, Your Way

Dunkin's standard black iced tea is not sweetened. It's an unsweetened base that you can customize with sweeteners or flavors. Clearly communicating your preferences ensures you get your drink exactly as you like it. For detailed information, consult the official Dunkin' menu and nutrition facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dunkin' iced black tea automatically sweetened?

No, the basic black iced tea from Dunkin' is unsweetened by default. Sweetness is added only upon request.

How do I order a sweetened black iced tea from Dunkin'?

You can explicitly ask for it to be sweetened with liquid sugar or a sugar substitute when you place your order. For example, say "sweet black iced tea" or "black iced tea with liquid sugar".

Are Dunkin's flavor shots sweetened?

No, Dunkin's flavor shots are unsweetened and sugar-free. They are used to add flavor without extra sweetness or calories.

What is the difference between flavor shots and flavor swirls?

Flavor shots are unsweetened and sugar-free, while flavor swirls are sweet, creamy, and contain dairy (except for mocha).

How can I order unsweetened black iced tea on the Dunkin' app?

The app defaults the black iced tea to unsweetened. When customizing, just avoid selecting any sweeteners or flavor swirls.

Do all Dunkin' locations offer unsweetened and sweetened options?

All Dunkin' locations offer the ability to customize your iced tea to be either sweetened or unsweetened. However, some regional differences, such as pre-made sweet tea, may exist.

What is the healthiest way to drink Dunkin' black iced tea?

The healthiest option is to have it unsweetened, as this version has no calories or sugar.