Understanding How Many Calories in a McDonald's Double Double Coffee?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that a popular coffee order like a “double double” can pack a surprising number of calories, sugar, and fat? If you are tracking your intake, it is crucial to understand how many calories in a McDonald's double double coffee, and how those small additions add up to a significant amount.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the nutritional reality of a double double coffee, a term more famously associated with Tim Hortons but also available at McDonald's. It details the calorie count, breaks down the ingredients contributing to its energy value, and offers practical strategies for ordering a lower-calorie version.

Key Points

Origin of the Term: The term "double double" is a Canadian classic most famously associated with Tim Hortons, referring to two creams and two sugars.
Calorie Source: The calories in a double double coffee come almost entirely from the added cream and sugar, not the coffee itself.
Calorie Range: Based on common proportions, a medium-sized double double contains approximately 230 calories, but this can vary by location and portioning.
Healthier Swaps: To reduce calories, opt for skim milk, use fewer sugar packets, or choose a sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of cream and sugar.
Moderation is Key: A double double is an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple, as regular consumption can add a significant number of calories and sugar to your diet.
The Healthiest Option: For a virtually calorie-free boost, drinking black coffee is the best choice.

The 'Double Double' Debate: McDonald's vs. Tim Hortons

In North America, especially Canada, the term "double double" is a cultural staple, referring to a cup of coffee with two creams and two sugars. While this is famously associated with Tim Hortons, the order is common enough that McDonald's and other coffee shops recognize it. The key takeaway for nutrition is not the brand but the standardized ingredients: two servings of cream and two servings of sugar. When discussing McDonald's, it's an assumption of this ingredient ratio rather than a formal menu item universally. This distinction is important, as nutritional information can differ slightly between chains, but the core caloric impact remains the same.

The Calories Behind the Cream and Sugar

Black coffee itself contains a negligible number of calories, often between 2 and 5 per cup. The vast majority of a double double's energy content comes from the add-ins. For a standard-sized coffee, two packets of sugar and two portions of cream dramatically alter the nutritional profile. Let's break down the contribution of each component based on widely available nutritional data:

Sugar: A standard sugar packet from McDonald's has about 15 calories. Two packets add 30 calories. The primary macronutrient here is carbohydrates in the form of sugar.
Cream: The type and amount of cream are where the biggest variables lie. Fast-food restaurants typically use a higher-fat cream. Based on similar fast-food calorie breakdowns, two creams can contribute anywhere from 40 to 90 calories, mainly from fat.

How Calorie Counts Vary by Size

Like any beverage, the size of your coffee is a major factor in its total calorie count. Here is an approximation based on standard fast-food sizes, extrapolating from similar product information where precise McDonald's double double data is not listed universally:

Small: A small double double could contain roughly 140-150 calories, with two portions of cream and sugar.
Medium: A medium double double is estimated to be around 230 calories, reflecting larger portions of cream and sugar to match the increased volume.
Large: A large double double can reach 280 calories or more, with the proportional increase in cream and sugar.

It is important to remember these are estimates, as the precise formulation and portioning at each location can vary. The core lesson is that the larger the cup, the more cream and sugar are added by default, and the higher the calorie count.

Healthier Coffee Customization at McDonald's

For those watching their calorie intake, a double double does not need to be a daily indulgence. The customization options at McDonald's can significantly reduce the nutritional impact.

Smart Swaps for a Lighter Sip

Swap Cream for Milk: Opting for low-fat or skim milk instead of cream drastically cuts down on fat and calories.
Reduce Sugar: Order your coffee with only one sugar, or skip it entirely in favor of an artificial sweetener like Splenda, which contains virtually zero calories.
Flavor without the Calories: McDonald's often offers sugar-free flavor syrups, such as French Vanilla, which can add sweetness without the caloric load.
Go Black: The healthiest option is always a black coffee, which will provide your caffeine fix with minimal calories and no added fat or sugar.

Comparison Table: Double Double vs. Healthier Options

To put things in perspective, here is a comparison based on approximate nutritional values for a medium-sized coffee at McDonald's.


Coffee Order	Approximate Calories	Approximate Sugar (g)	Approximate Fat (g)
Double Double	230	22	14
Black Coffee	5	<1	0
Coffee with Skim Milk & Splenda	15	<1	0.5
Coffee with Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup & Cream	80	1	7
Medium Latte (2% milk)	170	19	6

The Bottom Line: Can a Double Double Fit into a Healthy Diet?

Like any fast-food item, the answer depends on moderation and your overall diet. An occasional double double is not going to derail a healthy lifestyle. However, if consumed daily, the added sugars and fats can contribute to unnecessary weight gain and other health issues over time. The key is to be mindful of what you are consuming. The ability to customize your coffee order is a powerful tool for making healthier choices without giving up the ritual of your morning coffee. By making smarter swaps for cream and sugar, you can enjoy a flavorful brew with a fraction of the calories.

The Takeaway

The next time you are ordering your coffee, consider the nutritional impact of those simple additions. By consciously choosing your sweeteners and milk products, you can significantly reduce the calories and sugar, turning a high-calorie treat into a much healthier part of your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

A double double is a coffee order with two servings of cream and two servings of sugar. It is a Canadian cultural term, most often associated with the Tim Hortons chain, but understood and made at McDonald's and other coffee shops, especially in Canada.

While not a standard McDonald's menu item in all regions, a double double coffee (two creams, two sugars) at a fast-food chain typically ranges from 140 to 280 calories or more, depending on the size and specific portions of cream and sugar used.

Yes, a double double coffee can have a high sugar content. A medium size, for example, can contain around 22 grams of sugar from the two sugar packets alone, not including additional sugars from the cream.

Yes, you can customize your order to be healthier. Request skim milk instead of cream and use a sugar-free sweetener or fewer sugar packets. Many locations also offer sugar-free vanilla syrup for flavor.

A plain, black Premium Roast coffee from McDonald's contains only about 5 calories, with no added fat or sugar.

A medium latte made with 2% milk is typically lower in calories than a medium double double, containing approximately 170 calories compared to 230. A latte offers protein from milk, while the double double contains more sugar and fat.

You can use the McDonald's official website or app in your region, which provides a nutritional calculator and detailed ingredient lists. This is the most accurate way to verify the calorie count for customized orders.