What drink has the least amount of calories at Dunkin'?

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Dunkin' nutrition information, a medium unsweetened herbal infusion tea has a calorie count of effectively zero. If you're wondering what drink has the least amount of calories at Dunkin', your best bet is a plain brewed beverage with no added sugars or milks.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the lowest-calorie drinks available at Dunkin', focusing on black coffee, unsweetened teas, and how to customize orders for a minimal calorie count.

Key Points

Plain Brewed Coffee is the Lowest Calorie Drink: A medium black hot or iced coffee has approximately 5 calories or less.
Unsweetened Tea is a Zero-Calorie Option: Brewed teas like the Cool Mint Herbal Infusion are a delicious, hydrating, and zero-calorie choice.
Choose 'Shots' Over 'Swirls' for Flavor: Flavor shots are unsweetened and low-calorie, while flavor swirls are syrupy and add significant sugar and calories.
Use Non-Dairy or Skim Milk for Creaminess: For a creamy texture with fewer calories, opt for almond milk or skim milk instead of whole milk or cream.
Avoid Sugary Additions and Blended Drinks: High-calorie drinks like signature lattes, frozen coffees, and refreshers contain substantial added sugars and should be avoided for the lowest calorie count.
Americanos are a Great Low-Calorie Espresso Choice: For an espresso-based drink, a black Americano is an excellent option with only around 10 calories.

Your Guide to the Lowest-Calorie Drinks at Dunkin'

Making healthy choices at a coffee shop can be challenging, but at Dunkin', a surprising number of low-calorie and even zero-calorie options are available. The key to finding a drink with the least amount of calories at Dunkin' is to stick to the basics and avoid any added sugars, swirls, or high-fat dairy products. While a sugary latte might be tempting, an informed choice can satisfy your craving without derailing your health goals. By understanding the core menu items and simple customizations, you can confidently order a delicious, low-calorie beverage.

The Absolute Zero-Calorie Choices

For those seeking a truly calorie-free experience, Dunkin' offers several fundamental choices. These drinks are completely free of sugar, milk, and other caloric additions, making them the purest form of refreshment available on the menu. The options are simple but effective, providing flavor and energy without any nutritional guilt.

Unsweetened Hot Coffee: A simple cup of hot black coffee contains just 5 calories per medium serving and offers a significant caffeine boost. Without any added cream or sugar, it is one of the cleanest options available.
Unsweetened Iced Coffee: Similar to its hot counterpart, an iced coffee with no milk or sugar is extremely low in calories, with a medium coming in at under 5 calories. This is a great choice for those who prefer a chilled caffeine fix.
Unsweetened Hot or Iced Teas: Many of Dunkin's brewed teas, when served unsweetened, have virtually no nutritional significance. The Cool Mint Herbal Infusion Tea, for example, registers at zero calories and zero sugar. This makes it an ideal pick for those who want a flavorful, caffeine-free (or low-caffeine, depending on the tea type) option.

Customizing for a Low-Calorie Experience

If the idea of plain coffee or tea is too bland, you can still enjoy a delicious drink by making smart customizations. The difference between a high-calorie and low-calorie beverage often comes down to just a few simple ingredient swaps.

Flavor Shots vs. Flavor Swirls: This is one of the most important distinctions to remember. Flavor shots are unsweetened and contain only about 5-10 calories, adding flavor without the sugar. Flavor swirls, however, are sweetened and syrupy, packing a significant calorie punch. Always choose a flavor shot for a low-calorie addition.
Alternative Milk Options: While cream and whole milk are high in fat and calories, almond milk and skim milk are excellent, lower-calorie substitutes. Adding a splash of skim or almond milk to your coffee will add a creamy texture without a huge caloric increase.
Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Dunkin' provides sugar substitutes like Splenda and Sweet'n Low. Adding a packet or two can satisfy a sweet tooth without any extra calories. You can also bring your own preferred sugar-free sweetener, like stevia, if you prefer.

Low-Calorie Drink Comparison Table

To make it easier to compare your choices, here is a table featuring popular Dunkin' drinks and their approximate medium-sized calorie counts, including some low-calorie customization examples.


Drink	Default Calories (Medium)	Customization for Lower Calories	Approx. Low-Calorie Count (Medium)
Hot Coffee	5	Served black	5
Iced Coffee	~2.4	Served black	~2.4
Herbal Infusion Tea	0	Unsweetened	0
Americano	~10	Served black	~10
Cold Brew	~10	Served black	~10
Iced Coffee	60	Splash of almond milk + flavor shot	~45
Macchiato	90	Made with skim milk	90
Iced Green Tea	~5	Unsweetened	~5
Dunkin' Refresher	130	N/A (calories are from juice)	130

Calorie-Saving Strategies and Considerations

Navigating the Dunkin' menu for the lowest-calorie drink involves a few simple rules. First, prioritize brewed beverages (coffee, tea) over espresso-based or blended drinks. Second, always opt for unsweetened options and add sweetness yourself with a sugar-free alternative. Finally, if you need milk, choose non-dairy or skim options sparingly.

Understanding the menu is crucial. The term "swirl" is the red flag for high-calorie, high-sugar additions. Stick to "shots" for flavor without the guilt. Even a simple customization can save hundreds of calories. For example, a medium Caramel Craze Signature Latte with whole milk can have over 400 calories, while an unsweetened iced coffee with a caramel flavor shot and a splash of almond milk could be under 50 calories. By being a conscious consumer and knowing what to ask for, you can still enjoy your Dunkin' run without sabotaging your dietary goals.

Conclusion

For anyone looking for the absolute lowest calorie drink at Dunkin', the answer is unequivocally the unsweetened herbal infusion tea or a plain brewed coffee, hot or iced, with no additives. These beverages are a testament to the fact that you can enjoy a flavorful, refreshing drink without any calories. If you crave something a little more complex, smart customizations like using unsweetened flavor shots, alternative milks, and sugar-free sweeteners allow you to dramatically reduce the calorie count of many other menu items. Next time you're at Dunkin', make an informed choice and enjoy a guilt-free sip.

Authoritative Link: For the most up-to-date and comprehensive nutrition information, always refer to the official Dunkin' Nutrition Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The absolute lowest calorie drink at Dunkin' is unsweetened herbal infusion tea, which is effectively zero calories. A plain hot or iced coffee with no additions is also extremely low in calories, typically under 5.

Dunkin's flavor shots are the lower-calorie option. They are unsweetened and add flavor for about 5-10 calories, whereas flavor swirls are sweetened and significantly higher in sugar and calories.

Yes, you can. Order a regular hot or iced coffee with a flavor shot (not a flavor swirl) and a low-calorie sweetener. Options include flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, and toasted almond.

A black Americano from Dunkin' is very low in calories, with a medium serving containing only around 10 calories, making it a great low-calorie espresso option.

Dunkin' Refreshers are not the lowest-calorie option, as they get their calories from added sugars in the concentrated juice. For instance, a medium refresher can have over 100 calories and a significant amount of sugar.

To minimize calories, choose almond milk or skim milk for your drink. Both are lower in calories than whole milk or cream.

Yes, Dunkin' offers sugar substitutes like Splenda and Sweet'n Low, which you can add to your coffee or tea for sweetness without adding calories.