What is the Lowest Carb Item at Dunkin Donuts?

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritionists, unflavored and unsweetened black coffee is one of the safest and lowest-calorie beverage choices at any coffee shop. At Dunkin', this principle holds true, making plain black coffee or a simple espresso shot the lowest carb item at Dunkin Donuts.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the Dunkin' menu reveals the lowest carbohydrate items available, focusing primarily on beverages like black coffee and unsweetened tea, and how to customize certain food items to reduce carb count. It offers a table comparing different options and highlights key customization strategies.

Key Points

Absolute Lowest Carb Item: A plain black coffee or an espresso shot contains just 0-1 grams of carbohydrates.
Keto-Friendly Drinks: Options like black cold brew and unsweetened iced tea are also very low in carbs and can be enhanced with sugar-free flavor shots.
Food Customization: For low-carb food, order a breakfast sandwich without the bread or wrap to remove the majority of carbohydrates.
Best Food Item: The Sausage, Egg & Cheese or Bacon, Egg & Cheese fillings are a low-carb, high-protein choice when served without bread.
Flavor Shots vs. Swirls: Always choose sugar-free 'flavor shots' over sugary 'flavor swirls' to add taste to your drinks without the added carbs.
Low-Carb Snack: Cracked black pepper Snackin' Bacon is a low-carb food alternative, but check for seasonal varieties that may contain sugar.
Check Nutritional Info: Always check Dunkin's official nutrition information for the most accurate and current carbohydrate counts.

Dunkin's Low-Carb Contenders

While Dunkin' is known for its carbohydrate-heavy doughnuts and bakery items, those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet can still find suitable options. The trick is to focus on beverages and be prepared to customize your order significantly if you want a food item.

Beverages: Your Safest Bet

The absolute lowest-carb items on the menu are almost all found in the drink section. These typically contain 0-2 grams of carbohydrates and can be ordered with sugar-free flavor shots for added taste without the sugar content of flavor swirls.

Black Coffee (Hot or Iced): With just 0-1 grams of carbs and minimal calories, this is your best option. You can add a splash of heavy cream for fat without adding significant carbs.
Cold Brew (Black): Similar to black coffee but with a smoother flavor, cold brew is naturally low in carbs. A medium cold brew contains 0 grams of carbs.
Espresso Shots: A single shot of espresso has around 1 gram of carbs. Enjoy it plain or with a splash of cream or an unsweetened flavor shot.
Unsweetened Iced Tea: Both black and green unsweetened iced teas are an excellent, low-carb and hydrating choice, coming in at about 1 gram of carbs for a medium.

Food Items: The Art of Customization

For a more substantial option, you will need to think outside the box and deconstruct certain menu items. Dunkin's signature sandwiches and wraps can be modified to remove the bread or tortilla, leaving you with a high-protein, low-carb filling.

Sausage, Egg & Cheese: Order the fillings only, skipping the English muffin, croissant, or bagel. A sausage, egg, and cheese patty combo without the bread has very few carbs.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese: Similar to the sausage version, asking for this without the bread is a popular keto and low-carb hack.
Omelet Bites: These can be a convenient grab-and-go option, with the Bacon & Cheddar variety being particularly low in carbs.
Snackin' Bacon: The cracked black pepper version of Dunkin's Snackin' Bacon is a sweet-and-savory treat that fits within many low-carb plans. Just be mindful of the sugar content from the seasoning and avoid any seasonal maple versions.

Comparison of Low-Carb Dunkin' Options

To help you decide, here is a comparison of some of the best low-carb choices available.


Item	Carbohydrate Count (Approx.)	Protein	Key Customization Notes
Black Coffee	0-1g (varies by size)	<1g	Best served black or with heavy cream/flavor shot.
Unsweetened Iced Tea	1g (medium)	0g	Ask for no added sweetener. Can add a sugar-free flavor shot.
Espresso Shot	1g (single shot)	0g	Enjoy plain or with a splash of heavy cream.
Sausage, Egg & Cheese	~3g (without bread)	~17g (without bread)	Must order without the muffin/bread. Carb count is for the fillings only.
Snacking Bacon	10g (single order)	10g (single order)	Made with black pepper; avoid the maple version.
Omelet Bites (Bacon & Cheddar)	10g (order)	17g (order)	A convenient, protein-rich food option.

Customization is Key

For many low-carb dieters, the most significant challenge at Dunkin' is the high-carb offerings. The best way to navigate the menu is to embrace customization. Avoid all sugary swirls, frozen drinks, and classic baked goods. Instead, opt for sugar-free flavor shots and heavy cream or nut milk alternatives if you prefer a creamier drink. When it comes to food, always order sandwiches and wraps without the bread or tortilla to remove the most significant source of carbohydrates.

Conclusion

While a true zero-carb food item is not available, the lowest carb item at Dunkin' is a plain black coffee or an espresso shot, both having 0-1 grams of carbohydrates. For those seeking a food option, ordering a breakfast sandwich without the bread is the best strategy for a low-carb meal. By focusing on simple beverages and mindful customization, you can enjoy a trip to Dunkin' without derailing your low-carb diet goals.

Find the Lowest Carb Options at Dunkin'

For a complete nutritional guide and the most up-to-date information, refer to the official Dunkin' Donuts website and their Nutrition PDF for detailed values. The company is committed to providing information to help customers make the right dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The absolute lowest carb items at Dunkin' are a plain black coffee, a black cold brew, or an espresso shot, all containing 0-1 grams of carbohydrates.

To order a low-carb breakfast sandwich, ask for any breakfast sandwich—such as the Sausage, Egg & Cheese—to be prepared without the bread, muffin, or croissant. This leaves you with the high-protein, low-carb fillings.

Yes, Dunkin's flavor shots are unsweetened and sugar-free, unlike the flavor swirls which contain sugar. They are a great way to add flavor to your coffee without adding carbs.

For a low-carb coffee, you can add a splash of heavy cream. Some locations may offer unsweetened nut milk alternatives, but it's best to check the nutritional information to confirm their carb content.

Yes, you can have unsweetened black or green iced tea, as a medium contains only about 1 gram of carbs. You must specify that you want it unsweetened to avoid hidden sugars.

Yes, the cracked black pepper Snacking Bacon is a solid low-carb snack choice. However, be cautious of seasonal versions, such as maple, which contain added sugar and are not low-carb.

Dunkin's omelet bites, particularly the Bacon & Cheddar variety, can be a good low-carb food option. An order has about 10 grams of net carbs and provides a good source of protein.