RFK Jr. Criticizes Coffee Chains for High Sugar Content in Drinks

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has singled out Starbucks and Dunkin’ for their sugary coffee beverages. But just how much sugar do these drinks actually contain?

At an “Eat Real Food” rally in Austin, Texas, on February 26, Kennedy expressed intentions to challenge both brands regarding the sugar content in their iced coffee drinks.

“We’re going to ask Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, ‘Show us the safety data that show that it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it,'” Kennedy stated.

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“I don’t think they’re going to be able to do it.”

Publicly available nutritional information indicates that sugar levels can vastly differ based on the drink and size ordered.

It appears not all frozen coffees are made equally.

For instance, the Starbucks website indicates that a Grande Starbucks Frappuccino can contain over 45 grams of total sugar, not inclusive of whipped cream and syrups.

A Grande Caramel Starbucks Frappuccino has around 55 grams of sugar.

In contrast, Dunkin’ Frozen Coffees seem to contain significantly higher sugar levels than those from Starbucks. A medium Caramel Crème Frozen Coffee reportedly has 132 grams of sugar, according to Dunkin’ menus.

A medium Frozen Coffee with Cream contains 81 grams of sugar — a considerable amount considering that it lacks added syrups.

“When you think about it, 100 grams of sugar — that’s equivalent to about 25 teaspoons of sugar.”

On “Fox & Friends First” on Friday, family and emergency medicine physician Dr. Janette Nesheiwat acknowledged concerns similar to Kennedy’s.

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“When you think about it, 100 grams of sugar — that’s equivalent to about 25 teaspoons of sugar,” she stated.

“Think of 25 of those little cubes of sugar that you are putting in your drink. And many teenagers are unaware of how much sugar they are consuming. That’s why education is crucial.”

The detrimental effects of excess sugar on metabolism and the increased risk of chronic diseases were noted by Nesheiwat.

“We are seeing obesity, diabetes, heart disease — and an alarming rise in young patients with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” she remarked.

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“Let’s also consider the cavities that sugar can cause.”

The sugar content in these drinks can easily surpass daily recommendations, according to Mackenzie Burgess, a registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer based in Los Angeles.

“As a dietitian, I always recommend starting with a base of unsweetened coffee and building from there.”

“The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to approximately 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men; however, many drinks contain significantly more,” Burgess advised.

“For example, a medium Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee has around 84 grams of added sugar, while a Grande Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino has about 60 grams. This means that a single drink can contain two to three times more sugar than the entire daily recommended intake.”

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Burgess compared a medium Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee to three Snickers bars and noted that many Frappuccinos are comparable to a theater-size box of M&Ms.

“One thing to keep in mind is that drinking sugar instead of eating it often feels less satiating, making it easier to consume large amounts without realizing it,” Burgess added.

Some studies suggest that excessive sugar can induce inflammation in the brain’s memory, she added.

However, the dietitian emphasized that avoiding sugar doesn’t mean missing out on a caffeine boost.

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“As a dietitian, I always recommend starting with a base of unsweetened coffee and building from there,” she advised. “Opt for iced coffee, cold brew, or plain-brewed coffee initially, and then customize it to your taste.”

Most major chains provide sugar-free syrups and a variety of milk options, including 2% and skim milk.

“Recently, I’ve enjoyed ordering a Grande Cold Brew with one pump of sugar-free vanilla, a splash of cream, and cinnamon powder on top, totaling zero grams of added sugar,” Burgess suggested.

Fox News Digital reached out to Starbucks and Dunkin’ for comment.

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Fox News Digital’s Michael Sinkewicz contributed reporting.

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Key Takeaways

• High sugar content in popular coffee beverages has raised concerns.
• Starbucks’ drinks can contain over 55 grams of sugar, while Dunkin’ drinks can exceed 132 grams.
• One sugary drink can surpass daily recommended sugar levels.
• Health experts emphasize the need for education about sugar intake.
• Many coffee chains offer sugar-free options and alternatives to create healthier beverages.

FAQ

Question

How much sugar is in a typical Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee?

A medium Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee can have around 84 grams of added sugar.

Question

What is the sugar content of a Grande Starbucks Frappuccino?

A Grande Starbucks Frappuccino contains over 45 grams of total sugar.

Question

Are there healthier options available at coffee chains?

Yes, many chains offer sugar-free syrups and various milk options, including lower-fat alternatives.

Question

What do health experts suggest for reducing sugar in coffee drinks?

Experts recommend starting with unsweetened coffee and customizing it to taste.

The conversation around sugar-laden coffee drinks is vital as many consumers may not be aware of their intake levels. With a range of options now available, individuals can make more informed choices to align their beverage selections with their health objectives.