March 6, 2026, 12:04 p.m. ET
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to scrutinize Dunkin’ over its sugary beverages.
In a recent post on X from March 4, Kennedy questioned whether a drink from Dunkin’ containing 180 grams of sugar is appropriate. This statement followed Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s earlier share of a photo on X, which featured the 1835 “Come and Take It” flag alongside a Dunkin’ cup.
“No one is taking away your Dunkin’,” Kennedy replied. “But isn’t it reasonable to ask whether a drink loaded with 180 grams of sugar is safe?”
Healey’s post came in the wake of an Eat Real Food Rally held in Austin, Texas on February 26, where Kennedy expressed intentions to challenge coffee chains like Dunkin’ and Starbucks to demonstrate the safety of their ingredients.
“Show us the safety data that indicates it’s acceptable for a teenage girl to consume an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar,” Kennedy stated at the rally. “I doubt they can provide it.”
Kennedy’s criticisms of coffee chains, including Dunkin’, followed his announcement of new U.S. Dietary Guidelines in January, advocating for increased protein intake, reduced sugar consumption, and fewer processed foods.
Do any Dunkin’ drinks contain 180 grams of sugar?
According to Dunkin’s nutritional guide, there are no drinks on their menu that contain 180 grams of sugar.
The beverages with the highest sugar content are a large Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee with skim milk and a large Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee, both of which contain 172 grams of sugar, according to the guide.
Kennedy’s post followed shortly after Dunkin’ customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire gained access to 48-ounce beverage buckets, as previously reported by USA TODAY. Customers could order options like Strawberry Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher, Blueberry Cobbler Iced Latte, or Caramel Coco Iced Coffee in these buckets.
When queried by USA TODAY on March 6, Dunkin’ did not immediately clarify the sugar content in drinks offered in these 48-ounce buckets. However, a large Strawberry Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher has 72 grams of sugar, and a large Blueberry Cobbler Iced Latte has 50 grams, according to the chain’s nutritional guide. It’s worth noting that a large iced drink at Dunkin’ is 32 ounces.
Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Melina Khan, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Key Takeaways
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is challenging the sugar content in Dunkin’ drinks.
- No Dunkin’ beverages contain 180 grams of sugar as suggested.
- The highest sugar content in Dunkin’ drinks reaches 172 grams.
- Dunkin’ has recently introduced 48-ounce beverage buckets in select locations.
- Kennedy emphasizes the need for proof of safety for high-sugar drinks.
FAQ
What is the highest sugar content drink at Dunkin’?
The drinks with the highest sugar content at Dunkin’ are the large Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee and the large Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee, both containing 172 grams of sugar.
Do Dunkin’ drinks in buckets contain high sugar?
While specific sugar content in 48-ounce buckets was not clarified, large regular drinks can contain significantly high amounts of sugar, ranging from 50 to 72 grams.
Who is questioning Dunkin’ about their drink ingredients?
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is raising concerns about the safety of ingredients and sugar levels in Dunkin’ beverages.
What are the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines?
The new guidelines recommend higher protein intake, less sugar consumption, and a reduction in ultra-processed foods.
