Local News
Is your go-to Dunkin’ order on the list?
Recently, Dunkin’ has been at the center of a heated discussion regarding the sugar content of its popular drinks. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stirred up controversy by criticizing the chain’s sugary menu items, prompting a spirited response from loyal fans and officials alike.
Kennedy remarked, “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,'” during a rally. His comments drew reactions, including a meme from Governor Maura Healey urging him to “come and take it.”
In response, Kennedy clarified on social media that no one is attempting to eliminate Dunkin’ products, but posed a valid question about the safety of drinks laden with high sugar content. An inspection of Dunkin’s beverage options indicates that while no drinks contain 180 grams of sugar, many come shockingly close.
The large Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee and Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee each have an impressive 172 grams of sugar, the highest reported on the menu. In total, 40 drinks exceed Kennedy’s initial threshold of 115 grams, primarily in the “frozen” or blended category.
For those who prefer standard offerings, Dunkin’s regular coffee remains relatively lower in sugar. A large hot or iced with cream and sugar carries about 36 grams. It’s worth noting that the American Heart Association advises limiting added sugar intake to 36 grams per day for men, and 25 grams for women.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum of 25 grams for children over two years of age, while newer guidelines suggest no added sugar for children under 11. This conversation feeds into Kennedy’s broader initiative against processed foods.
Below, find the Dunkin’ drinks that contain 115 grams of sugar or more:
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with skim milk): 172g sugar
- Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee (large): 172g sugar
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with whole milk): 171g sugar
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with cream): 168g sugar
- Vanilla Bean Coolatta® (large): 167g sugar
- Triple Mocha Frozen Coffee (large): 165g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Chocolate (large): 165g sugar
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Chocolate (large): 162g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Chocolate (large): 162g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with skim milk): 162g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with whole milk): 162g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with skim milk): 160g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with whole milk): 160g sugar
- Frozen Chocolate (large): 158g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with cream): 158g sugar
- Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with skim milk): 157g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with cream): 156g sugar
- Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with whole milk): 156g sugar
- Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee (large, with cream): 153g sugar
- Banana Frozen Chocolate (large): 146g sugar
- Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee (medium): 132g sugar
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with skim milk): 129g sugar
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with whole milk): 129g sugar
- Frozen Chai Latte (large): 129g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Chocolate (medium): 126g sugar
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with cream): 126g sugar
- Triple Mocha Frozen Coffee (medium): 126g sugar
- Vanilla Bean Coolatta® (medium): 125g sugar
- Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Chocolate (medium): 124g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Chocolate (medium): 124g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with skim milk): 122g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with whole milk): 122g sugar
- Frozen Chocolate (medium): 121g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with skim milk): 120g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with whole milk): 120g sugar
- Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with cream): 119g sugar
- Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with skim milk): 118g sugar
- French Vanilla Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with cream): 117g sugar
- Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with whole milk): 117g sugar
- Mocha Swirl Frozen Coffee (medium, with cream): 115g sugar
Key Takeaways
- Two large Dunkin’ drinks contain 172 grams of sugar, the highest on the menu.
- A total of 40 beverages exceed 115 grams of sugar, primarily among frozen and blended options.
- Regular hot or iced coffee contains 36 grams of sugar, significantly lower than many frozen options.
- The American Heart Association recommends daily sugar intake limits of 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women.
- Health discussions continue around the safety and nutrition of high-sugar beverages, particularly for children.
FAQ
What is the highest sugar content in a Dunkin’ drink?
The highest sugar content in a Dunkin’ drink is 172 grams, found in the large Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee and Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee.
How many drinks contain more than 115 grams of sugar?
A total of 40 Dunkin’ drinks exceed 115 grams of sugar, mainly in the frozen or blended categories.
What does the American Heart Association recommend regarding sugar intake?
The American Heart Association recommends that men limit added sugar to 36 grams per day and women to 25 grams.
Are there any Dunkin’ drinks with lower sugar content?
Yes, standard hot or iced coffee has around 36 grams of sugar, significantly lower than many of the frozen drinks.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
