8 Best Low-Calorie Dunkin’ Drinks for a Healthier Pick-Me-Up
What registered dietitians really order at Dunkin’.
What registered dietitians really order at Dunkin’.
When you’re swinging through the Dunkin’ drive-thru for a caffeine fix, you know a Dunkaccino is going to taste good. What you may not have considered: whether or not it’s good for you. The Dunkin’ menu is packed with sugary, high-calorie drinks—some with as many calories as a full meal.
While the occasional Frozen Coffee (410 calories for a medium) or Vanilla Bean Coolata (590 calories) can be a tasty treat, making them a daily habit may contribute to health issues that can shorten your life and healthspan, from weight gain to diabetes and inflammation.
The good news? Low-calorie Dunkin’ drinks do exist. We’ve rounded up the lowest-calorie beverages on the Dunkin’ menu and tapped experts for tips on how to lighten up your favorite orders.
About the Experts
Alexandria Hardy, R.D.N., L.D.N., is a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Pennsylvania Nutrition Services who specializes in weight loss.
Kristin Draayer, M.S., R.D.N., is a registered dietitian who specializes in intuitive and mindful eating.
Salma Alsibai, R.D., is a registered dietitian who specializes in creating healthy habits for women.
Holly Larson, M.S., R.D., is a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition communication and education.
From cappuccinos to energy drinks, these orders satisfy cravings with no more than 90 calories and (mostly) less than 10 grams of added sugars.
With only 10 calories, a medium Americano delivers a rich, roasted espresso taste without added ingredients or calories. Iced or hot, it’s an easy, customizable base for a low-calorie drink. Add a splash of skim milk (around 10 calories) or a vanilla or hazelnut sugar-free flavor shot (5 to 10 calories) for a little flavor.
Pro tip: Order it half sweet for a slightly sweet drink with fewer calories and sugar, says registered dietitian Alexandria Hardy, R.D.N., L.D.N.
Per Order (Medium): 10 calories, 0g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 284 mg caffeine
For a lighter option, try an iced coffee or cold brew with a splash of skim or oat milk, says Kristin Draayer, M.S, R.D.N. Oat milk isn’t the lowest-calorie non-dairy option—that would be almond milk. But a splash of oat milk adds only 10 calories and 1 gram of sugar. And thanks to the satisfying hint of sweetness and creaminess from the oats, you can skip the sweetener.
Per Order (Small): 15 calories, 1g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 176mg caffeine
An Unsweetened Iced Macchiato with Skim Milk is a fantastic low-calorie option at Dunkin’, coming in at just 50 calories with only four grams of sugar. Plus, we love the bonus four grams of protein from the milk. Though this drink has a little sugar, the four grams are naturally occurring from the lactose in skim milk.
Per Order (Small): 50 calories, 4g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 118mg caffeine
If you’re not in the mood for coffee, this peachy refresher provides a fruity pick-me-up with 80 calories and about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Though it contains added sugars and stevia, it’s lighter than most energy drinks. For example, a 12-ounce can of Red Bull has 168 calories and 37 grams of sugar, and the same size Monster has 101 calories and 27 grams of sugar. Request extra ice to cut a few calories and mellow out the sweetness.
Per Order (Small): 80 calories, 18g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 96mg caffeine
Coming in at 45 calories, an iced cappuccino with almond milk is creamy, slightly nutty, and easy on the calories. Almond milk cuts the acidity of the espresso without the heavier calorie count of whole milk. For added flavor without the sugar, try a dash of cinnamon or a sugar-free flavor shot like toasted almond or vanilla.
Per Order (Small): 45 calories, 6g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 118mg caffeine
A small iced coffee from Dunkin’ has just five calories. It’s a blank canvas, so you can enjoy it as is or add a splash of milk without adding too many additional calories. For more flavor without the added sugar, try a sugar-free pump of hazelnut or caramel syrup or a splash of whole milk and stevia.
Per Order (Small): 5 calories, 0g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 118mg caffeine
With just 5 calories, you can’t go wrong with an unsweetened iced tea—it’s refreshing, hydrating, and has less caffeine than coffee. Customize it with a splash of unsweetened lemonade for a tart flavor boost with minimal calories.
Per Order (Small): 5 calories, 0g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 42mg caffeine
A small oat milk latte is creamy, smooth, and only 90 calories. It offers a cozy, slightly sweet beverage with only a few grams of added sugar. For more sweetness, order one vanilla flavor shot and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This will make it slightly sweet without going overboard on sugar or calories, says Holly Larson, M.S., R.D..
Per Order (Small): 90 calories, 4g sugar, 0g saturated fat, 118mg caffeine
Many of the large sizes, frozen drink options, and flavored coffee beverages easily top 500 calories and have sky-high amounts of added sugar (and often saturated fat from cream).
Some drinks are more like “once in a while” options. These aren’t going to break the calorie bank, at 100 and 200 calories, but have more calories and sugar than you should be slurping down daily.
Use these dietitian-approved tips to customize a healthier Dunkin’ drink order.
Stick to a small or medium to trim calories. If you still want a caffeine boost, add a shot of espresso (5 calories) to avoid increasing your drink size and overall calorie count.
The Dunkin’ app shows detailed nutrition info, allowing you to customize your order to reduce calories, saturated fat, and sugar. Plan your order in advance and use the app to find low-calorie tweaks.
Nonfat milk has fewer calories than 2% or whole milk, and almond milk is the lowest-calorie non-dairy option at Dunkin’. Important to note: Dunkin’s non-dairy options are sweetened, so be mindful of the extra sugar.
You can reduce the amount of calories and sugar in your drink by ordering it “half sweet,” or specifying only one pump of flavored syrup. Dunkin’ syrups add about 20 calories per pump, so limiting these can make a big difference.
Opting for sugar-free sweeteners, syrups, and flavor shots can also be a great option for a zero-calorie boost of sweetness without any added sugars.
Skipping the whipped cream toppings may save over 100 calories. If you want a creamy topping, consider adding unflavored cold foam instead. It usually adds around 40 to 50 calories.
Ordering low-calorie drinks at Dunkin’ doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few savvy customizations, you can enjoy a satisfying beverage without overloading on calories or sugar. Choose simpler drinks like an Americano or iced coffee as a base, and adjust with low-calorie milk options like skim and almond milk, “half-sweet” syrups, or sugar-free sweeteners. Consider downsizing and avoiding calorie-heavy add-ons like whipped cream or extra pumps of sweetened flavorings to further trim calories.