If you’re craving a delicious coffee drink without the guilt of extra calories, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with the lowest-calorie options at Dunkin Donuts and some creative ideas to make your coffee experience even more exciting. Get ready to indulge in a healthier way!
Is Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Healthy?
Coffee itself is a low-calorie beverage, but the way you customize your drink can determine its overall healthiness. While black coffee contains very few calories, if you prefer a more exciting drink like an iced macchiato or signature latte, things can get dicey.
Let’s take a closer look at the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte. The medium-sized menu version has a whopping 420 calories and 55g of sugar. However, you can easily customize the drink using the Dunkin’ Nutrition Calculator to save over 150 calories. By opting for skim milk, skipping whipped cream, and caramel drizzle, you can enjoy a medium Pumpkin Spice Latte with only 265 calories.
So, the key is customization. Dunkin’ Donuts offers a range of drink options, and by making smart choices, you can enjoy a healthier cup of coffee.
What Substitution Options Does Dunkin Offer?
Dunkin’ Donuts may not explicitly showcase its customization options like Starbucks does, but rest assured, there are plenty of ways to personalize your drink. Here are some substitution options to consider:
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Flavor Swirl (Syrup) Substitutions: Dunkin’ uses flavored syrup in their coffee, but you can ask for a flavor shot instead to save calories. Flavor shots are sugar-free and have zero calories, although they have limited flavor options compared to regular flavor swirls.
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Milk Substitutions: Most Dunkin’ drinks default to whole milk, but you can choose from skim milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk as alternatives.
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Sugar Substitutions: If you enjoy sweetness in your coffee but want to avoid extra calories, Dunkin’ Donuts offers zero-calorie sweeteners such as Equal, Splenda, and Sweet N’ Low as sugar substitutes.
By taking advantage of these substitution options, you can create a healthier and customized drink that suits your preferences.
The Lowest Calorie Dunkin’ Drinks on the Menu
Now that we’ve covered the customization possibilities, let’s explore some of the lowest-calorie options on the Dunkin’ menu.
Black Coffee: 5 Calories
Enjoy a classic cup of black coffee for a virtually calorie-free experience. Dunkin’ Donuts offers different coffee bean options, including original blend and midnight blend. Whether you prefer hot or cold, black coffee is the perfect choice for a low-calorie treat.
Cold Brew Coffee: 5 Calories
If you find black hot coffee less appealing, try Dunkin’ Donuts’ cold brew. Cold brew coffee is brewed differently from hot coffee, resulting in a smoother and less acidic flavor. It’s naturally sweet and contains minimal calories. Add a splash of milk if desired and enjoy a refreshing cup of cold brew.
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee: 5 Calories
For an even smoother and enhanced flavor, opt for Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. Nitro cold brew is served from a tap that infuses nitrogen into the coffee, resulting in a velvety texture and increased caffeine content. It’s perfect for those seeking a caffeine boost without the extra calories.
Americano (Hot or Iced): 5-10 Calories
An Americano is made by mixing espresso shots with water. It offers a robust flavor and is naturally low in calories. By diluting the strong espresso taste with water, you can enjoy a longer-lasting and low-calorie beverage.
Unsweetened Iced Tea: 5 Calories
If you’re looking for a non-coffee option, unsweetened iced tea is a great choice. Dunkin’ Donuts offers black tea and green tea options, both of which contain only 5 calories. You can add zero-calorie sweeteners like Splenda or Equal to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories.
By choosing these low-calorie options or customizing your drink using the substitution options mentioned earlier, you can enjoy your Dunkin’ coffee while keeping your calorie intake in check.
Healthy Dunkin’ Coffee Orders For You To Try
Now that you know the lowest-calorie options, why not experiment with some healthy and delicious Dunkin’ drinks? Here are a few custom drink orders that we’ve created using the Dunkin’ Nutrition Calculator:
Nutella Cold Brew
- 60 Calories, 0g Fat, 12g Carbs, 1g Protein
- How to order:
- Ask for a medium cold brew
- Add 1 mocha flavor swirl
- Add 2 hazelnut flavor shots
- Add 1 Splenda
French Vanilla Creamy Coffee
- 60 Calories, 0g Fat, 12g Carbs, 1g Protein
- How to order:
- Ask for a medium hot coffee
- Add oat milk
- Add 1 french vanilla flavor swirl
- Add 2 vanilla flavor shots
Raspberry Chocolate Cold Brew
- 115 Calories, 0g Fat, 24g Carbs, 2g Protein
- How to order:
- Ask for a medium cold brew
- Add 2 mocha flavor swirls
- Add 2 raspberry flavor shots
These are just a few examples of healthy Dunkin’ drinks you can try. Feel free to mix and match flavors, milk choices, and sweeteners to create your own unique concoctions. Remember to use the Dunkin’ Nutrition Calculator to calculate the exact calories and nutrition facts of your favorite drink.
Tips and Tricks to Create Your Own Healthy Dunkin’ Drink
If you want to create your own low-calorie Dunkin’ drink, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Stick with coffee drinks instead of espresso drinks
Coffee-based drinks generally have fewer calories than espresso-based drinks because they require less milk. For example, a medium-sized cold brew with oat milk contains just 30 calories, while a medium cappuccino with oat milk contains 90 calories. Choosing coffee-based drinks can help keep your calorie intake lower.
2. Utilize unsweetened flavor shots
Instead of using flavored syrups, opt for sugar-free flavor shots. They add flavor without the extra sweetness and calories. You can add a sweetener like sugar or Splenda to your drink if desired.
3. Ask for a splash of milk
If you prefer a touch of milk in your coffee, you can ask for a splash of milk to keep the calorie count low. This option works well with regular coffee but may not be suitable for dairy-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
4. Skip the cream
Cream adds significant calories to your coffee, so it’s best to skip it if you want to keep your drink light. A large coffee with skim milk contains only 25 calories, while a large coffee with cream has 120 calories and 12 grams of fat.
5. Ask for no whipped cream or toppings
Whipped cream and toppings like caramel or mocha drizzle can add extra calories and sugar to your drink. By omitting them, you can significantly reduce the calorie content. If you crave additional flavor, you can sprinkle some cinnamon on top for a calorie-free kick.
By following these tips, you can create your own healthy and customized Dunkin’ drink that satisfies your taste buds without loading up on calories.
Healthy Breakfast Options To Pair With Dunkin’ Coffee
Starting your day with a cup of coffee is even better when paired with a delicious and healthy breakfast. While Dunkin’ Donuts is known for its tempting pastries, you can still find some nutritious choices to complement your coffee. Here are a few options:
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Dunkin’ breakfast sandwiches on an English muffin are a great choice, especially when paired with egg whites and low-fat cheese. Opting for an egg & cheese English muffin will give you a filling option with around 340 calories.
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Wake-up wraps are another low-calorie option, with each wrap containing fewer than 300 calories and about 10g of protein. They are small but satisfying.
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If you prefer baked goods, consider the omelet bites. They are small, filling, and have either 180 or 280 calories, depending on the type. They make for a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional baked goods.
Remember to choose whole-grain options when available and pair your breakfast with a nutritious side, such as fresh fruit or yogurt, to make it a complete and balanced meal.
Conclusion
Dunkin’ Donuts offers a range of delicious drinks that can be customized to fit your dietary preferences and calorie goals. By making smart choices and using the Dunkin’ Nutrition Calculator, you can create your own healthy and satisfying coffee beverages. Whether you prefer black coffee, cold brew, or flavored concoctions, there’s something for everyone at Dunkin’. So go ahead, enjoy your favorite cup of Joe guilt-free, and embark on a flavorsome and mindful coffee journey with Dunkin’ Donuts. Visit Marmalade Cafe to explore more delightful coffee experiences.