Indulge In 11 Sugar-Free Dunkin Flavors: All The Information You Need
For most people, increasingly active lifestyles can make it hard to keep up with health goals like cutting down on sugar or controlling calorie intake. With coffee being the most popular beverage in the U.S. (aside from water), many are beginning to realize the health benefits coffee can have on your digestion, liver, and much more. However, when we indulge in a mocha or head to the convenience of the nearest coffee chain for our caffeine fix, a lot of times we minimize the healthy side of coffee and trade it in for high sugar and empty calories.
While drinking a low acid coffee grown and roasted with health in mind, such as the brews offered here at Lifeboost, is the healthiest option and a great addition to your everyday health goals, we realize sometimes everyone craves a cheat day treat or simply needs a convenient cup of brew while out on the town.
With this in mind, we want to take a look at Dunkin Donuts’, one of the most popular coffee chains, menus and go through some sugar-free flavors and drink options so you can keep up with your healthy habits even when your Lifeboost isn’t readily available.
While Dunkin Donuts doesn’t boast of low acid coffee, they do have a vast menu and a lot of sugar-free options to curb your coffee cravings when convenience is a priority. No matter how busy you are or what size cup you need, Dunkin has the perfect fast and easy quick drink for getting through your day that won't completely set back your health goals.
Dunkin Flavor Shots: What Are They?
Hazelnut
French Vanilla
Caramel
The Caramel Shot is made with real caramel extract and adds depth to your regular coffee. This delightfully delicious and sugar-free drink provides a great boost of flavor without any extra calories. It's the perfect choice for those trying to make healthier lifestyle choices. Smooth, rich, and creamy, you won't even miss the sugar when you are enjoying a delicious cup of coffee enhanced with this tasty shot. Feel good about making smarter drinks choices with the Caramel Dunkin Flavor Shot—your taste buds will thank you!
What to Expect When Quitting Sugar
By cutting out sugar from your diet, there is a myriad of health benefits that can be had. Not only will you have younger-looking skin due to reduced collagen interference, but managing your sugar intake helps your body progress rather than vacillating through dramatic "highs" and "lows."
Your insulin levels and blood sugars remain stable instead, promoting weight loss and minimizing the risk of diabetes significantly. Taking care of your cardiovascular health will become much easier when consuming less sugar, ensuring improved health in the long term. It's no wonder why the researchers of the American Heart Association recommend limiting to six teaspoons or fewer of sugar each day for women.
Toasted Almond
Raspberry
You're in luck - raspberry is the perfect flavor to sweeten up your favorite iced black coffee or tea. Not only does it add a wonderfully fruity and delightful taste, but it provides a healthier alternative to sugar. In addition, because the raspberry stands out on its own without needing milk, this versatile flavor works better when you want something cooler and refreshing - that's why it's so enjoyable for hot summer days.
Blueberry
Blueberry is the perfect flavor for stepping outside of your coffee comfort zone - it's unique and bold, with a sweet-tart taste that won't overpower the coffee. Sugars have been off the menu for many of us recently, but there's no need to sacrifice flavor. Dunkin has come up with an incredible array of sugar-free options, and one of our favorites is the blueberry flavor. You can easily recreate the at-home version - just remember to be generous with those beautiful blueberries.
Unsweetened Cacao Powder
For health-conscious coffee drinkers who miss the subtle joys of chocolate, unsweetened cacao powder is the perfect solution. Not only does it add a layer of delicious and creamy cocoa flavor to your morning cup, but it also provides nutritional benefits with no extra sugar. Stirring in a measure of unsweetened cacao powder as you make your coffee gives you the satisfaction of enjoying real chocolate without feeling guilty, either.
Coconut
Craving something a little more interesting in your coffee? Coconut is an excellent addition to milk-based coffees. Its subtle yet unmistakable taste will give your morning cuppa a delicious kick that induces wakefulness. To ensure maximum flavor and nutritional content, try using Organic Shredded Coconut Unsweetened rather than coconut oil which has high saturated fat levels.
Fresh Mango
Summer brings lots of joy with it, and last summer gave our city a real treat - an abundance of fresh mangoes. Everyone was thrilled with the sweet, juicy treat, and we certainly took advantage. Who would have thought to try making coffee out of it? We experimented with these delicious ingredients and found that the mango latte tasted best to us. Remarkably, no added sugar was necessary to enjoy this drink - the natural sweetness of the mangoes really shone through. Thinking about it now - perhaps a sugar-free mango shot could be another great spin on these beloved summer flavors.
Dunkin's Sugar-Free Flavors
Dunkin has an array of sugar-free flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and make your mornings more exciting - they include:
- Style Bag Dunkin Espresso
- Caramel Me Crazy Flavored Ground Coffee
- French Vanilla flavored Ground Coffee
- Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cups
- Best Sellers Coffee Variety Pack Cups
- Decaf Medium Roast Coffee Cups
Every single shot only provides two gms of carbs and 15 calories - making it a great choice for those on the Keto diet. The shot adds a unique flavor and a fun twist to what could otherwise be an unexciting cup of coffee. Being creative with your coffee can be a great way to enjoy it without sugar. Nutmeg, orange juice, cinnamon, and ginger all have the potential to turn your everyday cup of coffee into something special. You can:
- Put one-half tsp of nutmeg or an entire teaspoon of cinnamon for sweet spice; there is something to suit every taste.
- For a truly unique experience, try infusing your coffee with a few cinnamon sticks – this gives an added intensity that just can't be replicated.
- Ginger is a wonderful choice, too, and has the added benefit of being healthy, with half a tsp giving your coffee that extra zing.
These spice shots are not available in stores, but Dunkin' suggests that you purchase their flavored ground K-cups. This proves that there are endless possibilities when it comes to experimenting with flavor and finding the best way to drink amazing coffee every day.
Alternatives to Sugar for Your Coffee
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit is making a splash these days due to its astonishing sweetness with no calories. A major perk to this natural sugar substitute is that it's easy to get your hands on - you can either remove and mash the seeds of the fruit yourself or purchase pure monk fruit extract and store it in your refrigerator for convenience. With monk fruit on your side, you can now enjoy sweet treats without worrying about the effects of excess calories.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a great alternative to regular white sugar, as it has a sweet flavor with just the right hint of coconut. Here's the trick - a little goes a long way! A small amount will not only save you on calories but still give you that satisfying sweetness that all of us crave in foods and beverages.
Stevia
Stevia is an incredible plant-based sugar alternative that has zero calories, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a sweet beverage but don't want the added calories. Interestingly, it is very easy to grow in your own backyard or garden - as Stevia is an evergreen herb. After you've grown some in your patch of green, you can literally pluck off a leaf and use it as a sweetener - drop one into your hot tea or coffee for sweetness.
Agave
Agave is a tasty sweetener native to Mexico that is often used as an alternative to sugar; it has a unique caramel aftertaste - perfect for use in coffee, tea, and various other beverages/treats. Though Agave can be quite sweet due to its high fructose content, it can offer up a low-calorie alternative to traditional sugars.
Maple Syrup
Risky Health Effects of Sugar: Give Coffee with Nutritious Benefits A Try
With the current health risks posed by sugar, many people are trying to reduce their intake in order to be healthier. To help, Dunkin has created several delicious sugar-free flavors that can still provide an enjoyable coffee shop experience with no risk associated with too much sugar. One of these options is cardamom, a spiced flavor originating from the Middle East.
Not only does it add a pleasant taste to brewed beverages, but it is also said to help control caffeine addiction and even lower cholesterol levels at the same time. Furthermore, some studies have indicated that cardamom could even cure erectile dysfunction in men.
Furthermore, peppermint oil is quickly becoming a popular addition to coffees - allowing us to now enjoy a delicious peppermint-flavored latte. With no added sugar, the flavors of peppermint and coffee combine wonderfully to create an even richer flavor palette. In addition to its fantastic taste potential, peppermint oil offers numerous health benefits, such as reducing stomach upset or calming symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
History buffs can also get in on the action by using cloves instead of peppermint. Although traditionalists may look down upon this use, cloves offer their own set of perks, including high concentrations of antioxidants – perfect for improving your overall liver health. The key here, though, is not to overdo it; add two to three cloves while grinding your beans, and you'll experience how they add flavor without overpowering the main attraction: your coffee.
Exchanging Sugar for A Healthier Alternative in Your Coffee
Dunkin Donut Sugar-Free Flavor Shots
Enjoying your coffee without the added sugars can be easier said than done, especially when you're trying to grab something quickly while on the go. Luckily, with Dunkin's Sugar-Free Flavor Shots, you don't have to sacrifice flavor for a healthier option. For those looking for a more intuitive pairing, try dunking your Toasted Almond coffee in Mocha Swirl, or if French Vanilla is more your style, then why not finish it off with some more Mocha Swirl? But if making your own perfectly sweetened cup of coffee is what you're after, then Torani and Monin sugar-free syrup shots are readily available from eBay. So there's absolutely no reason to scrimp on flavor - no matter what the caffeine craving may be.
History of Dunkin Donuts
Dunkin Donuts has a long, proud history – its first store debuted in the year 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, and within seven decades, the company expanded to over 12,500 locations across 42 countries worldwide. In 2013 its CEO made an exciting announcement - the franchise would finally expand into California, with 45 new restaurants immediately opening. These locations offer residents the chance to indulge in Dunkin's famous sugar-free flavors, as well as its classic offerings of freshly roasted coffee and delicious donuts.
Since 2017, every Dunkin stores are franchisee owned and run - customers can now enjoy the dual experience of both products from the same multi-brand store. Most locations are partnered with Baskin-Robbins ice cream for extra indulgence.
Liverpool Football Club's 2014 announcement of a multimillion-pound collaboration with Dunkin Donuts was just the beginning of what is now an expansive influence of Dunkin across various sports and events. In 2016, the iconic donut and coffee joint was known to be the official 'donut, coffee, and breakfast partner' for the National Hockey League following another huge deal. Fast forward to 2020, Inspire Brands acquired Dunkin Brands - it is no longer operating as an individual company. Nevertheless, their operation is as strong as ever, providing quality coffee drinks, delicious pastries, and convenient breakfast options at thousands of locations around the world. From traditional coffee shops to NHL ice rinks and Champions League finals, a satisfactory selection of Dunkin Donuts fares is always there.
When Did Dunkin Add Their Sugar-Free Flavors to The Menu?
Dunkin had recently added in their selection of delicious, sugar-free flavor shots, giving customers an exciting and tasty way to create their own beverages—all while keeping them low carb. There's a wide range of options, too; patrons can easily order a tailored drink with an espresso or iced coffee base as well as different milk variations, then add one of any of the available sugar-free flavor shots. Diabetics and others concerned about lifestyle choices can rest easy knowing that they still get to partake in what Dunkin' has at the same time. Flavor shots will truly help those looking to get creative with their morning order, adjusting flavors and sweetness levels according to their own preference.
The sugar-free flavors include:
- Hazelnut
- French Vanilla
- Toasted Almond
- Raspberry
- Blueberry
- Coconut
Keep in mind: Dunkin Donuts sugar-free flavors are available only in-store - not online - so don't forget to stop by your nearest Dunkin Donuts location for these great items.
Which Sugar-Free Choices Contain Least Sugar?
Iced teas and black coffee are sugar-free choices - Both are sugar-free and calorie-free. You should know that the flavor shots are also an excellent choice. However, do proceed with caution if opting for any type of milk combination - when ordering from Dunkin Donuts specifically, remember that almond milk is not sugar-free.
Donuts: While donuts have been an iconic staple in the world of sugary treats for many years, it looks like it's time to bid them farewell - at least from Dunkin' Donuts. Recently, they announced that they'd be considering a possible drop of the tasty pastry part of their name. Change comes with the times, and perhaps this is our signal that people are looking to be healthier in their food choices.
Dunkin' Donuts has come a long way since 2018, when it began to standardize its menu options and introduce new items. With an expansion that started in Quincy, single-cup brewing machines, cold beverages on tap, modern decors, etc., were added to locations around the world. Take-out food was expanded to include sandwiches, and espresso machines were installed, making it easier than ever for Dunkin' fans to get their fix. Further moves included home delivery service, plus the launch of a special invention: a sandwich crafted especially for those using the Dunkin' delivery service. It's impressive that the food and beverages from this iconic shop have remained so well-known after all these years – even more so now that there are sugar-free donut options available.
Kids Beverages: Dunkin' doesn't have a specific kid's temperature like its counterpart Starbucks does when it comes to hot drinks for kids; however, just ask for some ice cubes if you need to cool down your beverage quickly.
Which Dunkin Drinks Contain Zero Caffeine?
Even if you're a non-coffee individual, there are plenty of delicious and energizing beverages at Dunkin' without any caffeine. Herbal teas provide an uplifting hot beverage perfect for any time of day, and Coolattas in strawberry, blue raspberry, or vanilla bean are a thrilling cold treat - this makes it easy to have one last quick drink before running out the door in the morning or relaxing after school without having to worry about consuming caffeine.
In Conclusion
If you need a quick and convenient coffee option away from home, but you're looking for something to satisfy your coffee craving without all the typical unhealthy additives, Dunkin Donuts has some great alternatives to traditional high-sugar syrups and flavors.
As we've mentioned, they have an array of sugar-free flavors that bring amazing flavor to your coffee without extra calories or carbs. With the constantly expanding selection of drinks and flavors at Dunkin Donuts, you have a lot of sugar alternatives to test out and see what works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add sweeteners like Splenda or Equal to my sugar-free drink from Dunkin'?
Yes, you can add sweeteners like Splenda or Equal to a sugar-free drink from Dunkin', but it's important to note that not all Splenda or Equal products are calorie-free. Be sure to read the label and double-check the ingredients to make sure that you are choosing a zero-calorie sweetener. Additionally, some sweeteners may have an impact on flavor and sweetness levels, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
Does having a sugar-free drink make it less caloric than other drinks?
Having a sugar-free drink does not necessarily make it less caloric than other drinks - for example, if you choose an artificially sweetened drink, there may still be calories from the artificial sweeteners used in the product. Additionally, some calorie-free drinks contain thickening agents or flavorings to improve the taste of these beverages, which can also add calories.
Is the taste of each flavored coffee similar with or without added sugars and syrups?
It depends on the flavored coffee. Generally, when added sugars and syrups are omitted, the flavor profile of a coffee can change - for example, coffees with chocolate or caramel flavors may have a milder taste without added sweeteners, while coffees with fruity notes may be more pronounced. It's best to try different kinds of flavored coffee, both with and without added sugars, in order to better understand how these ingredients affect the overall flavor profile.
Is it safe for pregnant women, children, and those with allergies to enjoy these beverages too?
Yes, it is generally safe for pregnant women, children, and those with allergies to enjoy sugar-free Dunkin flavors. However, individuals should use caution as certain combinations of ingredients could cause an allergic reaction in some people - plus, it's important for pregnant women to consult a doctor before consuming any food or beverages during their pregnancy. As always, it's always best to review the full ingredient list before making the decision whether to consume or not.
Does adding whipped cream to my order increase its caloric value significantly?
Whipped cream does contain calories, so it will increase the caloric value of your order - if you are looking for a lower-calorie option, Dunkin offers sugar-free flavors that can be used to sweeten your favorite beverages. Choose from eleven sugar-free flavors, including Vanilla, Caramel, Coconut, Hazelnut, Toasted Almond, Blueberry, and more.
Does Dunkin Donuts serve any vegan options for beverages?
Yes, Dunkin Donuts offers several vegan beverage options. They have an extensive selection of plant-based milk, including almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk - they also have a wide variety of coffee and tea options, such as mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, iced teas, and frozen coffee drinks that can be made with these plant-based kinds of milk. Plus, they offer several flavors of their signature Frozen Dunkin' Coffee that are also suitable for vegans.
Can I use Stevia to make my sugar-free drink?
Yes, you can definitely use Stevia to make your sugar-free drink. Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that's around 200 times sweeter than table sugar but with no calories or carbohydrates. It also has a low glycemic index and won't cause spikes in blood sugar levels like other artificial sweeteners. It can be used in many different types of beverages, including coffee and tea.