Dutch Bros Coffee is a popular drive-thru coffee chain that started in Oregon and has expanded across the western United States. They are known for their fun, high-energy atmosphere and specialty coffee and energy drink menu. One common question from health-conscious customers is whether Dutch Bros offers sugar-free drink options.
Do They Have Sugar Free Syrups and Sweeteners?
Yes, Dutch Bros does offer sugar-free syrups and sweeteners as an alternative to their regular, sugar-based syrups. When ordering, customers can request sugar-free flavors instead of the regular syrups. They have sugar-free versions of many of their most popular syrup flavors, including caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate.
For sweetening coffee drinks, Dutch Bros provides several no-calorie or low-calorie sugar substitute options, including:
- Splenda
- Equal
- Sweet’N Low
- Stevia
So when ordering a latte, mocha, or other coffee drink from their menu, customers can request no syrups and add Splenda, Equal, Sweet’N Low, or stevia as a zero-calorie way to sweeten the drink.
Sugar Free Energy Drink Options
In addition to coffee drinks, Dutch Bros has an extensive menu of energy drink options. Many of their energy drink flavors are also available sugar-free. For example, instead of regular Rebel, customers can order a Sugar Free Rebel made with sugar-free syrups and either Splenda, Equal, or stevia for sweetening.
Some of the sugar-free energy drink options at Dutch Bros include:
- Sugar Free Rebel
- Sugar Free Raspberry Rebel
- Sugar Free Rockstar
- Sugar Free Monster
So people looking for an energy boost from a Dutch Bros energy drink can get one without any added sugars.
Keto-Friendly Drinks
For customers following a very low-carb or ketogenic diet, Dutch Bros has options too. They can create customized “keto” drinks with:
- Brewed coffee or Americanos with heavy cream or coconut milk instead of regular milk
- Sugar free syrups
- Sugar substitute like Splenda or stevia
This allows people on the keto diet to still enjoy the fun flavors and caffeine of Dutch Bros, while sticking to their low-carb, high-fat meal plan.
Should You Get Light Ice?
Some Dutch Bros customers who order sugar-free drinks get them with light ice as a way to increase the drink’s sweetness without adding sugar. Since sugar substitutes like Splenda don’t effectively sweeten large volumes of cold liquid, getting easy ice reduces the drink’s volume so the smaller amount of sugar substitute tastes sweeter.
However, getting light ice reduces the overall volume of the drink itself. So people who want a larger size drink but sugar-free may want to ask for extra Splenda, stevia, etc. instead of reducing the ice.
What About Their Smoothies?
Dutch Bros has a menu of fruit smoothies in flavors like strawberry, peach, and mixed berry. The standard smoothie recipes are made with fruit, fruit juice, and a bit of sweetener.
People looking for a lower sugar smoothie option can ask for:
- No added sweetener
- Light juice
- Extra ice
- Sugar substitute added
This gives you more of the fresh fruit flavor with less fruit juice and added sweetener.
Sugar Free Cold Brew Drinks
Cold brew coffee has gained popularity as a smoother, less acidic way to enjoy iced coffee. Dutch Bros offers both cold brew coffee and cold brew teas on their menu.
Both the cold brew coffee and tea come unsweetened without any syrups. So they are naturally sugar-free choices. Customers can add a splash of milk, heavy cream, or sugar-free sweeteners like stevia to customize the drink to their taste.
Are Sodas Sugar Free?
Dutch Bros serves a variety of sodas like Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. The regular sodas like Coke and Sprite contain sugar, while the diet sodas like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Sprite Zero contain artificial sweeteners and no sugar.
Customers who want a carbonated, fizzy drink without sugar should order diet sodas or other diet/zero beverage options.
Ordering Tips
Here are some useful tips for ordering sugar-free or low sugar drinks from Dutch Bros:
- Specify sugar-free – say you want a sugar-free version of any syrup flavors in your drink.
- Ask for extra sugar substitute if needed for more sweetness.
- Request light ice to concentrate sweetness (or extra ice for larger size).
- For coffee, ask for heavy cream or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- In smoothies, get light juice and no added sweetener.
- Opt for diet/zero sodas and unsweetened cold brew.
Being clear and specific with your order is key to getting your drink made just right. The energetic Dutch Bros employees are usually happy to customize your beverage to your preferences.
Does It Depend on Location?
Dutch Bros has hundreds of locations across many states, so menu options and product availability can vary somewhat regionally. Specific sugar-free syrup flavors may differ between shops.
Your best bet is to check with your local Dutch Bros about sugar-free options. Let them know your dietary needs and preferences. For example, ask:
- Do you have sugar-free caramel and vanilla syrups?
- Can you make a Rebel energy drink sugar-free?
- What sugar substitutes do you have on hand?
The employees will be able to tell you what sugar-free customizations they can whip up for you at that specific shop. Then you’ll know what to order during your future visits.
Nutrition Information
Wondering about the calorie, carb, and sugar content of Dutch Bros drinks? The nutritional facts can help guide sugar-free choices.
Unfortunately, Dutch Bros does not provide complete nutrition info for all menu items on their website. However, they note a few examples:
- 16 oz Iced Coffee – 140 calories, 145 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, 37 g sugar
- 16 oz Iced Vanilla Latte – 230 calories, 150 mg sodium, 50 g carbs, 50 g sugar
- 24 oz Strawberries Wild Smoothie – 350 calories, 210 mg sodium, 88 g carbs, 75 g sugar
These show that many standard menu items are high in carbohydrates and added sugars. Ordering sugar-free reduces both calories and carbs significantly.
Should You Reduce Overall Sugar Intake?
Dutch Bros can craft sugar-free drinks, but for health, it may be wise to limit sugary beverage intake overall.
Added sugars have been linked to:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Fatty liver disease
The American Heart Association recommends:
- No more than 6 tsp (25 g) added sugar per day for women
- No more than 9 tsp (36 g) added sugar per day for men
Just one 16 oz Dutch Bros iced vanilla latte with regular syrups contains around 50 g added sugar – already over the daily limit!
If you enjoy Dutch Bros beverages frequently, scaling back overall sugar intake is important for health. Their sugar-free options can help with that.
Are Sugar Substitutes Completely Harmless?
While less caloric than sugar, artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes may have downsides as well. For example:
- Splenda – May alter gut bacteria and interfere with appetite signals
- Aspartame – Controversy around cancer risk
- Saccharin – Rodent studies linked to cancer
- Stevia – Generally well tolerated but may cause nausea or stomach upset in some
Research on sugar substitute safety is still emerging. While preferable to sugar, consuming artificial sweeteners daily and long-term may not be completely risk-free either. Moderation is likely wise.
Should You Switch to Unsweetened Drinks?
With concerns around added sugars and sugar substitutes, switching to more unsweetened beverages may promote health. Options like:
- Plain coffee or tea
- Sparkling water
- Unsweetened cold brew coffee
- Seltzer water with lemon
- Skim or soy milk
Gradually transitioning from very sweet drinks to more subtly flavored, unsweetened options allows your taste buds to adapt. You can retrain yourself to enjoy drinks with less sweetness over time.
Summary
Dutch Bros does offer sugar-free versions of many menu items by using:
- Sugar free syrups – caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, etc
- Artificial sweeteners – Splenda, Equal, Sweet & Low
- Natural sweeteners – stevia
- Sugar free energy drinks
- Customized keto-friendly options
- Unsweetened cold brew
- Diet sodas
Be sure to check your local shop for their specific sugar-free offerings and customizations. While sugar substitutes help reduce calories and carbs, think about limiting total sweetener consumption for health. Gradually shifting to more minimally sweetened beverages may be beneficial long-term.
