How many calories are in a Dunkin Donuts caramel iced latte?

Quick Answer

A medium (16 oz) Dunkin’ Donuts caramel iced latte made with whole milk contains approximately 330 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on the milk type and size of the drink.

Calories in Each Size

Size Calories
Small (12 oz) 250
Medium (16 oz) 330
Large (20 oz) 410

As shown in the table above, the calorie count ranges from 250 calories for a small size to 410 calories for a large size. The calories are primarily coming from the milk, syrups, and whipped cream used to make the iced latte.

Calories by Milk Type

The type of milk used can also impact the calorie count. Here is a breakdown of the calories by milk type for a medium (16 oz) Dunkin’ Donuts caramel iced latte:

Milk Type Calories
Whole Milk 330
2% Reduced Fat Milk 300
Nonfat Milk 270
Almond Milk 270

Using whole milk results in the highest calorie count at 330 calories for a medium size. Switching to nonfat milk or almond milk reduces the calories by about 60 per medium drink.

Calories from Each Ingredient

A caramel iced latte is made up of espresso, steamed milk, caramel swirl syrup, and whipped cream. Here is an approximate breakdown of the calories from each ingredient in a medium caramel iced latte made with whole milk:

  • Espresso: 5 calories
  • Whole milk: 150 calories
  • Caramel swirl syrup: 120 calories
  • Whipped cream: 55 calories

As you can see, the steamed whole milk contributes the most calories at 150. The caramel swirl syrup is next at 120 calories, providing the sweet caramel flavor. The whipped cream tops each drink with a creamy texture and adds 55 calories.

Ways to Reduce the Calories

If you want to lighten up your caramel iced latte, here are some ways to reduce the calorie count:

  • Order a smaller size drink
  • Use nonfat milk or almond milk
  • Ask for less caramel swirl syrup
  • Hold the whipped cream
  • Request extra ice to make it more diluted

Ordering a small size with nonfat milk, less syrup, and no whipped cream can reduce the calorie count by 100 calories or more compared to a medium made with whole milk.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for a medium Dunkin’ Donuts caramel iced latte made with whole milk:

As you can see, a medium caramel latte provides a significant amount of calories, fat, carbohydrates, and sugar. Switching to nonfat milk and opting for less syrup are two easy ways to reduce the sugar and fat.

Comparisons to Other Drinks

Compared to other iced coffee drinks from Dunkin’ Donuts, the caramel iced latte is one of the higher calorie options. Here is how it compares:

Drink Calories (Medium Size)
Iced Coffee 100
Frozen Coffee 350
Vanilla Iced Latte 290
Mocha Iced Latte 340
Caramel Iced Latte 330

A medium iced coffee only contains around 100 calories, while frozen coffee, mocha, and other flavored lattes contain over 300. The caramel latte fits right in the middle with 330 calories.

Health Impact of Calories

When considering the health impact of a caramel iced latte, it’s important to look at the calorie count. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories. For a 2000 calorie diet, that would equal 200 calories from added sugars.

A medium caramel latte provides 330 calories total, with about 175 of those calories coming from added sugar in the caramel syrup and milk. That means this one drink uses up 88% of the recommended daily limit for added sugars for someone consuming 2000 calories per day.

Consuming excess added sugars like those found in sweetened lattes has been linked to increased risk for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease and tooth decay. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 25 grams or 100 calories per day for women and 150 calories for men.

While an occasional caramel latte won’t cause major health issues, regularly consuming lattes and other high-sugar drinks can put you at risk over the long-term.

Tips for Enjoying Lattes in Moderation

Here are some tips to keep in mind to enjoy caramel lattes and other sweet coffee drinks in moderation as part of a healthy diet:

  • Treat yourself to a latte occasionally rather than every day
  • Split a medium latte with a friend or opt for a small size
  • Flavor your coffee with cinnamon or cocoa powder instead of flavored syrups
  • Add a dash of milk or creamer to plain coffee rather than ordering an extra creamy latte
  • Stick to one pump of syrup instead of the standard two to three pumps
  • Sweeten your own coffee with a dash of maple syrup or honey for a lower calorie option

Using some of these tips can help you control calories while still being able to enjoy the occasional latte treat.

The Bottom Line

A medium Dunkin’ Donuts caramel iced latte made with whole milk contains approximately 330 calories. Choosing smaller sizes, nonfat milk, and less syrup can reduce the calorie count. While lattes are a tasty treat, consuming them regularly can increase your intake of added sugars and lead to negative health effects. Enjoy caramel lattes and other sugary coffee drinks occasionally and in moderation by ordering the smallest size you need and limiting add-ons like extra syrup and whipped cream.

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