Dunkin’s Holiday Drinks Are Back—Here’s What’s Recommended by Dietitians

ClosePhoto:Courtesy of BrandThe holiday season is basically here, and Dunkin’ wants you to celebrate with their holiday menu that became available nationwide on Wednesday. From returning fan-favorite drinks to brand-new menu items, the breakfast and coffee chain is already getting us in a joyful mood.Not sure what to try out? Two ofEatingWell’s dietitians—senior nutrition & news editorMaria Laura Haddad-Garciaand nutrition editorJessica Ball, M.S., RD—just shared their recommendations and tips for making these seasonal beverages a little bit healthier. Here’s what you should know before rolling up to your nearest drive-thru.Trader Joe’s Just Dropped a Thanksgiving Version of Its Fan-Favorite Chili CrispFirst, let’s talk about Dunkin’s newest addition to the menu. The newly launchedCookie Butter Cold Brewis described as an “ultra-smooth cold brew” featuring flavors like brown sugar, topped with cookie butter cold foam and cookie butter crumbles.Here’s the nutrition information for a mediumblack Cookie Butter Cold Brewcoffee:200 calories3.5 grams total fat2 grams saturated fat90 milligrams sodium40 grams carbohydrates37 grams total sugar37 grams added sugar1 gram proteinBall said she’s looking to try this cold brew, but there are a couple of adjustments she’d make to cut down on added sugar.“These holiday drinks contain up to 49 grams of added sugar per medium drink, which is almost at the recommended daily intake limit from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Ball said, referring tothese guidelines. “To reduce the added sugar and total calories in your drink, try opting for a smaller size and asking for half of the pumps of syrup they would typically use. This way you can still enjoy the flavors of the season in a way that aligns better with your goals.”If you get this cold brew with whole milk, it may bump up the protein content, but it will increase the amount of calories and fat in the drink. Instead, try using an alternative, per Haddad-Garcia’s suggestion.“To reduce the saturated fat, you can opt for either reduced-fat milk or a plant-based option like almond, oat or soy,” she said. This will help lighten your coffee’s flavor to your preference in a healthier way.Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk: Which Is Healthier?For her drink of choice, Haddad-Garcia has her eye on a minty flavor.“While all of them look so yummy, I’d order the Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte, hot!” she said. “I’ve always loved peppermint-chocolate goodies, so that’s why I’d choose that one. For me, hot specialty beverages feel like a hug from someone I love.”Here’s the breakdown for a mediumPeppermint Mocha Signature Lattewith whole milk:420 calories14 grams total fat8 grams saturated fat190 milligrams sodium61 grams carbohydrates56 grams total sugar42 grams added sugar10 grams proteinTo make it slightly healthier, Haddad-Garcia would order a small size with almond milk, fewer pumps of syrup and no whipped cream.Other holiday drinks at Dunkin’ this season include their Spiced Cookie Coffee and their Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte, which both sound delicious. Whatever you decide to try out in the upcoming months, make sure you enjoy it! AtEatingWell, we believe that any food or drink, including these sweet coffees, can be included in a healthy eating pattern. Just be mindful of your intake and moderate your Dunkin' visits, as these shouldn’t replace yourdaily coffee.My Mom Still Raves About This Mother’s Day Gift, and I Just Found a Cuter Version from Le Creuset on SaleWas this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Photo:Courtesy of Brand

Courtesy of Brand

The holiday season is basically here, and Dunkin’ wants you to celebrate with their holiday menu that became available nationwide on Wednesday. From returning fan-favorite drinks to brand-new menu items, the breakfast and coffee chain is already getting us in a joyful mood.Not sure what to try out? Two ofEatingWell’s dietitians—senior nutrition & news editorMaria Laura Haddad-Garciaand nutrition editorJessica Ball, M.S., RD—just shared their recommendations and tips for making these seasonal beverages a little bit healthier. Here’s what you should know before rolling up to your nearest drive-thru.Trader Joe’s Just Dropped a Thanksgiving Version of Its Fan-Favorite Chili CrispFirst, let’s talk about Dunkin’s newest addition to the menu. The newly launchedCookie Butter Cold Brewis described as an “ultra-smooth cold brew” featuring flavors like brown sugar, topped with cookie butter cold foam and cookie butter crumbles.Here’s the nutrition information for a mediumblack Cookie Butter Cold Brewcoffee:200 calories3.5 grams total fat2 grams saturated fat90 milligrams sodium40 grams carbohydrates37 grams total sugar37 grams added sugar1 gram proteinBall said she’s looking to try this cold brew, but there are a couple of adjustments she’d make to cut down on added sugar.“These holiday drinks contain up to 49 grams of added sugar per medium drink, which is almost at the recommended daily intake limit from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Ball said, referring tothese guidelines. “To reduce the added sugar and total calories in your drink, try opting for a smaller size and asking for half of the pumps of syrup they would typically use. This way you can still enjoy the flavors of the season in a way that aligns better with your goals.”If you get this cold brew with whole milk, it may bump up the protein content, but it will increase the amount of calories and fat in the drink. Instead, try using an alternative, per Haddad-Garcia’s suggestion.“To reduce the saturated fat, you can opt for either reduced-fat milk or a plant-based option like almond, oat or soy,” she said. This will help lighten your coffee’s flavor to your preference in a healthier way.Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk: Which Is Healthier?For her drink of choice, Haddad-Garcia has her eye on a minty flavor.“While all of them look so yummy, I’d order the Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte, hot!” she said. “I’ve always loved peppermint-chocolate goodies, so that’s why I’d choose that one. For me, hot specialty beverages feel like a hug from someone I love.”Here’s the breakdown for a mediumPeppermint Mocha Signature Lattewith whole milk:420 calories14 grams total fat8 grams saturated fat190 milligrams sodium61 grams carbohydrates56 grams total sugar42 grams added sugar10 grams proteinTo make it slightly healthier, Haddad-Garcia would order a small size with almond milk, fewer pumps of syrup and no whipped cream.Other holiday drinks at Dunkin’ this season include their Spiced Cookie Coffee and their Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte, which both sound delicious. Whatever you decide to try out in the upcoming months, make sure you enjoy it! AtEatingWell, we believe that any food or drink, including these sweet coffees, can be included in a healthy eating pattern. Just be mindful of your intake and moderate your Dunkin' visits, as these shouldn’t replace yourdaily coffee.My Mom Still Raves About This Mother’s Day Gift, and I Just Found a Cuter Version from Le Creuset on SaleWas this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Not sure what to try out? Two ofEatingWell’s dietitians—senior nutrition & news editorMaria Laura Haddad-Garciaand nutrition editorJessica Ball, M.S., RD—just shared their recommendations and tips for making these seasonal beverages a little bit healthier. Here’s what you should know before rolling up to your nearest drive-thru.

Trader Joe’s Just Dropped a Thanksgiving Version of Its Fan-Favorite Chili Crisp

First, let’s talk about Dunkin’s newest addition to the menu. The newly launchedCookie Butter Cold Brewis described as an “ultra-smooth cold brew” featuring flavors like brown sugar, topped with cookie butter cold foam and cookie butter crumbles.

Here’s the nutrition information for a mediumblack Cookie Butter Cold Brewcoffee:

Ball said she’s looking to try this cold brew, but there are a couple of adjustments she’d make to cut down on added sugar.

“These holiday drinks contain up to 49 grams of added sugar per medium drink, which is almost at the recommended daily intake limit from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Ball said, referring tothese guidelines. “To reduce the added sugar and total calories in your drink, try opting for a smaller size and asking for half of the pumps of syrup they would typically use. This way you can still enjoy the flavors of the season in a way that aligns better with your goals.”

If you get this cold brew with whole milk, it may bump up the protein content, but it will increase the amount of calories and fat in the drink. Instead, try using an alternative, per Haddad-Garcia’s suggestion.

“To reduce the saturated fat, you can opt for either reduced-fat milk or a plant-based option like almond, oat or soy,” she said. This will help lighten your coffee’s flavor to your preference in a healthier way.

Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk: Which Is Healthier?

For her drink of choice, Haddad-Garcia has her eye on a minty flavor.

“While all of them look so yummy, I’d order the Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte, hot!” she said. “I’ve always loved peppermint-chocolate goodies, so that’s why I’d choose that one. For me, hot specialty beverages feel like a hug from someone I love.”

Here’s the breakdown for a mediumPeppermint Mocha Signature Lattewith whole milk:

To make it slightly healthier, Haddad-Garcia would order a small size with almond milk, fewer pumps of syrup and no whipped cream.

Other holiday drinks at Dunkin’ this season include their Spiced Cookie Coffee and their Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte, which both sound delicious. Whatever you decide to try out in the upcoming months, make sure you enjoy it! AtEatingWell, we believe that any food or drink, including these sweet coffees, can be included in a healthy eating pattern. Just be mindful of your intake and moderate your Dunkin' visits, as these shouldn’t replace yourdaily coffee.

My Mom Still Raves About This Mother’s Day Gift, and I Just Found a Cuter Version from Le Creuset on Sale

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