RFK Jr. Calls Out Starbucks and Dunkin’ Over Sugary Coffee Drinks — Here’s How Much Sugar They Really Contain
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is taking aim at Starbucks and Dunkin’ over their sugar-loaded coffee beverages — but just how much sugar is in those drinks?
At an “Eat Real Food” rally in Austin, Texas, on February 26, Kennedy said he plans to challenge the two coffee giants on the sugar content in their iced drinks.
“We’re going to ask Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, ‘Show us the safety data that show that it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it,’” Kennedy stated.
“I don’t think they’re going to be able to do it.”
Nutrition information publicly available shows that sugar levels vary widely depending on the drink and size ordered. Not all frozen coffees are created equal.
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Starbucks: A Grande Starbucks Frappuccino contains more than 45 grams of sugar — not including whipped cream or syrups. A Grande Caramel Frappuccino has about 55 grams of sugar.
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Dunkin’: Dunkin’ Frozen Coffees generally contain even more sugar. A medium Caramel Crème Frozen Coffee has 132 grams of sugar, according to Dunkin’ menus.
With sugar content this high, Kennedy’s focus on the potential health risks, especially for teenagers, is sparking a nationwide conversation about what’s in our favorite coffee drinks.
RFK Jr. Criticizes Dunkin’ and Starbucks for High-Sugar Drinks — Experts Warn of Health Risks
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly called out Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks for the excessive sugar content in some of their beverages.
For example, a medium Frozen Coffee with Cream from Dunkin’ contains 81 grams of sugar — and that’s without any added syrups.
On Fox & Friends First Friday, family and emergency medicine physician Dr. Janette Nesheiwat said Kennedy’s concerns are valid.
“When you think about it, 100 grams of sugar — that’s equivalent to about 25 teaspoons of sugar,” she explained.
“Think of 25 of those little cubes of sugar that you are putting in your drink. Many teenagers aren’t aware of how much sugar they are consuming. That’s why education is so important.”
With sugar levels this high, health experts emphasize the importance of awareness and moderation, especially for teens who may be unknowingly consuming dangerously large amounts of sugar in everyday beverages.
RFK Jr. Challenges Dunkin’ and Starbucks Over Sugary Drinks — Experts Warn of Health Risks for Teens
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has challenged Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks to prove that their sugary beverages are safe for teenage girls. Health experts say the stakes are high.
Excess sugar can be extremely harmful, affecting metabolism and increasing the risk of chronic diseases, according to Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a family and emergency medicine physician.
“We see obesity, diabetes, heart disease — and now we’re seeing a lot of young patients with what we call non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” Nesheiwat explained.
“And then, of course, let’s not forget about the cavities that all the sugar can cause.”
The sugar in these drinks often exceeds daily recommended limits. Mackenzie Burgess, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, highlighted the alarming numbers:
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The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men.
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A medium Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee contains about 84 grams of sugar, while a Grande Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino has roughly 60 grams.
“One drink alone can have two to three times more sugar than recommended for an entire day,” Burgess said.
To put it in perspective, a medium Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee is comparable to three Snickers bars, while most Frappuccinos are “similar to a theater-size box of M&Ms.”
“When you drink sugar instead of eating it, it often doesn’t feel as filling, so it’s easier to consume a large amount without realizing it,” Burgess added.
With sugar content this high, experts stress the importance of awareness, moderation, and educating teens about the hidden sugar in popular coffee drinks.
How to Enjoy Coffee Without Excess Sugar: Expert Tips from Dietitians
A Grande Starbucks Frappuccino contains about 45 grams of sugar, according to the company’s website. Excess sugar has been linked to inflammation in the brain, including areas responsible for memory, experts say.
But avoiding sugar doesn’t mean giving up a coffee pick-me-up. Mackenzie Burgess, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Cheerful Choices, offers practical advice:
“As a dietitian, I always recommend starting with a base of unsweetened coffee and building from there,” she said.
“Choose iced coffee, cold brew, or plain-brewed coffee first, then customize it.”
Most major coffee chains offer sugar-free syrups and a variety of milk options, including 2% and skim milk.
“Lately, I’ve enjoyed ordering a Grande Cold Brew with one pump of sugar-free vanilla, a splash of cream, and cinnamon powder on top, which totals zero grams of added sugar,” Burgess suggested.
Both Starbucks and Dunkin’ were contacted for comment on the sugar content in their drinks.
Reporting contributions by Michael Sinkewicz of Fox News Digital.
