Dunkin’ Just Announced a New Winter Menu—Here’s the Healthiest Drink to Order
Fans of white chocolate and hazelnut will want to get in on this one!
Courtesy of Brand
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
As the holidays slowly come to a close, we can always expect that a new bunch of fun, seasonal flavors will start showing up at some of our favorite restaurants and coffee shops—and Dunkin’ is no exception.
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This week, Dunkin’ announced that it will start offering a new set of seasonal drinks beginning December 27—so get your last peppermint mocha while they’re still around. The new menu will include the returning Pink Velvet Macchiato and Pancake Wake-Up Wrap, plus newcomers like the White Hazelnut Bark Coffee and Frosty Red Velvet Specialty Donut. They also announced a Dunkin’ Rewards perk that you might want to take advantage of: in 2024, a medium hot or iced coffee is just $2 for Rewards members.
If you’re not a member yet, you may want to wait until December 27 to join—starting that day, new members will get a free medium beverage with their first purchase.
Related: Why Coffee Tastes Better from a Café, According to an Expert
For folks who are going to miss Dunkin’s holiday menu, the White Hazelnut Bark Coffee may be just what you’re looking for. The folks at Dunkin’ say it’s inspired by the holiday menu’s Toasted White Chocolate Swirl, but this version is just available as a simple coffee—hot or iced, but not as a latte or a frozen drink.
The White Hazelnut Bark Coffee might just be one of the healthiest drinks you can snap up this season, too. Here’s how the nutritional info for a small, 10-ounce White Hazelnut Bark hot coffee:
170 calories
6 grams total fat
3 grams saturated fat
60 milligrams sodium
26 grams carbohydrate
25 grams sugar
3 grams protein
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Some specialty coffee drinks—whether at Dunkin’ or another favorite chain—can be a little high in saturated fat, which is tough on folks who need to eat a heart-healthy diet. The White Hazelnut Bark Coffee comes in with just 3 grams, which is the lowest on Dunkin’s new winter menu. While we wouldn’t label this drink heart-healthy, it can definitely be enjoyed as a special holiday time treat.
The drink does line up with some of our recommendations for folks with diabetes—the lower level of sodium and total carbohydrates make it a solid treat option for someone needing a little caffeine boost to get through a day of hosting or traveling. Plus, while this drink isn’t high in protein, the three grams it offers gives it a little staying power. Pair it with a fiberful snack, like an apple or a handful of nuts, for an afternoon snack that could help tide you over until suppertime.
Related: The Best and Worst Things to Add to Your Coffee, According to Dietitians
Whether you opt to try out this nutty-sweet coffee this season or stick to a tried and true favorite, just remember that anything in moderation can fit into a healthy diet—so don’t feel guilty about your occasional sweet coffee. Of course, if you’d rather save your dough and make coffee at home, we’ve got your back—try a recipe like our Chocolate-Hazelnut Iced Coffee or even this Spiked Vanilla Latte to capture the coffeehouse magic in your kitchen.
Read the original article on Eating Well.
