The Unhealthy Truth About Iced Caramel Macchiatos from Dunkin and Starbucks

When it comes to indulging in a sweet and creamy beverage, few options are more appealing than an iced caramel macchiato. However, as a registered dietitian, I must caution that these popular drinks are far from a healthy choice.

Take the Dunkin' iced caramel macchiato, for instance. A medium-sized serving packs a whopping 290 calories and 35 grams of sugar. To make matters worse, Dunkin's caramel sauce contains preservatives, processed sugar, and high fructose corn syrup – hardly ingredients you'd want to put in your body.

Starbucks' version isn't much better, with its Grande size clocking in at 250 calories and a staggering 33 grams of sugar. And let's not forget the long list of chemicals and preservatives added to their syrups and flavorings.

So, what makes these drinks so unhealthy? It all comes down to the ingredients used in the caramel sauce and syrup. At Dunkin', this includes sweetened condensed nonfat milk, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, water, brown sugar, caramel color, potassium sorbate (a preservative), natural flavors, and salt.

Meanwhile, Starbucks' version is made with a combination of milk, ice, brewed espresso, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce – all of which contribute to its high calorie and sugar content.

But fear not! There's a healthier alternative. As an alternative to the traditional iced caramel macchiato, I recommend making your own at home using wholesome ingredients like dates, milk (such as flax milk), pure vanilla extract, and sea salt. Simply blend together date caramel, ice cubes, flax milk, and espresso made from organic coffee beans for a delicious and healthier take on this classic drink.

In fact, my homemade iced caramel macchiato recipe uses just five ingredients: date caramel (made with dates, milk, pure vanilla extract, and sea salt), ice cubes, flax milk, espresso (from organic coffee beans), and a dash of sea salt. Compare that to the long list of chemicals and preservatives found in Dunkin' and Starbucks' versions!

So the next time you're tempted by an iced caramel macchiato from Dunkin or Starbucks, consider making your own healthier version at home. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you!

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