5 Fast Food Drinks With Way More Sugar Than a Can of Soda  

When you think of sugar-laden beverages, soda is likely the first thing that comes to mind.

For perspective, a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar, while a similar-sized Pepsi packs 41 grams.

But did you know that many popular fast food drinks can pack even more sugar into your cup?

These drinks, marketed as tempting iced teas, fruity smoothies, or indulgent coffee creations, leave you with much more sweetness than you might have expected.

Knowing what’s actually in fast-food beverages is critical for those who are watching their sugar intake.

Today, we’ll look at five fast-food drinks that contain way more sugar than a can of soda, plus some healthier drink alternatives.

Why Sugar Matters More Than You Think  

Excess sugar is a growing concern for health-conscious consumers. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum recommended daily sugar intake for men is 36 grams, and for women, it is 25 grams.

Drinking just one high-sugar fast food beverage could nearly double that intake, contributing to a range of health risks like weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay.  

Fast food restaurants often pack their beverages with sugar in the form of syrups, fruit concentrates, and sweeteners, making it easier than you think to overconsume.  

Now, let’s uncover the worst offenders so you can sip smarter.

1. Starbucks’ Venti Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino  

Sugar content: 78g sugar in a 24-ounce serving  

Paying homage to dessert in drink form, the Venti Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is loaded with caramel syrup, whipped cream, dark caramel sauce, and crunchy caramel topping.

This popular drink contains a staggering 78 grams of sugar, almost double what’s found in a can of soda.  

Healthier alternative:  

Opt for the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew. This option has significantly less sugar: 270 calories, 32g sugar, and 15 g fat compared to a similar Venti size of 24 ounces.

2. McDonald’s Large Mango Pineapple Smoothie  

Sugar content: 78 grams in a US large-size

While smoothies often market themselves as a healthy option, McDonald’s Large Mango Pineapple Smoothie is a different story.

With 78 grams of sugar, it’s a tropical sugar bomb, thanks to the use of fruit puree and juice concentrates rather than fresh fruit.

Also, it lacks the fibers that fruits naturally contain, which help regulate blood sugar levels.

Healthier alternative:  

Stick with McDonald’s unsweetened iced tea and add a slice of lemon. It’s hydrating, refreshing, and free from added sugars.

3. Dunkin’s Large Frozen Coffee with Cream

Sugar content: 160+ grams in a 32-ounce serving  

One of the highest-sugar entries on our list, Dunkin’s Large Frozen Coffee with Cream has over 160 grams of sugar—the equivalent of drinking almost four cans of soda in one sitting!

It’s an absolute sugar bomb! Not only that, add the high-calorie count from the cream and flavor swirls, and you’ve got a drink that’s more dessert than a beverage.

Healthier alternative:  

Order an Iced coffee with skim or almond milk, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost without the sugar surge.

4. Taco Bell’s Mtn Dew Baja Blast Large  

Sugar content: 111 grams in a 30-ounce serving  

This tropical-flavored soda is a fan favorite at Taco Bell, but its sugar content should be considered.

With 111 grams of sugar in a large size, it surpasses many other sweet beverages on the menu.

While its refreshing and unique taste is tempting, indulging in this drink can quickly increase your daily sugar intake. 

For more on this, please read https://grosseating.com/shocking-sugar-levels-in-popular-drinks/

Healthier alternative:  

Opt for a Diet Baja Blast, which offers a similar flavor with significantly less sugar.

If you prefer to avoid soda entirely, consider choosing unsweetened iced tea or just water to complement your meal.

5. Krispy Kreme’s Large Strawberry Chiller  

Sugar content: 92 grams in a Large 20-ounce serving  

The Frozen Caramel Latte from Krispy Kreme is tempting for coffee and caramel lovers.

However, with 92 grams of sugar in just a 16-ounce serving, this drink surpasses even the sweetest of desserts in sugar content, making it a less-than-ideal indulgence for your daily caffeine fix.  

Healthier alternative:  

Opt for an Iced Caramel Latte with 2% milk to satisfy your caramel coffee craving with far less sugar—40 grams for 20 ounces.

What Are Some Safer Drink Choices?  

Avoiding high-sugar fast food drinks doesn’t mean giving up on flavor or fun.

Consider these healthier options the next time you’re at a fast food chain or looking for a grab-and-go beverage:

• Unsweetened teas (black, green, or herbal) are refreshing and sugar-free.
• Sparkling waters with natural flavors add fizz without sugar.
• Coffee with low-fat or plant-based milk keeps calories and added sugars in check.
• Small portions of fruit smoothies made with actual fruit and no added sweeteners.
• Plain water is always the healthiest (and often free) option.

Making informed decisions about what you drink can make a huge difference in keeping your daily sugar intake within healthy limits.

Sip Smarter  

Fast food drinks often fly under the radar regarding sugar content, but as you’ve seen, one beverage can easily exceed your daily recommended sugar intake.

By being mindful about what you order and selecting healthier alternatives, you can still enjoy the convenience of fast food without compromising your health goals.

The next time you’re in line at your favorite fast food chain, take a few seconds to evaluate the drink menu.

Opting for unsweetened or low-sugar options is a small step that will have lasting benefits for your overall health.

Stay informed, sip smart, and inspire others by making healthier choices today!