Dunkin’ Just Released Its Novel Summer Menu — Here’s What Dietitians Recommend

Summer is in the air and we’re swapping our toasty mugs for iced beverages. Dunkin’s modern seasonal menu makes it incredibly simple.

The breakfast chain’s modern coffee drink flavors include Blueberry Donut Iced Coffee, Vanilla Frosted Donut Signature Latte, and Kiwi Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher. Two flavors are also returning to the summer menu: Strawberry Dragonfruit Dunkin’ Refresher and Mango Pineapple Dunkin’ Refresher. Not to mention, the brand modern Green Goddess Wrap filled with scrambled egg whites, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and an herbal dressing sounds absolutely delicious.

Before you head to your nearest Dunkin’, we asked: Eat welldietitians ‘s what they would order from the modern menu. They give their recommendations and what to keep in mind before ordering — here’s everything you need to know.

Our nutrition editor Jessica Ball, MS, RD, and senior nutrition editor Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia agree on the flavor they can’t wait to try: Blueberry Donut Iced Coffee. The fruity flavor is meant to mimic the flavor of the fan-favorite blueberry donut.

“While I usually like to drink my coffee balmy, the radiant days here in Austin sometimes make me crave an iced coffee,” Haddad-Garcia says. “And the Blueberry Donut Iced Coffee looks delicious. The flavors of blueberries with a hint of sweet puff pastry sound like a winner.”

Here is the nutritional information for a tiny frozen blueberry donut:

• 170 calories
• 6 grams total fat
• 3 grams of saturated fat
• 20 milligrams of cholesterol
• 75 milligrams of sodium
• 27 grams of carbohydrates
• 0 grams of fiber
• 26 grams of sugar in total
• 22 grams of added sugar
• 3 grams of protein

Even though this drink is lower in calories and sodium, there are other factors to consider, such as its sugar content.

“If I were to order this drink, I would choose the tiny version and ask for half as much syrup to reduce the amount of added sugar in the drink,” Ball explains. “As is, the tiny version of this drink has about 22 grams, which is close to the 25-gram maximum recommended by the American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines. Using half the syrup would allow me to enjoy the flavor in a way that better meets my goals.”

Haddad-Garcia would order her drink exactly as Ball did. Plus, she can definitely see herself ordering the modern Green Goddess Wrap for a takeout lunch.

Here are the nutritional values ​​for one Green Goddess Wrap:

• 260 calories
• 6 grams total fat
• 2 grams of saturated fat
• 10 milligrams of cholesterol
• 900 milligrams of sodium
• 37 grams of carbohydrates
• 3 grams of fiber
• 4 grams of sugar in total
• 1 gram of added sugar
• 15 grams of protein

“The combination of scrambled egg whites, farro, and feta cheese provides 15 grams of protein per satisfying bite,” Haddad-Garcia explains. “However, it is higher in sodium, with 990 milligrams per wrap, which is more than 40 percent of the maximum recommended intake by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” He adds that by ordering this tortilla, he intends to limit the amount of sodium he consumes throughout the day, especially paying attention to questionable sources.

When it comes to three reminder items, our social media specialist Annie Nguyen, MA, RD, has her eye on one in particular.

“I love drinking green tea, especially flavored tea, so I would definitely order a tiny Mango Pineapple Dunkin’ Refresher,” Nguyen says.

Dunkin’ Refresher Mini Drink with Mango and Pineapple Contains:

• 160 calories
• 0 grams total fat
• 0 milligrams of cholesterol
• 15 milligrams of sodium
• 40 grams of carbohydrates
• 0 grams of fiber
• 38 grams of sugar in total
• 38 grams of added sugar
• 0 grams of protein

The modern Kiwi Watermelon Refresher — and the returning Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher — are very similar in nutritional value. All three drinks contain between 36 and 38 grams of added sugar per tiny serving. However, Nguyen explains that she would still order the Mango Pineapple Refresher as is — here’s why.

“Because the tiny version has 38 grams of added sugar, I ordered it as a sweet snack to keep my added sugar intake lower,” she explains. Eat wellwe believe that all foods and beverages can be incorporated into a hearty diet. Moderation is key, and an occasional sweet treat shouldn’t get in the way of your health goals.

Summary

While it’s critical to be aware of the added sugar in these drinks, there are healthier ways to try them: order a tiny portion and ask for less syrup. Or drink one as is and enjoy it, especially if it’s an occasional treat. As for the Green Goddess Wrap, this choice can be a hearty source of protein if your sodium intake isn’t high the rest of the day.