A Comparison of Calories and Sugar Content in Popular Coffee Chains' Beverages

A new coffee-focused establishment, CosMc's, has recently emerged with a menu that echoes the beloved drink choices found at Starbucks and Dunkin'. Curiosity arises on how their offerings measure up in terms of nutritional value. To determine this, we examined the calorie and sugar content of similar beverages across all three chains, taking into account that the medium-sized cups at all three locations are 16 ounces. The American Heart Association recommends limits on daily added sugar intake, highlighting its impact on overall health. Notably, CosMc's standard coffee recipes employ whole milk, while our comparisons with Dunkin' are based on their whole milk recipes, and Starbucks' are based on 2% milk due to the absence of a whole milk option in their nutritional guide. The sugar and calorie comparisons are detailed below:Medium CappuccinoCosMc's: 160 calories, 11 g sugarStarbucks: 120 calories, 10 g sugarDunkin': 120 calories, 0 g sugar (without added sugar) or 220 calories, 35 g sugar (with added sugar)Blended Frozen CoffeeCosMc's Cold Brew Frappe: 430 calories, 48 g sugarStarbucks Coffee Frappuccino: 240 calories, 50 g sugar (with whole milk)Dunkin' Frozen Coffee: 410 calories, 84 g sugarHot Chai LatteCosMc's: 370 calories, 60 g sugarStarbucks: 240 calories, 42 g sugarDunkin': 290 calories, 40 g sugarHot ChocolateCosMc's: 380 calories, 35 g sugarStarbucks: 290 calories, 41 g sugarDunkin': 330 calories, 46 g sugar (milk type unspecified)Mocha LatteCosMc's Mocha: 380 calories, 34 g sugarStarbucks "Caffè Mocha": 260 calories, 34 g sugarDunkin' "Mocha Swirl Hot Latte": 330 calories, 47 g sugarNotably, CosMc's also offers unique beverages such as their "Signature Galactic Boosts" and fruity iced teas and lemonades. Several offerings exceed the AHA's recommended daily sugar intake for women. Options with the lowest sugar and calorie content include unsweetened teas and straight coffee with 0 grams of sugar and 0 to 25 calories.