The Coffee Shop Drink That Has More Calories Than a Big Mac
Your favorite coffee order might pack more calories than a McDonald’s Big Mac—and we’re not talking about a snack.
While fast food is often blamed for unhealthy choices, an eye-opening investigation reveals that one popular coffee chain drink contains 1,330 calories—more than double the calories of a classic Big Mac (590 calories).
The Calorie Bomb Hiding in Plain Sight
The worst offender? Caribou Coffee’s XL Turtle Mocha Blended Beverage, a chocolatey, caramel-topped frozen drink loaded with whipped cream. This single drink contains:
- 1,330 calories (equivalent to eating two and a half Big Macs)
- 126 grams of sugar (more than three 12-ounce cans of Coke)
- 54 grams of fat (nearly a full day’s recommended limit)
For comparison, a McDonald’s Big Mac has 590 calories, 34 grams of fat, and 10 grams of sugar.
How Coffee Drinks Became Dessert
Coffee chains have quietly turned drinks into sugary, high-fat treats. Here’s how other popular orders stack up:
- Dunkin’ Caramel Crème Frozen Coffee (Large): 1,120 calories
- Caribou Caramel Caribou Cooler (XL): 1,050 calories
- Tim Hortons Caramel Iced Capp (Large): 784 calories
Even seemingly “small” sizes pack a punch. A medium Oreo Iced Capp from Tim Hortons has 720 calories—more than a Big Mac.
Why This Matters
Doctors warn that sugary coffee drinks contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25-36 grams of added sugar daily, but many of these drinks exceed that in one serving. For example:
- Dunkin’s Butter Pecan Swirl Frozen Coffee (Large): 168 grams of sugar
- Caribou’s Campfire Mocha (XL): 107 grams of sugar
What Can You Do?
Experts suggest:
- Skip whipped cream and syrups (they add 100+ calories).
- Choose smaller sizes—a “large” often has 2-3 servings.
- Opt for black coffee or unsweetened almond milk lattes.
Next time you crave a sweet coffee, remember: that icy drink might be closer to a milkshake than a morning pick-me-up.