McDonald's iced coffee is a popular beverage choice, but it can be high in calories and sugar. Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives that can help you enjoy the same great taste without the added calories and sugar. When ordering from McDonald's, you can choose from a variety of flavors, including caramel, hazelnut, French vanilla, and sugar-free French vanilla. Depending on how it's made and which flavor you choose, the calories in McDonald's iced coffee can range from approximately 100 to 260.
While this is fewer calories than a McDonald's burger, it still contains more than half the calories of frappe drinks on the menu. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can make your own iced coffee at home. Using the standard serving ratio, a McDonald's medium iced coffee contains approximately 7 grams of fat and 30 grams of carbohydrates (a total of approximately 11 per recommended intake per day) and approximately 28 grams of sugar. You can make your own version with fewer calories and sugar by using low-fat milk or almond milk instead of cream and adding natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar instead of sugar.
You can also opt for sugar-free iced coffee from McDonald's. This option has around 100 calories for a medium drink and 130 for a large drink. You still get all the flavor without the price of McDonald's iced coffee or the inconvenience of leaving home. Finally, if you're looking for an even healthier alternative to McDonald's iced coffee, you can try making your own cold brew coffee at home.
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. This process results in a smooth, less acidic cup of coffee that is naturally lower in calories and sugar than traditional hot brewed coffee. Plus, you can make a large batch at once and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.