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Review of Sabrina Carpenter’s Dunkin’ Drink: Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Pennsylvania native Sabrina Carpenter has teamed up with Dunkin’, one of the Northeast’s favorite fast food chains, to enchant her millions of fans with a delightful new beverage: Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso. Launched to kick off the new year, this iced drink combines Dunkin’s espresso with brown sugar syrup and a splash of oat milk, and I took it upon myself to sample this drink for an honest review.
As a devoted fan of Carpenter—she was my top artist on Spotify in 2023 and third in 2024—I approached this tasting with both excitement and a commitment to provide an unbiased evaluation, including a look at the nutrition facts. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether to try this beverage.
How’s It Taste?
While it’s unsurprising for a drink named after brown sugar to be sweet, I found the sweetness of Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso to be surprisingly subtle. Rather than being overwhelmed by sweetness, the brown sugar enhanced the strong espresso flavor on my first sip. As a fan of oat milk, I found that its creamy texture lightened the espresso’s bold flavors, creating a balanced drink.
However, I must admit that I prefer cozy, hot beverages during the winter months. Dunkin’ and other fast-food chains, can we please stop introducing iced drinks in the cold season? While sipping this delightful beverage was enjoyable, I longed for the warmth of a steaming cup.
Is This Drink Healthy?
I ordered a small Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso, served in a 16-ounce cup. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for this drink:
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Total Sugar: 18 g
- Added Sugar: 18 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 70 mg
While the calorie and fat content is relatively low, it’s important to note the added sugar. At 18 grams in a small serving, it’s not the healthiest option, though it is lower in added sugar compared to some of Dunkin’s recent offerings. According to the American Heart Association, healthy added sugar intake should not exceed 36 grams per day, so this drink makes up about 50% of that limit.
To reduce the added sugar content, you can simply ask for your drink with one pump of the brown sugar syrup instead of the default two. This simple change would cut the added sugar in half while still maintaining a rich flavor. At EatingWell, we believe that all foods and beverages can fit into a healthy diet, as it’s about moderation.
The Bottom Line
Would I order Sabrina’s drink again? Yes, definitely, but with a slight modification. Given that the espresso is the highlight of the drink, I would opt for one pump of syrup instead of two to better align it with my dietary preferences while still enjoying the flavors.
In summary, Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso is a delicious option for coffee lovers, especially paired with a touch of moderation.
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