10 Low-Calorie Drinks At McDonald’s, Picked By Nutritionist

If you are a regular at McDonald’s but you are looking for ways to reduce your calorie intake to achieve a weight loss goal, it’s a good idea to know which drinks are the lowest in calories.

McDonald’s has a range of beverages, McCafés, and smoothies, all of which vary in calorie content. 

I have tried and tested a variety of different McDonald’s drinks to determine which are the lowest in calories and what customizations you can make to reduce the calories even further.

If you’re in a rush… 

The 10 lowest-calorie drinks at McDonald’s are: 

• Unsweetened Iced Tea (0 calories) 
• McCafé Premium Roast Coffee (0 calories) 
• McCafé Americano Coffee (0 calories) 
• Hot Tea (10 calories)  
• Honest Kids Appley Ever After Organic Juice Drink (35 calories) 
• 1% Low Fat Milk Jug (100 calories) 
• McCafé Iced Latte (120 calories) 
• Reduced Sugar Low Fat Chocolate Milk Jug (130 calories)  
• Sweet Iced Tea (130 calories) 
• Frozen Strawberry Lemonade (201 calories)

As you can see, low calorie at McDonald’s refers to any drink that contains 210 calories or fewer. 

McDonald’s offers small, medium, and large options for every drink and extra-small options for some of its drinks.

Are McDonald’s Drinks Healthy?

There’s a variety of drinks you can buy at McDonald’s, ranging in calories, sugar, and fat content. The smoothies and frappes are the most calorie-dense options. Depending on your nutritional goals, you may want to choose a lighter option.

If you are searching for the healthiest drink option at Mcdonald’s then you should also be paying attention to how many artificial colors and additives a beverage contains, and whether or not it contains artificial sweeteners (which can potentially have a negative impact on your health).

In order to stick with the healthiest drink option at Mcdonald’s which is the lowest in calories and contains minimal artificial ingredients, I recommend sticking to the unsweetened iced tea, plain coffee, or hot tea.

On the other hand, an option like the 1% low-fat milk jug can also be considered healthy even though it is higher in calories since it provides high-quality nutrients (such as protein, potassium, calcium, and Vitamin D) and does not contain any artificial colorings or sweeteners.

McDonald’s Low-Calorie Beverages

Check out more healthy fast food options, including low calorie food/drinks and comparisons.

Honest Kids Appley Ever After Organic Juice Drink (35 calories) 

With just 35 calories per 6 fluid ounce carton, the Honest Kids Appley Ever After Organic Juice Drink is perfect for a quick refreshing beverage when you’re trying to keep your calorie intake down. 

This drink contains 8 grams of sugar obtained from apple juice concentrate. There’s very little that you can do to cut back on the calories or sugar content with this drink. 

However, if you want to increase the volume of your drink to make you feel fuller and more satisfied, ask for your apple juice to be served in a glass with ice instead of in a carton. The added ice will make the drink cooler and more hydrating, too. 

Ingredients 

• Filtered Water, Organic Apple Juice From Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Organic Natural Flavors, Citric Acid (Provides Tartness)

1% Low Fat Milk Jug (100 calories) 

The 1% Low Fat Milk Jug is available in one serving size (236 mL) and contains 100 calories. It’s perfect for a refreshing and nutritious drink and is suitable for children and adults. 

This drink contains just 2 grams of fat but provides 8 grams of protein, 20% of your daily recommended calcium, and 15% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin D.

Both calcium and vitamin D are essential for reducing the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women and are essential for skeletal and bone health in children. 

Ingredients 

• Low Fat Milk, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade (201 Calories for a Regular-Sized Drink) 

The Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is a sweet and fruity blend that provides a refreshing low-calorie beverage for you to enjoy. 

To reduce the calorie content of the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, remove the Strawberry Syrup and ask if you can get a handful of fresh strawberries blended into the drink instead.

The Strawberry Syrup contains 41 calories, whereas a handful of fresh strawberries only has 15 calories and provides a range of nutrients. 

Ingredients 

• Lemonade Base Mix (Water, Lemon Juice, Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Concentrated Orange Juice, Natural Lemon Flavoring with Other Natural Flavorings, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Natural Flavoring, Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Color (Lutein)) 
• Strawberry Syrup (Fructose Syrup, Humectant (Glycerol), Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Water, Concentrated Strawberry Juice (1.5%), Concentrated Lemon Juice, Natural Flavorings, Concentrated Elderberry Juice, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Color (Anthocyanins), Safflower Extract, Thickener (Xanthan Gum)) 
• Ice

Calories

• Regular – 201 calories
• Large – 255 calories

McDonald’s Low-Calorie McCafé Drinks

Unsweetened Iced Tea (0 calories) 

The Unsweetened Iced Tea is a zero-calorie drink available at McDonald’s. It is a standard iced tea with no added sugar or milk, so it does not have a very sweet flavor. 

Since there are no calories in this drink, there’s nothing you can do to decrease them further.

However, if you want to sweeten up the drink while keeping the calories to a minimum, opt for a splash of non-fat milk instead of whole milk and choose a zero-calorie sweetener such as Splenda or Equal.

If you prefer not to use artificial sweeteners, there is also the option to add a packet of granulated sugar, which only adds 15 calories. 

Ingredients 

• Brewed Iced Tea (Water, Orange Pekoe [orange pekoe refers to the quality grade of loose leaf tea], And Pekoe Cut Black Tea) 
• Ice  
• Zero calories sweetener (Splenda or Equal) – optional 

McCafé Premium Roast Coffee (0 calories) 

The McCafé Premium Roast Coffee comes plain with no added milk, sugar, or syrups. It’s great for those of you who enjoy drinking black coffee and want to keep the calories low in your drink. 

If you want to sweeten the drink, there is the option to add a packet of granulated sugar, which only adds 15 calories, or Coffee Cream, which is essentially the same thing as half and half.

A small 0.3 fluid ounce pod of Coffee Cream only adds 20 calories but enhances the flavor and creaminess of the drink. 

Ingredients 

• Premium Roast Coffee (Brewed Coffee) 
• Coffee Cream – optional 
• Zero calorie sweetener (Splenda or Equal) – optional 

McCafé Americano Coffee (0 calories)

The McCafé Americano Coffee is another plain black coffee option at McDonald’s. Again, it’s great if you enjoy unsweetened coffee. 

However, if you are looking for something a little sweeter or more flavored, order it with a dash of non-fat milk or some caramel drizzle.

A tiny splash of non-fat milk will only add around 10 calories, and the caramel drizzle will only add around 20 calories. Both additions will make the drink more enjoyable if you’re not a fan of black coffee. 

Ingredients 

• Water 
• Espresso 

Hot Tea (10 calories) 

The Hot Tea at McDonald’s is a refreshing drink with a slightly bitter taste. It’s ideal if you’re a fan of black tea and want something to warm you up. 

Since there are only 10 calories in this drink (for a small, medium, or large) and it contains just one ingredient, there isn’t very much that you can do to reduce the calories even further.

As with the McCafé black coffees, you could ask for it with a splash of non-fat milk if you want to counteract the bitter taste of the tea.

If you want to sweeten it, you can also add a packet of Splenda, which doesn’t add any calories, or a packet of regular sugar, which only adds 15 calories.

Ingredients 

• Hot Tea

McCafé Iced Latte (120 Calories for a Medium-Sized Drink)

A medium McCafé Iced Latte has 120 calories. Aside from the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, it’s one of the highest options on this list. However, it still contains fewer calories than many of the other options on the McCafé menu. 

The McCafé Iced Latte is made with whole milk. If you want to reduce the calories, switch to non-fat milk instead. This cuts the calories in a medium-sized drink from 120 to 70. 

Ingredients 

• Whole Milk 
• Ice 
• Water 
• Espresso

Calories 

• Small – 90 calories 
• Medium – 120 calories 
• Large – 170 calories 

Reduced Sugar Low Fat Chocolate Milk Jug (130 calories) 

The Reduced Sugar Low Fat Chocolate Milk contains 25% less sugar than standard low-fat chocolate milk, with 2.5 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbs, and 14 grams of total sugars. It contains just 130 calories and is available in one serving size only (236 mL). 

This drink provides 20% of your daily recommended calcium intake, 15% of your daily vitamin D requirements, and 4% and 8% of your sodium and potassium requirements, respectively.

Sodium and potassium are vital for properly regulating your hydration levels. 

Ingredients 

• Low Fat Milk, Liquid Sugar (Sugar, Water), Cocoa, Corn Starch, Nonfat Milk, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Carrageenan, Natural Flavor, Monk Fruit Extract*, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3. *Ingredient Not In Regular Milk  

Sweet Iced Tea (130 Calories for a Medium-Sized Drink) 

If you aren’t keen on unsweetened tea, the sweet iced tea at McDonald’s is going to be the best option. The medium serving contains 130 calories and 31 g of carbohydrates. 

If you’re looking to reduce the calories in the sweet iced tea, go for an extra small, which has 70 calories, or a small serving size that has 110 calories.

Ingredients 

• Brewed Tea 
• Ice 
• Medium Invert Sugar (a form of added sugar, and its nutritional features are almost identical to those of regular table sugar or corn syrup)

Calories 

• Extra Small – 70 calories 
• Small – 110 calories 
• Medium – 130 calories 
• Large – 170 calories 

Related Article: 11 Best Low-Sodium McDonald’s Meals (How To Customize Order)

Top Tips for Ordering Low-Calorie Drinks at McDonald’s 

Here are some top tips for cutting down the calories in McDonald’s drinks: 

• Order a small size
• Mix sodas and juices with half water
• Avoid the smoothies and frappés
• Ask for your drink without whipped cream 
• Order your drink without caramel syrup 
• Swap whole milk for nonfat milk
• Ask for an extra cup and split your drink with someone

Avoid the Smoothies and Frappés 

The smoothies and frappés are the highest calorie drinks on the McDonald’s menu. Therefore, if you’re on a weight loss journey or want to cut back on your calorie intake, avoiding these drinks is best. 

For example, a small Caramel Frappé has 420 calories, and a medium Strawberry Banana smoothie has around 240 calories. 

To save calories, stay away from the drinks from the McCafé and Desserts & Shakes menus. Other than drinks like regular roast coffee and hot tea, these beverages typically contain calorie-dense ingredients such as heavy cream and fruit juices.

Ask for Your Drink Without Whipped Cream 

Whipped cream is served on top of the Chocolate and Strawberry Shakes, the Mocha, Iced Mocha, Hot Chocolate, and Caramel and Mocha Frappé drinks. A serving of whipped cream at McDonald’s adds 70 calories to the drink. 

If you want to order one of these drinks but are trying to cut back on your calorie intake, ask for it without the whipped cream on top. 

Order Your Drink Without Caramel Syrup  

The Caramel Syrup is added to any of the caramel flavored drinks, such as the Caramel Frappé and Caramel Macchiato, and contains over 100 calories. 

If you still want to have a sweet-tasting, caramel-flavored drink, switch the caramel syrup for caramel drizzle, which contains just 20 calories per serving.

Swap Whole Milk for Nonfat Milk 

Many McDonald’s drinks are made with whole milk, which contains 149 calories per cup.  

When ordering any milk-based drinks at McDonald’s (such as Hot Chocolate, Frappés, and Milkshakes), switch from whole milk to non-fat milk, which will save you 60 calories per cup.

Alternatively, ask for your drink without any milk at all if you’re getting a standard coffee or tea. 

Related Article: Which Is Healthier Chick-Fil-A or McDonald’s?

Drinks to AVOID at McDonald’s   

The highest-calorie drinks to avoid at McDonald’s are:

• Chocolate or Strawberry Shake (620 calories for a medium-sized drink) 
• Caramel and Mocha Frappe (510 calories for a medium-sized drink) 
• McCafé Hot Chocolate (450 calories for a medium-sized drink) 

Chocolate or Strawberry Shake (620 Calories for a Medium-Sized Drink) 

The Chocolate and Strawberry Shakes are the highest-calorie drinks at McDonald’s. The main reason for the high number of calories in the McDonald’s shakes is the ice cream that is used to make them.

If you really want to try the Chocolate or Strawberry Shake but want to minimize the calories in your drink, I suggest going for a small serving, which contains 530 calories. 

Ingredients for the Chocolate Shake 

• Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream 
• Chocolate Shake Syrup 
• Whipped Light Cream 

Ingredients for the Strawberry Shake 

• Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream 
• Strawberry Shake Syrup 
• Whipped Light Cream 

Calories 

• Small – 530 calories 
• Medium – 620 calories 
• Large – 840 calories 

Caramel and Mocha Frappé (510 Calories for a Medium-Sized Drink) 

The Caramel and Mocha Frappés are another high-calorie option on the McDonald’s drinks menu. They contain between 420 and 670 calories and up to 96 grams of carbohydrates, depending on which size you get. 

If you really want to try the Caramel or Mocha Frappés at McDonald’s, go for the small-sized drink and ask for it without whipped cream or caramel or chocolate drizzle to save 80 calories. 

Ingredients for the Caramel Frappé 

• Ice 
• Caramel Coffee Frappé Base 
• Whipped Light Cream 
• Caramel Drizzle 

Ingredients for the Chocolate Frappé 

• Ice 
• Mocha Coffee Frappé Base 
• Whipped Light Cream 
• Chocolate Drizzle

Calories 

• Small – 420 calories 
• Medium – 510 calories 
• Large – 670 calories  

McCafé Hot Chocolate (450 Calories for a Medium-Sized Drink) 

The McCafé Hot Chocolate is a sweet flavored hot drink that is topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. This drink is great for an indulgent treat, but it’s not ideal if you want to cut back on your calorie intake.

If you are going to order the McCafé Hot Chocolate, go for a small drink and order it without whipped cream or chocolate drizzle to save around 80 calories.

You could also ask to switch out the whole milk for non-fat milk to save even more calories in your drink.

Ingredients 

• Whole Milk 
• Chocolate Syrup 
• Whipped Light Cream 
• Chocolate Drizzle 

Calories 

• Small – 370 calories 
• Medium – 450 calories 
• Large – 560 calories  

McDonald’s: Frequently Asked Questions    

What Is the Lowest-Calorie Drink at McDonald’s?    

A few different drinks at McDonald’s contain zero calories, including Dasani water, Unsweetened Iced Tea, Diet Coke, McCafé Premium Roast Coffee, and McCafé Americano Coffee. 

Which Is The Lowest Calorie Smoothie At Mcdonald’s? 

The lowest calorie smoothie that Mcdonald’s offers is the Strawberry Banana Smoothie, which contains 190 calories for a small.

This smoothie uses a combination of low-fat yogurt, ice, and a strawberry banana puree base, and is very low in both fat and protein.

What Diet Drinks Does McDonald’s Have?

In addition to offering naturally low-calorie beverages such as coffee and unsweetened teas, Mcdonald’s also serves Diet Coke as one of its fountain drinks.

This drink contains zero calories and is a good alternative if you are craving a soda but you don’t want all of the sugar that comes with a regular Coke.

What Are The Healthiest McCafe Drinks?

The highest-calorie drinks at McDonald’s are the Chocolate and Strawberry Shakes which contain 620 calories in a medium serving. 

Does McDonald’s Have Sugar-Free Drinks?    

Yes, McDonald’s offers sugar-free drinks, including Dasani water, Unsweetened Iced Tea, McCafé Premium Roast Coffee, McCafé Americano Coffee, and Sugar-Free French Vanilla Latte. 

What McDonald’s Drink Has The Least Sugar?    

Many drinks at McDonald’s contain no sugar when served plain, including Dasani water, Unsweetened Iced Tea, McCafé Premium Roast Coffee, and McCafé Americano Coffee. 

Does McDonald’s Have Low Carb Drinks? 

The Dasani water, Unsweetened Iced Tea, Hot Tea, McCafé Premium Roast Coffee, and McCafé Americano Coffee contain no carbs when ordered without any extras such as milk or sugar.

Comparing McDonald’s

• Which is Healthier: McDonald’s or Subway?
• Which is Healthier: McDonald’s or KFC?

Other Low-Calorie Drinks

• Low-Calorie Sonic Drinks
• Low Calorie Drinks at Dunkin’ Donuts
• Low-Calorie Biggby Drinks
• Low-Calorie Coffee Bean Drinks
• Low-Calorie Drinks At Dutch Bros
• Low-Calorie Caribou Coffee Drinks