Being a resident of Oregon, I have personally seen the Dutch Bros. brand take off. Once a quirky, semi-local company, it is now well-known across the country for its extravagant, caffeinated cocktails that can compete with some of Starbucks’ most well-liked offerings. In 1992, the coffee chain started out as a pushcart in the small Oregon town of Grants Pass and has since grown to become a mainstay of the West Coast.

Dutch Bros has established a coffee culture in which beverages are adorned with copious amounts of syrups, sauces, and sprinkles; many even use a blender. The brand has come to be associated with this playful approach to coffee and the staff’s characteristic extravagant enthusiasm. But the firm also offers a few sugar-free substitutes for its sweet drinks for customers who are sugar-conscious. I drove through Dutch Bros.‘ royal blue pickup window to sample some of the company’s sugar-free drinks and ranked them according to taste from worst to best.

Golden Eagle

Creamer and sugar-free caramel sauce give Dutch Bros.’ Golden Eagle its tawny flavor. The liquid version of the golden eagle, a real bird species that lives in Oregon’s skies, misses the breathtaking excitement of seeing the raptor in person. Rather, it hits the palate like a hellish store-bought concoction.

Every other component of the beverage is overpowered by the sweet caramel, which completely eclipses the double shot of espresso. The espresso is overpowered by the sugar-free sweetener’s flavor, which leaves a persistent plastic sting underneath the caramel. The Golden Eagle fell deeper into a pitiful pit of sensory disorientation as a result of the caramel’s weight. It should be changed into a lighter, more palatable form worthy of its winged namesake because it’s about as far as you can go from a pleasant beverage.

Double Torture

More than just a small beverage, the name of this drink conjures up images of a horror film. The unsettlingly named Double Torture includes half-and-half, sugar-free chocolate sauce, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and two extra shots of espresso (a total of four). I primed myself to withstand a burst of daredevil-level caffeine, like an adrenaline addict ready to bungee jump from a caffeinated cliff. It was surprisingly moderate despite its forceful title, especially in contrast to Dutch Bros’ assortment of extreme cocktails.

Even the other Dutch Bros. beverages had a stronger punch than the fake-out of the Double Torture; however, it’s possible that my years behind a café counter hardened me to severe doses of coffee and left me sadly addled with an overstated tolerance for espresso’s intensity. Only a few swallows of sparkling water could remove the lacy texture left on my tongue by the relatively moderate and ill-defined blend of sauce and syrup. Instead of showcasing their coffee beans, the recipe makers behind the Dutch Bros brand choose to hide them behind a veil of unnecessary sugar-free sweeteners, which merely confuses the beverage’s flavor into a mediocre concoction of exaggerated promise.

Caramelizer

I expected the Caramelizer, a drink based on half-and-half, espresso, and sugar-free caramel and chocolate sauces, to resemble a reality show’s reunion special: avaricious and not guilt-free. Even yet, I was aware that the drink would probably only make me feel good for a short while until the sugar-free sauces made me feel like I needed a Bright Eyes refresher in the middle of the day. Even though the drink’s ingredients identify four complementary flavors—coffee, cream, caramel, and chocolate something about the caramelizer remained unclear and enigmatic.

This drink came across as shockingly watery, despite the half-and-half’s involvement in it. For the cocktail to have a strong thesis, none of the ingredients could make a strong enough statement. The Caramelizer seems to be one of Dutch Bros’ few overt attempts to mimic Starbucks drinks. It deviates from its strengths in addition to underperforming.

Kicker

One of the eight beverage staples that Dutch Bros. provides in a sugar-free version is the Kicker. Like the majority of the brand’s drinks, this one can be consumed hot or over ice. Since the day I arrived at the drive-thru, the temperature had risen to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so I decided to have this brew made over ice. Espresso shots are blended with creamy half-and-half and Irish cream syrup (without alcohol) in this brewed coffee beverage. The thick richness of half-and-half would not have been interrupted in a heated version, so I was happy to request it iced.

The intensity of the cream, which otherwise threatened to overwhelm the dolled-up caffeine blast, was moderated by the Irish cream-flavored drink. The Kicker’s paleness reminded me of my Glossier foundation, yet it still managed to give a distinct coffee flavor despite my fear that the dairy component would overpower any coffee-tasting elements. My hunger for coffee was satiated by the Kicker, but after the entire beverage had passed through my lips, I saw a thin film sticking to my tongue. This unnerved me until I discovered an errant stick of gum in my bag.

Annihilator

The Annihilator, one of Dutch Bros.’ most unsettlingly named drinks, may have earned its name because it contains sugar-free chocolate macadamia nut syrup, so is it nuts? Putting away the name, the beverage combines half & half, espresso, and the previously stated macadamia syrup. Fortunately, this tawny drink didn’t live up to its ominous description. Because of the chocolate macadamia syrup, it even had the most amazing scent of the group.

Dutch Bros brazenly and shamelessly squirts sugar-free syrup, much like all the other drinks on this list. Every time we dash through a Dutch Bros lane, we all gladly sacrifice any craftsmanship. Therefore, its joyous playfulness balks in the face of coffee elitism, even though the gloomily titled beverage just combines subpar espresso, creamers, and fake sweetness. For the same reason that an oversized poppyseed muffin from one of Costco’s plastic shells appeals to us, the combination of chocolate macadamia sweetener, cream, and coffee tastes good: when faced with a quick fix for a sugar high, we simply can’t resist.

Americano

The workers at Dutch Bros. were playing White Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” when I pulled up to the window to order my plain Jane Americano (no sugar, no cream). The Dutch Bros employees appeared to be genuinely enjoying their day, each other’s company, and the song I associate with workplace parties and weddings, like a scene from a peak-era adolescent film. I wished I had responded with a more thrilling order to match the staff’s vivacious energy because of the team’s enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, though, the sensation of youth wafted out my rolled-down window as I grabbed my 12-ounce Americano and drove away. When I looked down at Dutch Bros’ perplexing hot beverage lid, it faded even farther. It was similar to a flat lid, with a slot for a straw, but it protruded about a half-inch from the cup. I was worried about dousing my fingers in hot coffee as I traversed about my day.

Unfortunately, I was served a flat, incomprehensible brew that lacked even a tenth of the workers’ personality. I poured a quarter of the drink out my window to drink it without a lid while driving because the temperature was so hot. The Americano’s simplicity won me over, even though it lacked personality in comparison to Starbucks’ burnt choices. It also gave me the midmorning boost I needed.

Mocha cold brew

I knew I had overcome my worst worries regarding iced drinks when my visor-wearing barista gave me my cold brew mocha. I was disappointed to receive a black, slightly creamy iced drink with no discernible syrup streaks along the inside of the cup instead of the thick, aggressively sweet chocolate milk I had expected as a cold brew.

The brand’s strong and tasty cold brew is a major component of the mocha cold brew, which was by far the most developed of all the combined drinks from Dutch Bros’ sugar-free menu. The cold brew coffee has an earthiness that happily complements the dark chocolate undertones of the sugar-free sauce, whereas the coffee giant’s espresso lacks complexity, possibly because the brand desired a catch-all shot that could easily blend into all of its menu options.

In a similar vein, the perfect amount of ice was added to the chocolatey cold brew, preventing over-dilution and acting as a cooling companion as the ice slouched into flavored water. The intensity of the mocha cold brew combined with the absence of dairy gave the beverage a more relaxed, low-maintenance feel that I liked even more after the milky assault of the other coffee beverages. It’s one of the few sugar-free menu items made without half-and-half.

Double Rainbro

To be really honest, I adore energy drinks. I’ve now committed myself and my body to a modest energy drink intake of two to three Hiballs per week after years of oscillating between complete dependence and abrupt stopping. Rebel is served iced or blended with a mixture of sugar-free strawberry, peach, and coconut syrup in the Double Rainbro. I chose the iced option because I am especially prone to the agony of brain freeze, and I was given an ombré liquid that resembled the dying sun of a smoggy skyline.

The Double Rainbro strummed the well-known vitamin-C twang of several well-known energy drinks, making it both eye-catching and menacing. For some who are addicted to caffeine and dislike coffee, it provided a pleasant diversion from the intense taste test. Nevertheless, the Double Rainbro’s three sugar-free syrups fall short of producing a genuinely distinctive or irresistible beverage; instead, they taste blandly sweet rather than combining the flavors of the different fruits.

Cold brew

Dutch Bros’ cold brew continues to be a strong character player, while its espresso is a blank slate or background actor in some of its ostentatious cocktails. In my opinion, cold brew is similar to the stout beer of the coffee industry in that its enthusiasts persuade themselves that it’s worth putting up with stomachache-inducing garbage in order to demonstrate their connoisseurship. This is a tasty but robust brew that is light enough for people who would rather have a cold brew to go for a stroll but strong enough for office workers who are addicted to caffeine.

The earthy, straightforward, and potent cold brew from Dutch Bros. doesn’t have to use force to make its presence known. The brand’s Americano has been replaced by the cold brew as my preferred, straightforward order. The straightforward cold brew from Dutch Bros. is a terrific addition to a menu full of boisterous partygoers and scene-stealers. While many of Dutch Bros drinks are appealing in moderation, they are not recommended for daily consumption. Dutch Bros’ decision-makers cleverly balanced the menu’s vibrant options with a sturdy, minimalist drink that can achieve excellence without rubbernecking appeal in order to balance out a menu full of main character vitality.

Cocomo

The Cocomo included sugar-free chocolate sauce, half-and-half, and coconut syrup. The Cocomo surpassed its caffeinated peers and reached the top of the chain’s sugar-free menu, despite the audacious decision to include an ingredient as divisive as coconut (I strongly belong to the “love it” camp).

The Cocomo avoids the typical drawbacks of Dutch Bros.’ other drinks, such as the overabundance of syrups, superfluous flavor combinations, and limited shelf life when served iced. Instead, it is confidently restrained, balanced, and reminiscent of a sippable Almond Joy. The Cocomo withstood melting ice better than the other sugar-free menu favorites, even when I was perspiring in my Subaru’s beverage holster. The Cocomo was able to strike a balance between the minimalist simplicity of a more austere coffee order and almost ridiculous excess. It can be used as a slightly decadent noon pick-me-up or as a zesty treat after a demanding workday. Even while I might not purchase it frequently, it will whisper to me on days when I know that a specialty coffee drink won’t be able to ease the particular pain of adult boredom.

Methodology

I spaced out my orders to fewer than four drinks per visit in order to withstand the effort of consuming all these caffeinated beverages. This avoided a headache brought on by caffeine and kept the drinks from being too diluted in between swallows. I ranked each drink based on how much I enjoyed its flavor, its originality, if it was caffeinated enough, and how well it could hide its artificial sweetener flavor.

Every Dutch Bros employee I encountered was remarkably consistent, even though my satisfaction with each drink varied. For all but the Americano, I chose the iced form of the drinks. But while Dutch Bros. won’t brew a pot of drip coffee, hot versions are also available. Despite the fact that Americanos are frequently consumed hot or over ice, I wanted to sample the Bros.’ exclusive hot black coffee in order to fully appreciate the espresso’s flavor profile.

I genuinely think that the Dutch Bros baristas’ almost vintage excitement is largely responsible for the company’s success. Even though I’m sure there are better coffee drinks available in many of the places where Dutch Bros is located, the ease of drive-thrus combined with the friendly, optimistic attitude of its staff provides a coffee culture that I’ll gladly sip from every day.

Conclusion

Enjoying delicious drinks without added sugar is made simple by Dutch Bros. Sugar-free syrups allow you to personalize nearly any beverage, including coffee, mochas, and Rebels. If you want a lighter drink, simply ask the Broista to switch flavors and select a milk with less sugar.

 FAQs About Sugar-Free Dutch Bros Drinks

1. Does Dutch Bros actually offer sugar-free syrups?

Yes! They have multiple sugar-free flavors, including vanilla, caramel, coconut, chocolate, and more.

2. Are the sugar-free drinks completely sugar-free?

The syrups are sugar-free, but if the drink contains milk, breve, or soft top, those may have natural sugars.

3. Can I make any drink sugar-free?

Mostly yes. If the drink uses a syrup that has a sugar-free version, the Broista can swap it for you.

4. Are sugar-free Rebels available?

Yes, Dutch Bros offers sugar-free Rebel syrup, so you can make many Rebel flavors sugar-free.

5. Which milk is best for sugar-free drinks?

For the lowest sugar: unsweetened almond milk.
For creamy but higher sugar: breve or whole milk.