For a refreshing break when you’re watching your sugar intake
You want a ready-to-drink portion of iced coffee, but the word ‘reduced’ isn’t enough to help you decide. Compare the sugars listed per 100 ml, then consider how much you plan to drink.
Who are these options for?
For anyone checking for milk
You’re looking for a drink labelled lactose-free or want to avoid dairy ingredients. These are two different things: a lactose-free drink can still contain milk, as the ingredients for the Starbucks Caffè Latte listed by Auchan show.
For anyone who likes to put together their own break at work
You’d rather choose what to add to your iced coffee, or have a small coffee-flavoured snack on the side. Instant coffee and a sweet can meet these two different preferences, but neither is equivalent to a ready-to-drink coffee.
What should you check before choosing?
Ready-to-drink iced coffee
Choose this if: you want a chilled drink with no preparation during your break.
Bear in mind: a product sold chilled must be stored according to the instructions on its packaging.
Homemade iced coffee
Choose this if: you want to decide for yourself which ingredients to add to a coffee base.
Bear in mind: you’ll need time to prepare and chill the drink. Its nutritional values will depend on your recipe.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 ml with the drink’s volume. Don’t confuse ‘reduced in sugar’ with ‘sugar-free’. | I want to cut down on sugar during my break without relying solely on the claim on the front of the pack; around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Format and storage | Check the volume, storage instructions before and after opening, and whether you can keep the drink chilled at work. | With commutes and meetings to fit around, I want a break that’s easy to plan; convenience is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Milk and ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergen information: ‘lactose-free’ does not mean ‘milk-free’. | If I want to avoid milk or check for lactose, the ingredients matter more than the format; around 20% of consumers make this their top criterion. |
| Caffeine | Check the amount stated for the product you choose and take into account any other caffeinated drinks you have during the day. | For a late break, I want to know how this coffee fits in with the drinks I have throughout the day; around 20% of consumers prioritise keeping track of their caffeine intake. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
-
Assuming ‘reduced in sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
The reduced-sugar, lactose-free Caffè Latte listed by Auchan still contains 3.9 g of sugars per 100 ml. The claim on the front of the pack doesn’t, on its own, tell you how much sugar you’ll consume.
To compare two drinks, check their nutritional information per 100 ml, then work out how much that means for the volume you’ll drink.
-
Confusing ‘lactose-free’ with ‘milk-free’
According to the ingredients listed by Auchan, this Starbucks product contains 75% milk, despite being labelled lactose-free.
If you avoid dairy ingredients, check the ingredients and allergen information rather than relying on the lactose claim alone.
-
Relying on an instant coffee you saw before
ALDI’s product listing for Barissimo Instant Iced Coffee showed that it was unavailable. If you plan your recipe around a particular product, it may be difficult to make it again for your breaks during the week.
Check availability before planning your shopping, or choose another coffee base with ingredients that suit you.
-
Only checking the sugar content for a late-day break
ANSES says that caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce the length or quality of sleep. A claim about sugar doesn’t tell you how much caffeine an iced coffee contains.
Check the label on the drink you choose and take account of your other sources of caffeine throughout the day.
Brands to know for your break
Starbucks
Among its ready-to-drink milky iced coffees, Auchan lists a 22 cl Starbucks Caffè Latte that’s reduced in sugar and lactose-free.
- For this specific product, Auchan lists 3.9 g of sugars and 0.01 g of lactose per 100 ml.
- It contains 75% milk and should be kept in the fridge at the recommended temperature of +6 °C. ‘Reduced in sugar’ doesn’t mean ‘sugar-free’.
ECO+
The freeze-dried instant coffee listed by E.Leclerc can be used as a base for iced coffee, with additions of your choice.
- The ingredients listed by E.Leclerc describe it as ‘freeze-dried instant coffee’.
- The finished drink will depend on how you prepare it and which ingredients you add. You’ll also need to chill it if you want to drink it cold.
Barissimo
ALDI has listed 275 g packs of Barissimo instant iced coffee in classic and caramel flavours.
- Instant coffee is another way to make a cold drink instead of buying a ready-to-drink portion.
- When checked, ALDI’s product listing said this item was unavailable; check in store before choosing it.
Confiseo
E.Leclerc lists sugar-free coffee-flavoured boiled sweets. They’re a treat for your break, not iced coffee.
- The product listing states 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g and mentions sweeteners.
- The listing warns that excessive consumption may have laxative effects; these sweets are not a substitute for a drink.
An iced coffee option on Joybuy
This single-serve iced coffee could suit you if you fancy a cold drink during a break at work. To compare it with homemade coffee or a reduced-sugar iced coffee, check the nutritional information and storage instructions for the product you choose.
Image unavailable
HY Bts Hot Brew Americano Ice Coffee Random Pick, 350 ml
This 350 ml iced coffee is ideal for a break when you’d prefer a ready-to-drink option. Before choosing it, check the sugar and caffeine information for this product, along with its storage instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘reduced in sugar’ iced coffee sugar-free?
No. The reduced-sugar, lactose-free Starbucks Caffè Latte listed by Auchan contains 3.9 g of sugars per 100 ml. Check the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information and the drink’s volume to find out how much sugar is in a serving.
Is a ‘lactose-free’ drink also milk-free?
No. The ingredients for this Starbucks Caffè Latte listed by Auchan include 75% milk, despite the ‘lactose-free’ claim. If you want to avoid milk, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product.
How can I keep ready-to-drink iced coffee chilled at work during the day?
Follow the storage instructions for the drink you’ve bought. For the 22 cl Starbucks Caffè Latte listed by Auchan, the recommended fridge temperature is +6 °C, and it should be consumed immediately after opening. Check that you can keep it under these conditions until your break.
Is sugar content all you need to check when choosing iced coffee for later in the day?
No. Caffeine is a separate consideration. ANSES says it can delay falling asleep and reduce the length or quality of sleep. Check the amount stated for your drink and take account of your other caffeinated drinks.
Can sugar-free coffee-flavoured sweets replace iced coffee?
No. The Confiseo sweets listed by E.Leclerc are a confectionery product, not a drink. The product listing mentions sweeteners and warns that excessive consumption may have laxative effects. If you like, enjoy them as a separate snack.