The Restaurant Drinks You Should Never Order, According to RDs
When dining out, you may consider the calories, fat, and sugar that come from the food that you're about to order but not the drinks. However, you should definitely think twice if your go-to drink is a soda or a sugary cocktail. Why? If you're not drinking water or an unsweetened beverage (like plain coffee or tea), the total number of calories, carbs, sugar, and sodium can easily pile up.
Not all beverages are created equally, and some drinks are worse for you than others. To help you navigate the options on restaurant menus, here are the top common drinks you'll find at restaurants and fast-food joints that you should skip, according to experts. While highly popular, these beverages are unfortunately not the best for weight management—or your overall health. And if you're really looking to keep up with those healthy eating goals, be sure you're stocked up on The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Soft Drinks
One to avoid: Mountain Dew
By now, it should be clear that soda is simply a no-go. Especially if you have plenty of other better-for-you options to choose from—a glass of water never hurts!
"Regular, full-calorie, soft drinks are among the worst beverages to consume, as they are packed with synthetic ingredients, high in calories, and are loaded with sugar," Trista Best, RD says.
Mountain Dew is a doozy, as one serving is nearly 300 calories. Plus, it has 77 grams of carbs from added sugars, which is trouble for both your gut and heart health.
Diet Soda
One to avoid: Diet Coke
Nope, diet sodas aren't good for you, either!
"Diet drinks may entice people since they're calorie-free, but there are reported side effects to aspartame in some individuals, including headaches and migraines," says Kelly Jones MS, RD, CSSD, dietitian, and founder of Student Athlete Nutrition.
While more research is needed, it's suggested that artificial sweeteners in diet soda may increase appetite and unfavorable bacteria in the gut, she explains.
No matter how you spin it, soda isn't ever the best drink choice . . .
Milkshakes
One to avoid: Red Robin Oreo Cookie Magic Milkshake
Milkshakes aren't only high in calories and sugar but also saturated fats, which can lead to a bellyache. Not fun!
"In my athlete clients especially, I recommend avoiding beverages like this while dining out in their competitive season, as the associated GI discomfort can ultimately ruin a workout or even an important competition," Jones says.
Go with a healthier, fruit-based smoothie instead when the craving hits, which is just as creamy and delicious. And healthy smoothies super easy to make yourself, too!
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Piña Colada
One to avoid: The Cheesecake Factory Piña Colada
One of these drinks is actually made with rum, coconut cream, coconut milk, and pineapple juice. It's packed with sugar, as well as artery-clogging fat (thanks to the coconut cream).
"The typical 16-ounce pina colada contains about 880 calories, which is approximately half of the calories many people should get in their entire day, and that's before you even add food," says one of our ETNT Medical Board experts, Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT.
Frozen Sweet-Flavored Coffee
One to avoid: Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
"Seasonal and sweetened coffee beverages are popular among coffee enthusiasts, and the Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice takes to the top [as one] of the list of worst beverages, where the pumpkin purée is likely the only healthy ingredient in this drink," Best says.
And there are flavored coffee options at most restaurants, regardless of being at a Starbucks or coffee shop. So watch out for flavoring, syrups, and other sweet-sounding coffee drinks when dining out.
Mudslide
One to avoid: TGI Fridays Ultimate Mudslide
If you're looking to spare both your waistline and arteries, you should avoid a mudslide.
"It's made with a combination of fat and sugar bombs, including Kahlua liqueur, Bailey's Irish Cream, and heavy cream," Lakatos says. "And some restaurants even add vanilla ice cream and a side of chocolate syrup to add even more fat, calories, and sugar."
Slushies
One to avoid: Icee's ICEE Brand Cherry Icee
Though more often found at convenience stores or food courts, Icees and slushies may seem like a fun drink option when dining out. But once you take a closer look, you'll see what you're actually sipping on—and it's not really doing your health any favors.
"They attract consumers from all ages because of their bold flavors and fun texture, but unfortunately, all they offer are empty calories and sugar," Best says. "The most famous brand and flavor, Cherry by ICEE, contains 95 calories and 24 grams of sugar along with artificial and synthetic ingredients to sweeten and preserve the drink."
If you're really looking to sip on something that will help you reach your goals, try any of the best drinks that drive the most weight loss of all, according to experts.
