Starbucks had a lot of unexpected competition last year, from Sonic to an international rival that finally debuted in the U.S. Of course, Dunkin’ provided the most heat in the never-ending battle of coffee chain menus.
Starbucks offered a Pistachio Latte, so Dunkin’ offered a Pistachio Signature Latte. Starbucks launched energy drinks, then Dunkin’ launched energy drinks. Starbucks added more Refreshers, and Dunkin’ added Refresher after Refresher after Refresher.
The orange-clad coffee shop is catching up to the Seattle siren once again with a brand-new menu drop that offers a very trendy item Starbucks already launched last year. Dunkin’ is officially debuting protein drinks.
Dunkin’ Debuts New Protein Milk for Drinks
Dunkin’
Dunkin’s protein milk addition comes after Starbucks debuted Protein Cold Foam and Protein Lattes last fall and continued rolling out new flavors this winter. Now, Dunkin’ fans can add protein to any beverage that allows for dairy or a non-dairy milk base.
The new milk features 15 grams of protein per medium serving, similar to the Protein Cold Foam at Starbucks, which has 15 grams of protein per Grande cup. (Though select lattes with protein at Starbucks can pack as much as 36 grams of protein with additional Cold Foam and milk options.)
If you’re starting the new year with new protein goals, this is a great way to enjoy existing Dunkin’ classics—like the beloved Butter Pecan Latte—with a boost. However, to celebrate the launch, Dunkin’ is dropping all-new Protein Latte flavors:
- Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte: Rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and “bold” espresso for a sip that Dunkin’ says is smooth and creamy.
- Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte: A signature Matcha Latte with added nutty, toasted almond flavor.
- Iced Protein Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla: Another “bold” espresso drink with the chain’s first-ever Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup.
Dunkin’ is also debuting new Protein Refreshers, with the help of rapper Megan Thee Stallion, aka Pro-Tina, in two new flavors:
- Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher: Bright tropical mango flavor created in collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion.
- Strawberry Protein Refresher: The Dunkin’ fan-favorite Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher gets a creamy, protein-enhanced upgrade.
“We saw Protein Milk as a natural way to give our guests more flexibility in how they enjoy the Dunkin’ menu throughout the day,” said Jill Nelson, Dunkin’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Protein Milk tastes great across coffee, lattes, and Refreshers without changing the flavors guests already love.”
We can’t wait to try these new flavors and compare them to the recent Starbucks protein lineup—especially the Dunkin’ Strawberry Protein Refresher vs. the Starbucks Pink Drink with Protein Cold Foam. New year, new ways to pledge your coffee shop fan loyalty!
