Dunkin' Donuts coffee is unique—and we're not just talking about the Girl Scout cookie flavors.
The One Thing Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Has That Most Other Brands Don’t
Updated on Oct. 27, 2023
If you’re a coffee lover, your morning ritual probably includes a brand you purchase time and again. Whether you’re loyal to Starbucks, Gevalia or Dunkin’ Donuts coffee (or any other brand vying for your attention), each offers flavors that make it unique.
It turns out that differences among coffees go way beyond flavored blends and roast options—there are different grades of coffee beans. But before you rush out to check what grade of coffee your brand is using, there’s a catch. U.S. manufacturers don’t actually have to put much info about the coffee beans on their labels—so they often don’t tell you what coffee bean grade you’re buying.
Looking for a new coffee to brew at home? Our Test Kitchen put common coffee brands to the test.
How Are Coffee Beans Classified, Exactly?
The coffee bean grades range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the best coffee you can buy, according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). The people who grade coffee beans are looking for defects, as well as sniffing out traits like acidity, aroma and moisture content.
Learn how to brew your coffee correctly for best flavor.
So What’s Different About Dunkin’?
Dunkin’ claims that its coffee is “Premium,” which you’ll see written on the Dunkin’ coffee package. By the SCAA’s classifications, premium coffee has to earn a grade of 2. That’s the second-best!
It doesn’t mean that other coffees are necessarily worse. But Dunkin’ has voluntarily labeled its coffee as premium, while some competitors haven’t. Dunkin’ also boasts that its coffee comes from “100% Arabica beans from Central and South America.” Arabica beans have long been hailed as superior to Robusta beans by coffee tasters. The chain even works with the Rainforest Alliance to make sure its coffee is ethically sourced.
Dunkin’ is clearly proud of the coffee it’s putting out. It’s no wonder why Dunkin’ Donuts coffee has so many dedicated fans—they must be doing something right!
How to Brew a Premium Cup at Home
Frothy Cafe BombonI discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
This chocolate coffee recipe is sure to be the highlight of your morning!
Easy Spiced Morning MochaThis recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska
Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.
Comforting Coffee MilkThis recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Irish CoffeeIrish coffee, with a splash of Irish whiskey, sugar and cream, is a classic recipe for a reason. Cozy up with this easy-to-make boozy treat. Sláinte!
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Caramel-Chai Tea LatteInspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Mocha SmoothiesThis smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Iced Coffee LatteThis amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Coconut Lover's FrappeI love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Sweet Kahlua CoffeeI have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Frosty Caramel CappuccinoThis frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida
Honey Spiced LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hazelnut CoffeeThe blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Irish Cream CoffeeA steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Hot Ginger CoffeeI like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Cinnamon Mocha CoffeeMost store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cappuccino PunchWhen I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
