The Ultimate Ranking of Hot Dunkin’ Drinks for Coffee Lovers

Dunkin’ offers more than just donuts; as America’s oldest operating donut chain, it boasts an extensive menu of beverages. Not limited to coffee and espresso, the array of hot drinks has expanded to include teas, tea lattes, and even protein-infused options. With 19 different selections to explore, I took on the challenge to compare them all. (Although Dunkin’ lists a total of 21 hot drinks, two herbal teas, Hibiscus Kiss and Chamomile Fields, were unavailable in my area.)

I must admit, the rankings surprised me. My assumptions about Dunkin’s hot offerings were often challenged. I consistently ordered small sizes of each drink, all prepared with oat milk. Join me as we delve into the definitive ranking of hot Dunkin’ drinks.

The Protein Matcha Latte may seem like a variant of Dunkin’s regular matcha latte, but the taste differs significantly due to the inclusion of protein milk. It has a distinctly unpleasant aroma akin to steamed broccoli, mingled with hints of grass.

Unfortunately, the flavor does not improve. It resembles a mix of sweet, broccoli-flavored milk that lingers with a sour aftertaste. The combination of protein milk, matcha, and sweetener likely contributes to this disconcerting profile, rendering it nearly undrinkable.

Simply put, Dunkin’s Espresso is concentrated coffee in its purest form. Initially, the experience is what you’d expect from a decent espresso. However, a sharp, sour aftertaste quickly follows, making it an uneasy drink to enjoy on its own.

The overpowering sourness clings to your palate, lingering unpleasantly. While espresso can be intense, this version may push your taste buds too far. For an enjoyable espresso, consider adding milk.

As a long-time fan of hot black teas, I found the Bold Breakfast Black Tea disappointingly bland. Even with an extended steeping time, it failed to deliver the robust flavor typical of other black breakfast teas. Instead, it presented a tepid, watery taste.

While it’s serviceable if no other options are available, I suggest trying a more flavorful version at other coffee shops like Starbucks. Although it ranks higher than previous entries, it lacks the impact to be memorable.

It might seem unusual that the Decaf Breakfast Black Tea ranks higher than its caffeinated sibling, but there is some reasoning. While it bears the same lackluster flavor as the Bold Breakfast Black Tea, it notably lacks the typical decaf aftertaste some black teas carry.

Despite its similarity to the bland Bold Breakfast Black Tea, this drink does manage to score a few points for not being overtly misleading in its name. Although it’s still a relatively uninspired tea offering, it’s undeniable that it surpasses many other decaf options on grocery store shelves.

The Caramel Craze Signature Latte includes espresso, milk, a caramel swirl, and whipped cream, but its presentation often falls short of expectations. Upon removing the lid, you may find the once fluffy topping has merged into an unappealing beige liquid.

This drink is undoubtedly the sweetest on the menu, bordering on sickeningly so. It resembles melted caramel candies more than a balanced latte and ultimately feels more like drinking candy milk than coffee. In short, it ranks among the drinks you might want to skip when visiting Dunkin’.

Traditionally, a cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. However, Dunkin’s version closely resembles its latte, lacking both the expected foam and flavor depth.

This drink disappointingly shares the same lack of flavor as its latte counterpart, leaving a bitter aftertaste that is hard to shake off. The cappuccino should deliver a rich, creamy experience, but instead, it feels like an incomplete rendition of a classic.

As a usual go-to, I anticipated that the latte would be a highlight of my tasting. Unfortunately, I found it indistinguishable from the cappuccino, lacking the expected flavor profile. At least the latte is filled closer to the brim than the cappuccino.

While neither drink is entirely undrinkable, they land firmly in the middle of the rankings. If you’re in need of a warm drink, a latte from Dunkin’ might suffice, especially if you add a flavoring to enhance the experience.

Dunkin’s Cool Mint Herbal Infusion Tea is caffeine-free, composed of peppermint leaves, herbs, and cornflower. While the flavor may be overwhelming for some, its intense mintiness could be soothing for others.

This mint herbal infusion is notably robust and substantial, perfect for those who appreciate a strong herbal tea. It stands out in comparison to other offerings, thanks in part to its clear flavor profile.

Dunkin’s hot green tea, the Harmony Leaf Green Tea, is surprisingly appealing. It stands out as the best hot tea option Dunkin’ offers, even for those who typically shy away from green tea. Its flavor is notably rich, particularly when compared to its counterparts.

With an earthy taste that isn’t overly sweet, it possesses a pleasant bitterness typical of many green teas without being overwhelming. This drink is an excellent choice for those seeking a caffeine boost paired with some flavorful antioxidants.

The Matcha Latte is crafted from steamed milk, matcha, and cane sugar. It offers a creamy texture with a sweetness that flirts with being overwhelming—though it stops short of crossing the line.

When first served, the drink looked somewhat unappealing, appearing beige instead of the vibrant green typical of other matcha lattes. This seems to be due to the matcha powder settling at the bottom. After giving it a good stir, the flavor improved, but the challenge of keeping the mix consistent remained.

Contrary to my initial skepticism about the Protein Latte, its appearance was surprisingly appealing—topped with a perfectly maintained layer of foam. This made for an unexpected but welcomed contrast to previous drinks I’d tried.

Upon tasting, I was pleased to discover that it actually tasted like coffee, reminiscent of an authentic latte but with a subtle flavor. While it may lack a punch, it significantly outperformed both the regular latte and the matcha version.

Dunkin’s Hot Chocolate is straightforward—primarily consisting of hot chocolate powder combined with hot water, thus not suitable for dairy-free diets. Its taste surpasses many commercially available mixes.

Despite its lackluster appearance, slightly diminished by melted whipped cream, the flavor is nostalgically appealing, reminiscent of hot chocolate served at fairs or carnivals. The comforting warmth of this drink evokes fond memories and invites you to sip while strolling through an event.

Dunkin’s Original Blend Coffee is a polarizing choice, with passionate opinions on both sides. Personally, I lean toward the “appreciate it” camp, noting its unique brightness and slight sour undertone. While it’s not a daily drink for everyone, it holds a special place in my coffee rotation.

Within the context of Dunkin’s hot drinks, the Original Blend often proves to be one of the more reliable choices. I was pleased to find it freshly brewed and filled to the brim, a pleasant surprise in a drive-thru setting.

Dunkin’s Americano consists of two espresso shots diluted with hot water. This drink emerges as the best black coffee choice at Dunkin’, achieving a smoothness that is often absent from similar offerings at other establishments.

The absence of bitter notes found in many Americanos ensures a pleasant experience, contributing to its likability. Seeking a second opinion, I enlisted my brother—a daily Americano drinker—who found it impressively smooth and enjoyable.

Dunkin’s Macchiato features creamy milk with two espresso shots layered on top. Although it shares aesthetic similarities with cappuccinos and lattes, its balanced combination of coffee and foam culminates in a satisfying taste experience.

Upon tasting, I was pleasantly surprised by its rich flavor, free from the dullness that plagued some other drinks on this list. The optimal representation of a macchiato, it exemplifies a harmonious blend of coffee and steamed milk that deserves its high ranking.

The Chai Latte offers a warm, spiced experience thanks to its blend of chai spices with creamy milk. This drink stands out as one of Dunkin’s best offerings, combining the flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg in a delightful balance.

It strikes an effective balance between spice and sweetness, reminiscent of chai brewed with real tea rather than an overly sweetened version. Notably, it lacks artificial flavors, making it feel authentic and rich—definitely a repeat order for me.

My expectations for the Cocoa Mocha Signature Latte were low, particularly after disappointing experiences with the Caramel Craze version. To my surprise, this drink turned out to be a delightful indulgence—much sweeter without crossing into cloying territory.

Made with cocoa, mocha swirl, and espresso, this treat tastes like a hot chocolate in drinkable form. Although it could have used a fuller serving, the combination of flavors creates a heavenly blend that leaves you wanting more. Ultimately, its comforting sweetness earns it the top position on this list.

I ordered all drinks simultaneously (which prompted an apology call to the store) and sampled each one consecutively. All drinks were small sizes and prepared the same way, with oat milk as the consistent option. I enjoyed this tasting with the help of my father and brother, gathering their impressions as I made the final evaluations.