Dunkin’ has recently introduced new banana-infused drinks, tapping into a playful and nostalgic flavor profile. From creamy lattes to refreshing cold foam, there’s something for every banana lover. Here, we explore three of their latest banana beverages to see how they stack up.
I enjoy banana beverages, whether homemade like banana bread lattes or those from my favorite coffee shops. While banana drinks aren’t entirely new to the scene, Dunkin’ is now diving into the trend with several options featuring banana syrup and cold foam. Living near a Dunkin’, I’m always eager to try fresh menu offerings, whether from their Valentine’s Day promotion or new protein drinks. So, I visited my local Dunkin’ to test three specific banana drinks: the Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte, the Monkey Business Cloud Latte, and the Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte. Each drink contains similar core ingredients, differing mainly in their flavor profiles to cater to various tastes. While other banana-infused options like the Bananaberry Protein Daydream Refresher exist, my focus remains solely on these three for this review. Read on to learn more about these beverages and whether I’d consider ordering them again.
Methodology
All drinks were ordered via the Dunkin’ app and sampled on the same morning. I took a few sips of each to gauge the flavors, cleansing my palate with water in between tastings. My technique involved alternating between sipping and swishing, akin to a wine tasting, to optimize flavor assessment.
After sampling each drink, I tried only the Banana Cold Foam without mixing it back in. Following my tasting, I evaluated the drinks based on flavor authenticity and their adherence to the product description.
Price and availability
Prices reflect my location in the San Diego area, where I ordered medium-sized drinks without customizations, which often increase prices. The Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte and the Monkey Business Cloud Latte each cost $6.50, while the Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte was priced at $6.
Banana flavorings should be available at Dunkin’ locations nationwide, though the duration of availability remains uncertain. According to their press release, these drinks are part of a spring launch featuring banana-themed merchandise, with no defined end date provided. Therefore, if banana beverages intrigue you, it’s wise to visit your local Dunkin’ soon.
Taste test: Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte
If you’re seeking the most straightforward banana flavor, the Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte is the ideal choice. It combines espresso with whole milk, three pumps of banana syrup, and a topping of Banana Cold Foam. This drink highlights both the banana and espresso flavors prominently.
The beverage is creamy, featuring enjoyable notes of both coffee and banana. The Banana Cold Foam adds a layer of fruity creaminess, especially when sipped from the plastic lid. Drinking through a straw makes it challenging to capture the cold foam without blending it into the drink. Notably, this is the only drink that includes both banana flavoring within the beverage and the cold foam on top. Overall, I find this drink to provide a pleasantly strong fruit flavor.
Taste test: Monkey Business Cloud Latte
If you prefer a sweeter option, the Monkey Business Cloud Latte is worth considering. This drink features espresso, whole milk, and three pumps of butter pecan swirl, topped off with Banana Cold Foam. It is the sweetest of the three offerings, with the least banana flavor, as the fruit essence mainly comes from the cold foam. While I understand the concept behind this drink, aiming for a banana nut bread flavor, it ended up being my least favorite of the bunch.
The prominent butter pecan flavor dominated, making it difficult to discern additional notes. Although there is a hint of nuttiness, there appears to be a sweet vanilla element blended in. For those who don’t strongly favor coffee, this iced latte may be appealing due to its sweetness, but the subtle banana flavor might leave banana fans wanting more.
Taste test: Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte
Lastly, I tasted the Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte, crafted with espresso, coffee milk, hazelnut flavor, and topped with Banana Cold Foam. I found this drink the most successful in creating a balanced banana-nut flavor, avoiding any overwhelming sweetness. The hazelnut provides a distinct nutty taste, while the banana cold foam contributes a fun fruity note. This drink offers a moderate level of sweetness, as the unsweetened hazelnut flavor is complemented by the naturally sweet coffee milk and cold foam.
This delightful combination makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful spring beverage. A fan of hazelnut coffee, I appreciated how the addition of banana enhanced the overall experience.
Final thoughts
Having some familiarity with Dunkin’s offerings, it feels like these drink combinations are relatively straightforward rather than groundbreaking. I have enjoyed banana beverages from other brands, showcasing how versatile this flavor can be. So, I appreciate Dunkin’s entry into the banana drink space as a banana enthusiast.
However, the boldness of banana can be polarizing. If you’re not a fan, these selections may not be for you. Still, I found them generally enjoyable. For those who crave an authentic banana taste, I recommend the Banana Puddin’ Cloud as it allows the espresso to shine. On the other hand, the Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte provides an intriguing hazelnut nuance without overwhelming sweetness. My ideal drink would combine elements from both, offering espresso, coffee milk, a hint of hazelnut, and rich banana flavors with cold foam. The Monkey Business Cloud Latte, though sweet, didn’t quite resonate with me due to the overpowering butter pecan flavor.
Key Takeaways
- Dunkin’ introduces new banana-infused drinks featuring banana syrup and cold foam.
- Three drinks reviewed: Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte, Monkey Business Cloud Latte, Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte.
- Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte offers the most genuine banana flavor.
- Monkey Business Cloud Latte is sweeter with stronger pecan notes, less banana flavor.
- Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte provides a well-balanced hazelnut and banana combination.
- Prices vary based on location; drinks were priced between $6 and $6.50 in San Diego.
- Availability of banana flavors remains uncertain; customers are encouraged to try them soon.
FAQ
Are the new banana drinks available nationwide?
Yes, the banana flavorings should be available at Dunkin’ locations across the country.
How much do the new drinks cost?
Prices can vary, with the drinks I tried priced between $6 and $6.50 each in the San Diego area.
Which drink has the strongest banana flavor?
The Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte has the most pronounced banana flavor among the new offerings.
Is the Monkey Business Cloud Latte sweet?
Yes, the Monkey Business Cloud Latte is the sweetest drink of the trio, primarily featuring a strong butter pecan flavor.
What makes the Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte unique?
This drink blends hazelnut flavor with banana cold foam, creating a balanced and delightful flavor profile.