Dunkin' and Starbucks both offer a wide variety of coffee options and are committed to ethical sourcing. Starbucks has a more established ethical sourcing program (C.A.F.E. Practices), while Dunkin' provides more specific information on caffeine levels. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences for taste, roast level, and specific ethical considerations.
| Attribute | Dunkin' | Starbucks |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee bean source and quality | Dunkin' uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. They have their own coffee specifications recognized as a superior grade and work with labs at the origin to ensure the beans meet their standards. | Sources coffee from over 400,000 farmers in 30 countries, 99% ethically sourced, uses 100% Arabica beans, ethical sourcing based on Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices with third-party verification by SCS Global Services. |
| Roast level (light, medium, dark) | Dunkin' offers a variety of roasts, including light, medium, and dark. Their Original Blend is a medium roast. | Blonde (lighter body, mellow flavors), Medium (smooth, balanced, rich), Dark (fuller body, robust, bold taste). Examples: Blonde - Veranda Blend, Medium - Pike Place Roast, Dark - Italian Roast. |
| Caffeination level (mg per serving) | A small iced coffee contains nearly 200 mg of caffeine. A small hot coffee contains 180mg of caffeine. A small decaf coffee contains only 7mg of caffeine. Original Iced Bottled Coffee (13.7 fl oz) contains 171 mg of caffeine. Small Iced Coffee (16 oz): 234 mg. Medium Iced Coffee (24 oz): 357 mg. Large Iced Coffee (32 oz): 469 mg. | Blonde roasts generally have more caffeine, while dark roasts have less. |
| Flavor profile (e.g., nutty, chocolatey, fruity) | The Original Blend is known for its smooth, rich taste. Colombian coffee has a well-balanced flavor profile with hints of chocolate and caramel. Some flavored options include French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Mocha. | Varies widely depending on the blend and roast. Examples: Breakfast Blend (brown sugar, citrus, almond, chocolate), Pike Place (cocoa, caramelized sugar, woodsy), Sumatra (earthy, tobacco, wood smoke), House Blend (acidic, citrus, cherry tomato). |
| Availability (grocery stores, online) | Dunkin' coffee is available at Dunkin' restaurants, grocery stores, and online. | Widely available in grocery stores and online. |
| Fair Trade and sustainability certifications | Dunkin' uses Fair Trade Certified coffee beans for its espresso. They partner with the Rainforest Alliance to promote sustainable coffee farming. Dunkin' is committed to sourcing 100% responsibly-sourced coffee by 2025. | C.A.F.E. Practices program, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, protects water quality, improves soil health, working towards carbon-neutral green coffee and reducing water usage. 99% ethically sourced through C.A.F.E. Practices. Some sources indicate that none of Starbucks' at-home products are Fairtrade certified. |
| Variety of coffee drinks offered (e.g., espresso, lattes) | Dunkin' offers a wide variety of coffee drinks, including hot and iced coffee, espresso, lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, cold brew, and frozen coffee. | Espresso, lattes, Frappuccinos, cold brew, and nitro cold brew. |
| Brewing method compatibility (drip, French press, espresso machine) | Dunkin' coffee is suitable for drip brewing. Ground coffee can be used with virtually any coffee maker. | Drip, French press, and espresso machines. Pike Place is good with espresso. |
| Customer loyalty programs and rewards | Dunkin' has a customer loyalty program called DD Perks. | Starbucks Rewards. |
| Packaging and freshness | Dunkin' uses packaging designed to maintain freshness. They are working towards 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025. | FlavorLock packaging to maintain freshness, one-way valve to release carbon dioxide, beans sealed within two hours of roasting, bags designed to tell the story of each coffee. No roast date on packaging. |
| Brand reputation and ethical practices | Dunkin' is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability. They support coffee farming communities and invest in environmentally friendly initiatives. | Mission to conduct business responsibly and support communities. Faced allegations of unethical practices. Programs to reduce environmental footprint. Committed to ethical sourcing and support farmer loans and forest conservation programs. |
| Price | Prices vary by location and drink type. | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Overall taste and aroma: Varies depending on the blend. Some describe a bitter taste with light acidity. Others note sweetness, nuttiness, or cocoa notes. |