Introduction
Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the most popular coffee and donut chains in the world. But did you know that there are some secrets that Dunkin’ Donuts doesn’t want you to know? From hidden menu items to secret ingredients, Eat This Not That has uncovered 11 secrets that Dunkin’ Donuts doesn’t want you to know. Read on to find out what they are and how you can use them to get the most out of your Dunkin’ Donuts experience.
11 Secrets Dunkin’ Doesn’t Want You to Know
Dunkin’ is one of the most beloved coffee and donut chains in the United States. But there are some secrets that the company doesn’t want you to know. Here are 11 of them.
1. Dunkin’ Uses Artificial Flavoring
Dunkin’ may be known for its delicious coffee and donuts, but the company uses artificial flavoring in many of its products. This means that the flavor you’re tasting may not be as natural as you think.
2. Dunkin’ Uses High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Dunkin’ uses high-fructose corn syrup in many of its products, including its donuts. This is a controversial ingredient that has been linked to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
3. Dunkin’ Uses Trans Fats
Dunkin’ also uses trans fats in some of its products. Trans fats are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.
4. Dunkin’ Uses Artificial Colors
Dunkin’ uses artificial colors in many of its products, including its donuts. These artificial colors can be linked to health problems such as allergies and hyperactivity.
5. Dunkin’ Uses Artificial Sweeteners
Dunkin’ also uses artificial sweeteners in some of its products. These sweeteners can be linked to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
6. Dunkin’ Uses Genetically Modified Ingredients
Dunkin’ uses genetically modified ingredients in some of its products. These ingredients can be linked to health problems such as allergies and digestive issues.
7. Dunkin’ Uses Preservatives
Dunkin’ also uses preservatives in some of its products. These preservatives can be linked to health problems such as cancer and allergies.
8. Dunkin’ Uses Artificial Flavors
Dunkin’ uses artificial flavors in many of its products. These artificial flavors can be linked to health problems such as headaches and nausea.
9. Dunkin’ Uses High Levels of Sodium
Dunkin’ also uses high levels of sodium in some of its products. This can be linked to health problems such as high blood pressure and stroke.
10. Dunkin’ Uses Refined Sugars
Dunkin’ uses refined sugars in many of its products. These refined sugars can be linked to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
11. Dunkin’ Uses Artificial Preservatives
Dunkin’ also uses artificial preservatives in some of its products. These preservatives can be linked to health problems such as cancer and allergies.
Dunkin’ may be a beloved coffee and donut chain, but it’s important to be aware of the ingredients that the company uses in its products. Knowing these secrets can help you make healthier choices when you visit Dunkin’.
There’s a lot to love about the chain formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, now officially just called Dunkin’. Many of their coffees are consistently rated as better than comparable drinks from competitor Starbucks, according to People, and their beverage prices are usually better, too.
In terms of food at Dunkin’, you can select from wraps and sandwiches, bagels and muffins, and of course a whole lot of donuts—name change notwithstanding. And you can get their celebrated coffee in ground form or single-serve pods, so you can brew your own joe at home. All that good stuff said, there are also plenty of things the staff at a Dunkin’ shop (and the execs behind the billion-dollar brand) would surely prefer you didn’t know. Recently former employees have spilled the beans on some of the questionable things that happen at Dunkin’ locations. Here are 11 secrets about the coffee chain that you never knew. (Plus, come back to read 30 Secrets Starbucks Employees Wish You Knew.)
In a viral video released by a disgruntled employee quitting a job at Dunkin’, it was revealed that the chain’s popular “sweet cold foam” used to top myriad drinks is nothing more than plain, old Reddi-Wip, as reported by Newsweek.
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According to yet another video posted by a former employee, at the end of the day, a typical Dunkin’ throws out a lot of perfectly edible food. What’s worse is that company policy bans the donating of that food to the homeless, and in fact doing just that is apparently what got the young man in question terminated from his job at Dunkin’, according to Daily Dot. (Many stores do partner with charitable organizations, for the record, but direct donations to the homeless are apparently not permitted.)
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This muffin may be delicious, but it’s really not worth the brief pleasure your tastebuds will reap, not when you’d have to jog about six miles to burn off its calories, according to Podium Runner. The Coffee Cake Muffin has about 590 calories and 24 grams of fat (note the eight grams of saturated fat, too), and 370 milligrams of sodium. Muffins are notoriously one of the worst baked goods to eat.
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According to a self-described former regional manager of Dunkin’, the beans in the store are fresh because they do not have to go through the whole packaging process, which can take up to a month. The person also claims that the beans are a mix of store beans and lower-quality beans.
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According to the same TikTok video that purportedly revealed the sweet cold foam to be Reddi-Wip, the French Vanilla Swirl and Pink Velvet Swirl sauces are the exact same thing, albeit with different food colorings added. The video has garnered millions of views, so that secret is out.
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Almost every transaction you complete at a Dunkin’ could lead to your getting a free donut, according to So Yummy. All you need to do is take the time to fill out the survey noted at the bottom of your receipt, print out proof you completed it (or keep the proof on your phone), and bring it to a Dunkin’ for your free treat.
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While of course, the intention here is to only provide customers only the freshest coffee, the fact that Dunkin’ employees are obliged to dump out any unsold coffee after just 18 minutes is a terrible example of waste. And indeed this is official policy, even stated in the more arcane corners of the company’s website.
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Dunkin’ may want you to think their donuts are super fresh but they’ve got nothing on, say, Subway bread, which is indeed baked in the stores. Dunkin’s donuts, on the other hand, are delivered to the store via truck at five in the morning, every morning, according to Chicago Business.
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This drink should be avoided at all costs, frankly. It packs in a shocking 860 calories, some 30 grams of fat, and delivers 17 grams of saturated fat, which is eight grams more saturated fat than an adult should consume all day, according to the Cleveland Clinic. What’s more, these stats are not for an extra-large size Caramel Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream beverage, but for a medium. Consult the calorie counts before sipping any of the frozen coffees. Many are just not worth the calorie price.
According to a not actually disgruntled former Dunkin’ employee, the “beverages and sandwiches are completely customizable based on a guest’s individual preferences,” so don’t be afraid to ask for changes, according to Pop Sugar. The employees may grumble a bit, but they can get it done for you.
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Of course, Dunkin’ wants you to take part in their loyalty program, but they would probably prefer you not make perfect use of it, as that can mean a free beverage with every $40 you spend. So if you spend $10 a day at Dunkin’ on a coffee, donut, and breakfast sandwich on weekdays, by Friday you will have a coupon.
Like many restaurant chains, Dunkin’ does have a so-called “Secret Menu” but it is frankly not very popular, according to Spoon University. The featured items are apparently all beverages, and none seem so popular as to stir up a fraction of the excitement the standard menu does.
Read more about your favorite coffee chains:
The Best & Worst Coffee Brands in 2021—Ranked!
This Popular Coffee Chain Is Currently Outperforming Starbucks and Dunkin’
The Best & Worst New Coffee Drinks This Fall, Dietitian Says