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Dunkin' Launches Starbucks-Inspired Iced Coffees

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 8:22 GMT by Mandatory
      Locales: Massachusetts, New York, Florida, UNITED STATES

February 27th, 2026 - Dunkin', the popular coffee and donut chain, fired a direct shot across the bow of industry leader Starbucks today with the launch of a new trio of premium iced coffee beverages. The drinks - the Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato, Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, and Iced Vanilla Bean Cloud Macchiato - are undeniably inspired by, and closely resemble, some of Starbucks' most popular offerings, signaling a clear strategic shift for Dunkin' toward capturing a larger share of the specialty coffee market.

The rollout, beginning today, represents Dunkin's latest effort to evolve beyond its traditional focus on quick service and affordable coffee, and increasingly compete with Starbucks in the realm of more sophisticated and premium beverages. Joanna DiNicolo, Dunkin's VP of Beverage Innovation, explicitly acknowledged the inspiration, stating in a press release, "We've heard from our guests that they love Starbucks' Caramel Cloud Macchiato and Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. We're excited to introduce our own interpretations inspired by those fan favorites."

A Play for the Premium Market

For years, Dunkin' has positioned itself as the value-oriented alternative to Starbucks, emphasizing speed and affordability. However, the coffee market has demonstrably shifted. Demand for specialty coffee drinks - those featuring unique flavor combinations, high-quality ingredients, and often, intricate preparation methods - continues to surge. Starbucks has successfully dominated this segment, building a loyal customer base willing to pay a premium for its offerings.

This latest move by Dunkin' suggests the company believes there's ample opportunity to carve out a larger piece of that premium pie, even directly competing with Starbucks on its own turf. The new iced drinks aren't simply variations on existing Dunkin' beverages; they're attempts to replicate the experience of ordering a Starbucks staple. The Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato, for example, mimics the layered aesthetic and sweet, caramel-forward flavor profile of its Starbucks counterpart. The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso directly targets the growing number of consumers seeking plant-based options and the trendy 'shaken' espresso preparation.

A History of 'Inspiration'

Dunkin' isn't a stranger to drawing inspiration from its rival. Back in 2020, the chain introduced its Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, widely seen as a direct response to Starbucks' wildly successful Pumpkin Spice Latte. That beverage proved to be a significant hit, demonstrating that Dunkin's customer base was receptive to more elaborate seasonal offerings. The success of the Pumpkin Spice Latte likely paved the way for this more aggressive and direct attempt to replicate Starbucks' core menu items.

Industry analysts predict this is just the beginning of Dunkin's foray into the premium beverage space. "We can expect to see Dunkin' continue to monitor Starbucks' menu innovations and respond accordingly," says coffee market expert, Emily Carter. "The goal isn't necessarily to out-innovate Starbucks, but to provide a comparable, and potentially more affordable, option for consumers who already enjoy those types of drinks."

What's Next for Dunkin'?

While the immediate impact of these new drinks remains to be seen, the broader implications are clear: Dunkin' is actively seeking to attract a wider demographic, particularly those who previously may have considered it a step below Starbucks in terms of beverage quality and variety.

Future expansions could include:

• Seasonal Premium Offerings: Expect to see Dunkin' release limited-time premium drinks tailored to specific seasons, mirroring Starbucks' successful seasonal strategies.
• Increased Focus on Espresso Quality: Improving the quality and consistency of its espresso is crucial for Dunkin' to truly compete in the specialty coffee market.
• Expansion of Plant-Based Options: Capitalizing on the growing demand for plant-based milk alternatives and beverages.
• More Customizable Beverages: Allowing customers greater control over their drink's sweetness, milk type, and other ingredients.

The launch of these Starbucks-inspired drinks is a bold move by Dunkin', and a clear indication that the competition between the two coffee giants is heating up. The question now is whether Dunkin' can successfully position itself as a viable alternative for premium coffee drinkers, or if it will remain primarily a destination for those seeking a quick and affordable caffeine fix.