Ordering at Dunkin’? Here Are the Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
Dunkin’ has been fueling mornings, road trips, and snack runs across America for decades. But with an evolving menu and a fanbase that rivals any sports team’s loyalty, knowing how to order can make or break your Dunkin’ run.
Here are the biggest mistakes people make at Dunkin’, and how to avoid them to get the most out of every sip and bite.
Forgetting to Choose Hot or Iced
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Almost every drink at Dunkin’ can be served hot or iced, but skipping that detail can create a real mix-up at the counter. If you just ask for a latte, don’t be surprised if the server follows up with “Hot or iced?” Giving that detail up front saves time, avoids mistakes, and helps the line move faster.
Overlooking the Secret Menu Possibilities
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Dunkin’ doesn’t advertise a secret menu, but plenty of customers have pieced together custom drinks using the available flavor shots and swirls. Recipes like the Blueberry Cobbler or Almond Joy float around on social media, but staff likely won’t know them by name. If you’re ordering one, be ready with the exact ingredients.
Not Asking About Seasonal Items
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Dunkin’ frequently switches up its seasonal offerings, with flavors like pumpkin spice in the fall, peppermint mocha in winter, and coffee milk lattes in the spring. These special items don’t always appear on the main menu, so they can easily be overlooked. To catch the latest seasonal treats, make sure to ask the staff about any new flavors or limited-time specials when you order, especially during the holiday season.
Assuming All Flavor Add-Ins Are the Same
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Here’s the deal: flavor shots are unsweetened, while flavor swirls are sweetened and creamy. Mixing both without knowing can lead to a sugar bomb or a bland surprise. A medium drink with a swirl can add up to 160 calories, while a shot adds about 10.
Skipping the Dunkin’ App
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The Dunkin’ app isn’t just for mobile ordering. It tracks rewards, shows current deals, and allows for easy payment in-store. Members earn points toward free items, get early access to promotions, and even see bonus offers like $2 munchkins boxes. You can also customize your drink exactly how you want without feeling rushed at the register.
Ignoring the Caffeine Content
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Not all Dunkin’ drinks deliver the same jolt. A medium hot coffee can pack around 210mg of caffeine, but the same size cold brew hits even harder—closer to 260mg. Lattes and cappuccinos usually have less, about 120mg for a medium, since they’re made with more milk and less espresso. Dunkin’s espresso shots have about 118mg each, so extra shots mean more kick. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or ordering for a kid, double-check what’s in your cup before you commit.
Missing Out on Meal Deals
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If you’re looking to save, Dunkin’ often has combo deals that offer more value than ordering à la carte. For instance, the DunKings $6 Meal includes a sandwich, hash browns, and a medium drink. Past deals have included $5 Wake-Up Wrap combos and breakfast sandwich bundles.
Not Saying Your Milk Preference
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Regarding milk options, Dunkin’ offers a range of choices: skim, whole, cream, almond, and oat. Starting in March 2025, plant-based milks will be free of extra charges to make them more accessible for non-dairy drinkers. Remember, though, that unless you specify, you’ll usually get whole milk or cream by default.
Forgetting to Tip for Custom Orders
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Ordering off-menu? Getting a super-specific drink? Employees often go the extra mile to make it right. Since secret menu drinks or complex customizations take more time, it’s good form to tip if you’re asking for something special. While not mandatory, tipping shows appreciation and can earn you some goodwill, even a free donut, according to several Reddit threads from Dunkin’ employees.
Adding Sweeteners Without Checking the Base
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Flavor swirls are already sweetened. So if you’re adding sugar on top of a swirl, that drink may end up sweeter than a slice of cake. Want a balanced flavor? Taste the drink first, then adjust. This is especially important with frozen drinks, which are high in sugar by default. One Frozen Caramel Crème Coffee clocks in at over 1,100 calories, which is more than many full meals.
Not Double-Checking Nutrition Facts
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If you’re watching your calories, sugar, or caffeine, Dunkin’s menu has nutritional info available online and in-app. Many drinks and foods look innocent but pack surprises, like the Frozen Chocolate, which has nearly 900 calories in a large size.
Following a Format When Ordering
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“Can I get a coffee?” might work at home, but not at Dunkin’. With dozens of size, temperature, milk, flavor, and sweetener combinations, being specific is key. Try starting with size, then temperature, type of drink, milk preference, and any flavor or add-ins. For example: “Large iced latte with oat milk and a French vanilla flavor shot.” That saves time and keeps everyone in line happy.
Thinking There’s More Than One Roast
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Dunkin’ keeps it simple with its Original Blend, a medium roast Arabica. There’s no dark, light, or blonde roast available for brewed coffee in stores. The Midnight dark roast was retired years ago from the regular menu. You can still buy different roast bags for home brewing, but in-store, it’s one roast, one flavor.
Not Asking Employees for Suggestions
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Dunkin’ staff know the menu better than anyone and often have go-to drink hacks and off-menu favorites. If it’s not rush hour, requesting a recommendation can lead to a new favorite combo. Many team members will even customize drinks in small ways, like swapping milk, just to help you out.
Expecting “Extra Hot” Options Like Starbucks
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If you’re used to asking for your drink “extra hot” like at Starbucks, you’ll hit a wall at Dunkin’. The machines used for steaming milk don’t support higher temps. Most drinks come out around 160°F, and that’s the cap. If you want your drink to stay warm longer, bring an insulated mug. But don’t expect scalding lattes.