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Dunkin’ Donuts Jumps on Trend Adding New Beverage to Menu

As many know, “America runs on Dunkin.” Now, though, the U.S. will be running on Dunkin’s Donuts coconut milk from here on out.

The U.S. is transitioning to non-dairy products, and food and beverage companies are listening. Many fast-food chains across America are putting dairy alternatives on their menu. A lot of restaurants are finding that this extends into both food and beverage. So, for these fast-food companies, this often means adding plant-based items to their repertoires.

Dunkin recently announced that they will be adding coconut milk. They will be making this addition available for purchase on Wednesday, April 28.

Dunkin is adding two things to the menu, primarily a Coconut Milk Iced Latte. But, the fast-food chain is also adding a Coconut Refresher for three dollars. For customers buying these drinks, they can order their drink either hot or cold with their coconut milk.

This is the latest feature for Dunkin to keep up with the alternative milk choices. The company already has oat milk and almond milk available for its customers.

The Coconut Refreshers come in a variety of flavors. Strawberry Dragonfruit starts the lineup, followed by Golden Peach – made with peach passion fruit flavors. The third option for customers is a Purple Pomegranate flavor which has blueberry pomegranate infused with coconut milk. 

Dunkin’ Donuts Bolsters It’s Lineup to Suit America’s Beverage Desires

Statistically, adding coconut milk options makes a lot of sense for Dunkin. As a whole, the U.S. is drinking a lot less dairy. According to the USDA, people drank 146 pounds in 2018, or 100 pounds less than in 1975.

The study shows that the alternative beverage market is being driven by millennials and Generation Z. The younger generation is 22% more likely to consume plant-based options. They are also willing to pay a higher price to eat and drink these alternatives.

So, many restaurants have rethought their business strategies to match the market needs. Back in March, Starbucks added the brand Oatly to its menu. This addition was paired with coconut milk, soy milk, and almond milk which were all already on their menu.

The plant-based movement is likely going to remain around for a long time. Earlier in April, Oatly – which is publicly backed by Oprah – filed for an Initial Public Offering. Before doing so, they hired a handful of big-name underwriters for the offering. Those hires included Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and Credit Suisse. Consequently, Oatly is valued at over $5 billion.

So, Dunkin’ Donuts is trying to tap into the mania of alternative beverages.