Battle of the Baristas: Dunkin’ Protein Drinks Arrive Ready to Rival Starbucks
Dunkin’ Donuts has become the latest big-name coffee chain to add a splash of protein to its menu.
The American breakfast culture staple, founded in 1950, has moved to modernize its offering with the introduction of Protein Milk.
Last year saw Starbucks — one of the world’s most instantly recognizable coffee chains — roll a similar dice in a bid to create “hype-worthy” products and keep pace with the times.
Now, Dunkin’ is jumping on the trend with a progress-fueling line of its own. Here’s what you need to know about the new range of Dunkin’ Protein Drinks.
Introducing Dunkin’ Protein Drinks
2024 saw the first increase in milk consumption since 2009, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
That change in direction can be partly attributed to America’s newfound enthusiasm for all things protein.
Modern consumers are perpetually leaning toward so-called better-for-you alternatives, and increasing their intake of the muscle-building macronutrient is a major part of that shift.
Starbucks was hardly ahead of the curve when it launched its collection of Protein Lattes and Cold Foam back in September. Bottled protein shakes and coffees of all stripes had already swept across grocery store chillers.
But it was certainly ahead of Dunkin’ in that regard. Playing a game of catch-up, Dunkin’ has described the introduction of Protein Milk to its menu as a “simple way” for guests to add protein to drinks they already love.
Promising a creamy, familiar taste without a chalky residue, the macro-heavy milk can be substituted into beverages that allow for a milk or non-dairy base, including coffees, lattes, matcha, and Refreshers.
“We saw protein milk as a natural way to give our guests more flexibility in how they enjoy the Dunkin’ menu throughout the day,” said Jill Nelson, chief marketing officer at Dunkin’.
“Protein Milk tastes great across coffee, lattes and Refreshers without changing the flavors guests already love, and we’re excited to support the launch in unexpected ways.”
One of those “unexpected ways” arrived courtesy of American rapper and songwriter Megan Thee Stallion.
The three-time Grammy Award winner puts the new Dunkin’ Protein Drinks in the spotlight in a fluorescent ad campaign titled “Dunk N’ Pump.”
Introduced as “Pro-Tina,” she leads a high-energy jazzercise-inspired workout fueled by the Dunkin’ Protein Drinks and set to an original track created exclusively for Dunkin’.
She’s even got a beverage named after her on the Dunkin’ Protein Drinks menu, with the Refreshers lineup featuring Protein Milk and delivering 15g of protein in a medium serving:
- Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher: Juicy mango flavor mixed with Protein Milk.
- Strawberry Protein Refresher: A creamy take on the fan-favorite Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher.
- Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte: Espresso paired with rich chocolate, sweet caramel flavors, and Protein Milk.
- Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte: A classic iced matcha latte made with Protein Milk and toasted almond flavor.
- Iced Protein Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla: Espresso paired with Protein Milk and Dunkin’s first-ever Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup.
“Teaming up with Dunkin’ to bring my new Mango Protein Refresher to life has been such an exciting experience and I can’t wait for the Hotties to try it,” said Megan Thee Stallion.
“Whether you’re drinking it to boost your fitness routine or just to power through a busy day, it’s the perfect drink for any occasion.”
Dunkin’ Dips Into Merchandise
To further drive home the launch of its Protein Milk, Dunkin’ is extending the campaign with a series of limited-edition merchandise drops and partnerships:
- Dunk N’ Pump Collection: A retro-inspired workout apparel collection tied to the release, available exclusively at DunkinRunsOnMerch.com.
- Dunkin’ x Bala® Collaboration: A limited run of two-pound Bala Bangles in signature Dunkin’ colors, available beginning Jan 12 on ShopBala.com/dunkin-bala-bangles for $65, while supplies last.
- [solidcore] Signature50 Shakes on Dunkin’: From Jan 14-16, participating [solidcore] studios nationwide will host 6am classes powered by Dunkin’, featuring an exclusive playlist. Guests will take home a Dunkin’ gift card to try the new Protein Milk lineup, including a [solidcore] favorite build: Dunkin’ Protein Iced Latte with a shot of unsweetened blueberry flavor.
2026 Winter Menu Refresh
The new Dunkin’ Protein Drinks and accompanying Protein Milk form part of a broader winter menu update, featuring additional beverages and a not-so-protein-friendly golden fudge donut.
For more details on exclusive member offers throughout January, head to Dunkin’s website.
SEE ALSO: Barebells Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Bar Launches With Brand-First Fruity Filling
