Dunkin vs. Starbucks: A Head-to-Head Comparison

If you’re a fan of great coffee on the go, chances are you already have your own take on who takes the cake in the Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks debate. It’s a hot topic. Whether you’re a die-hard Dunkin’ fan or staunchly on the side of Starbucks, there’s much to be said for both sides. So, where do your loyalties lie?

According to the National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report, two-thirds of American adults drink coffee each day (66%) — higher than any other beverage and up nearly 7 % since 2020, With that many java lovers in the mix, the rivalry between these two chains is more relevant than ever.

 Could you be persuaded to break out of your comfort zone and even, dare we suggest it, change camps? That’s what we’re here to help you decide. In this guide to Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, we’ll leave no stone unturned in a bid to discover who does it better. 

If it’s caffeine that gets you going in the morning, we’ll weigh up Dunkin’ coffee vs. Starbucks, and if your decision is based on cost, we’ll also take a look at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks prices. Ready to discover more? Let’s dive in.

Jump to Section

• Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks: What’s the Real Difference?
• Coffee Taste and Quality
• Pricing and Value
• Vibes, Service and Experience
• Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks Final Verdict: Which One Wins?

Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks: What’s the Real Difference?

At the heart of the question of Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks are two major coffee chains, each offering an on-the-go solution for those in need of a pick-me-up. So they’re the same, right? Well, not exactly. 

Dunkin’ Donuts vs. Starbucks Coffee is a conversation that revolves around several factors. For example, the menu is considered more cost-effective at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, which is generally known for its premium coffee-house experience.

In terms of Dunkin’ coffee vs. Starbucks, the latter is known for a more extensive drinks menu with a wider selection of customization options. And while that’s perfect for those who are more particular with their morning brew, it comes at a slightly higher cost. 

Dunkin’, meanwhile, feels more like a fast-food-style stop. It’s perfect for those who value speedy service with drinks and snacks that don’t put too big a dent in your budget.

That last point can have something of an impact on customer service, too. Now, that’s not to say that Dunkin’ is unfriendly — far from it. However, the service tends to focus more on speed at Dunkin’ Donuts vs. Starbucks, which is generally known for its friendly and upbeat approach to each and every customer. 

In short, which side you choose in the Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks debate boils down to what you want from your local coffee shop. If you want to take your time as you get your order precisely to your liking from a long list of customization options, the friendly staff at your local Starbucks is always happy to help. Or, if you simply want to grab a quick brew to go while still enjoying a quality cup, you’d probably side with Dunkin’ coffee vs. Starbucks. 

Coffee Taste and Quality 

Dunkin’ Coffee vs. Starbucks Coffee

Perhaps your vote for the winner between Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks boils down to simple, no-nonsense coffee. If so, there's a marked difference when sampling Dunkin’ coffee vs. Starbucks coffee. Reviews generally suggest that Dunkin’ is perhaps easier to enjoy for the average coffee lover, reminiscent, in the most complimentary way possible, of your local diner. 

Starbucks, meanwhile, with its Pike Place blend, delivers a brew that’s smooth and balanced with just a touch of cocoa and nuts. A comparison of regular Dunkin’ coffee vs. Starbucks sees the latter proffering a darker roast, one that’s delicious on its own with no adornments. Dunkin’, meanwhile, might be better enjoyed with a dash of cream. 

Dunkin’ Cold Brew vs. Starbucks Cold Brew

This is a big one. The battle between Dunkin’s Cold Brew vs. Starbucks’ Cold Brew is likely to swing the vote of many who have yet to decide between Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks.

Expect an ultra-smooth and full-bodied cold brew from Dunkin', known for its low acidity and often perceived subtle chocolatey undertones. Starbucks' version offers deep smoothness and low acidity, highlighted by the brand's signature subtle chocolate notes and underlying sweetness.

Overall, reviews suggest that the cold brew falls on the weaker side at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, whose version is slightly more robust. The former would be well suited to more coffee drinkers on average, while those who enjoy their specialty craft coffees are likely to prefer Starbucks’ offering.

Specialty Drinks and Customization

We touched on this already. For many, the amount of optional customizations is likely to be key in securing their allegiance in the Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks conversation. If that sounds like you, Starbucks is sure to be your favorite. As a brand that aims to deliver a premium coffee house experience, Starbucks delivers much more in the way of menu customizations. 

Dunkin’, meanwhile, provides the perfect option for those seeking a quick — but no less delicious — cup of joe. The only downside when choosing Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks coffee is the former’s lack of menu customizations. Then again, that might not be a bad thing. After all, as Leonardo da Vinci himself said, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 

In terms of specialty drinks, there are fewer to choose from at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks. The former has around 27 different drinks on the standard menu. However, this number goes up significantly when you start playing with options on the Dunkin’ Donuts secret menu. 

The same can be said for Starbucks, but on a much grander scale. Bear in mind that its standard menu alone has over 90 drinks to choose from, including diet-specific items like keto Starbucks drinks, which are ideal for those with certain dietary requirements. When you then consider the variations available via the Starbucks secret menu, the choice for coffee aficionados becomes virtually endless! 

Caffeine in Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee vs. Starbucks

We all have our preferences when it comes to coffee, one of which is strength. Unfortunately, if you were hoping that the amount of caffeine in Dunkin’ Donuts coffee vs. Starbucks would help you to make up your mind between these two coffee chains, they are both fairly similar. 

Comparisons of regular coffee at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks’ equivalent brew yield similar results. There are some exceptions. One is the Blonde Roast — the most caffeinated drink at Starbucks, which packs a punch with 360 mg of caffeine per serving. On the whole, however, the like-for-like strengths are too similar between these chains to settle the Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks debate with caffeine content alone. 

Pricing and Value

Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks Prices

While the debate between Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks must consider factors like caffeine content, flavors, menu customizations and customer service, cost has to be one of the key considerations. 

Let’s face it: everyday commodities have only become more expensive in recent years. For those whose daily routine starts with a brew from their local house of Joe, ensuring that they stay within budget has never been more important. 

As we’ve mentioned, the experience at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks shows that the former is more about speedy service and no-nonsense coffee. Compare this to Starbucks, which focuses on delivering more of a premium coffee house experience, and Dunkin’ is the cheaper option.

Is Dunkin’ More Affordable Than Starbucks?

In order to determine whether it’s more affordable to buy your coffee at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, it’s important to consider how much coffee you get for the cost. Portion sizes are generally larger at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, which will be reassuring to those looking to get some bang for their buck. 

A large hot coffee comes with 20 fl oz of the good stuff at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, whose equivalent — a “grande” — comes in at just 16 fl oz. And while prices vary at chains throughout the country, Starbucks generally charges more for a grande cup than Dunkin’ charges for a large brew. 

Of course, those who prefer a little more craft in their caffeine might not mind spending the extra amount to get their fix from Starbucks, especially if they’re pairing it with a mid-week foodie treat from the Starbucks breakfast menu. However, if trips to your local coffee house are part of your daily morning ritual, choosing to side with Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks is sure to help keep your costs to a minimum.

Vibes, Service and Experience

In-Store Experience: Dunkin’ Donuts vs. Starbucks

So, we’ve measured Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks coffee. But what about the in-store experience? Dunkin’ is generally known for its “grab and go” style of service. 

While usually super friendly, the staff are there to help provide you with the quick and convenient service that busy days require. Starbucks, meanwhile, focuses more on personalized service, often getting to know regular patrons and instilling in them a sense of relaxation, connection and loyalty. 

Speed and Convenience

If your vote for a winner between Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks boils down to speed and convenience, it’ll likely go to Dunkin’. As we’ve mentioned, the goal is to provide a convenient means of grabbing a coffee at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, which tends to favor a slower style of service. 

What’s more, around two-thirds of Dunkin’ locations offer drive-thru. This means you don’t even need to get out of your vehicle to enjoy your order from the Dunkin’ Donuts breakfast menu.

While Starbucks also offers drive-thru at around 70% of its U.S. locations, if you head in-store, it’s a different story. It’s generally agreed that the service is more personalized and that the atmosphere encourages you to take your time. 

Especially if you’re a regular patron, the staff takes the time to get to know you, welcoming you to relax, sit and stay a while. This is perfect for those with more time on their hands, or who work remotely and are looking for a change of scenery for the afternoon. 

If speed and convenience are key but you’re yet to decide on a winner between Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, don’t worry. Both chains have a useful mobile app through which you can order your favorite food and drinks, which is handy for skipping the queue when you arrive.

Rewards Comparison

Let’s take a look at the rewards available to members at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks’ equivalent scheme. At the latter, when you sign up for Starbucks Rewards, you’ll earn two stars for every dollar you spend. For those who visit regularly, these quickly add up.

In fact, you can start redeeming with as little as 25 stars, which will earn you a free additional shot of espresso or a dash of syrup. There are plenty of rewards on offer, and if you earn 400 stars, you can even take home selected items of Starbucks merchandise. 

Now let’s look at how the reward scheme works at Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks. Dunkin’ Rewards earns you 10 points for every dollar spent. That goes up to 12 points per dollar for three months when you visit 12 times in a calendar month, with triple points up for grabs on your birthday. 

All you need is 150 points (that’s $15) to start redeeming them, although you’ll be tempted to put them aside for a rainy day, as there are some fantastic (and absolutely delicious) rewards up for grabs for those who save them up. Think hot coffees, cold brews, donuts and even breakfast sandwiches!

Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks Final Verdict: Which One Wins?

It’s hard to pick one ultimate winner between Dunkin’ Donuts vs. Starbucks coffee. The right choice for you really depends on your personal preference. 

For example, if you’re in a hurry and need a quality cup of joe, stat, then you’ll probably favor Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks. However, if you’re in no rush and want to indulge your inner javaphile with craft cups of world-class caffeine, there’s a chance you’ll favor Starbucks. 

Choice is also a factor. If you’re hoping to drink sensibly with one of the healthiest Starbucks drinks, it has plenty of ways to satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals. 

The same can be said if you have a sweet tooth and want to indulge it with your choice of sweet Starbucks drinks. Either way, the extensive menu at Starbucks has much more in the way of choice than its counterpart over at Dunkin’. 

Each has fantastic rewards schemes for loyal patrons, with points that can add up fast and earn you a delicious array of menu items and even merchandise. Each can also offer convenience to those who want to skip the queue, with in-app ordering as well as drive-thru options at locations across the states. 

One of the key differences is cost. While you'll get more coffee for less cash when you choose Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, more adventurous coffee drinkers might not mind spending a little extra to have their choice from the extensive Starbucks menu. 

You’ll also enjoy the added value of getting to know your Starbucks servers. This by becoming part of your local store’s community and enjoying the chance to stop and stay awhile as you savor each and every sip. 

To those of you who have yet to make up your mind between Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks, we hope we’ve been of some help. While the jury remains out as to who “wins,” that’s only because each caters to a very different coffee-loving crowd. 

If you’re looking to get your day off to a quick start with a convenient, no-nonsense cup of caffeine, then be sure to try Dunkin’ Donuts. If you have a little more time to play with, why not stop by Starbucks and enjoy the laid-back communal atmosphere? Either way, these are two of the most loved coffee chains around the world, so whichever one you choose, you’re unlikely to go wrong. 

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