Do Dunkaccinos Have Caffeine? Unpacking the Beloved, Retired Drink

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 report from CNN, Dunkin' officially retired the Dunkaccino after more than two decades on the menu. Yes, Dunkaccinos have caffeine due to their unique blend of coffee and hot chocolate, making them a popular choice for those seeking a sweet boost.

Quick Summary

The Dunkaccino, a blended coffee and hot chocolate beverage, was discontinued by Dunkin'. It contained caffeine from the coffee component. Fans can still replicate the drink by adding a Turbo Shot of espresso to a standard hot or frozen chocolate, which will provide a caffeinated kick.

Key Points

The Original Dunkaccino was Caffeinated: Yes, the retired Dunkin' beverage contained caffeine because it was made with a blend of coffee and hot chocolate.
The Drink was Discontinued in 2023: Dunkin' officially removed the Dunkaccino from its menu to focus on other innovations.
You Can Recreate It with a Simple Hack: To make a hot Dunkaccino, simply order a hot chocolate and ask for a 'Turbo Shot' of espresso.
A Frozen Version is Also Possible: For an iced version, order a Frozen Chocolate and request the inclusion of Frozen Coffee syrup.
Caffeine Content Varies by Hack: The amount of caffeine in your homemade Dunkaccino will depend on whether you use espresso shots or the coffee syrup, which generally results in higher caffeine.
Customize Your Order for Flavor: You can further customize your hack with flavor swirls or shots to more closely match your desired Dunkaccino flavor profile.
The Health Effects of Caffeine are Real: Be mindful of your caffeine intake, as excessive amounts can lead to jitters, restlessness, and anxiety.

Dunkaccino Caffeine Content: A Look Back at the Original

For over 20 years, from its debut in 2000 until its quiet retirement in 2023, the Dunkaccino provided a delightful blend of coffee and chocolate. Customers often wondered about its ingredients and the source of its stimulating effects. The answer is straightforward: the signature blend of coffee and hot chocolate contained real coffee, and therefore, it contained a significant amount of caffeine. However, since the drink was made from a powdered mix, the exact amount of caffeine could vary slightly depending on the preparation process at each location.

The Dunkaccino's Discontinuation and Rise of DIY Hacks

The Dunkaccino's disappearance from the menu was a disappointment for many loyal fans. However, creative patrons and former employees quickly developed workaround 'secret menu' options to replicate the beverage. These hacks typically involve combining a regular hot or frozen chocolate with a shot of espresso or coffee concentrate, delivering a similar taste and, importantly, the desired caffeine hit. This ingenuity has allowed the Dunkaccino legacy to live on through custom orders.

How to Order a Modern-Day Dunkaccino (With Caffeine)

Recreating a Dunkaccino at Dunkin' is a simple process that requires just a few modifications to standard menu items. Below are instructions for both hot and frozen versions.

For a Hot Dunkaccino Hack

Start with a Hot Chocolate: Order a standard hot chocolate from the menu.
Add an Espresso Shot: Ask for a 'Turbo Shot' of espresso to be added to your drink. One shot will provide a noticeable caffeine boost.
Adjust to Taste: You can customize the flavor further with a mocha or caramel flavor swirl, though it is not strictly necessary for the original taste profile.

For a Frozen Dunkaccino Hack

Order a Frozen Chocolate: Request a Frozen Chocolate, which is a blend of hot chocolate powder, ice, and milk.
Add Coffee Syrup: Ask for three pumps of the Frozen Coffee syrup to be blended into your drink. The coffee syrup contains a significant amount of caffeine and provides the necessary coffee flavor.
Request Whipped Cream: Top it with whipped cream for a more authentic and indulgent experience.

Caffeine Comparison: Dunkaccino Alternatives

To understand the caffeine content you can expect from these alternative drinks, it's helpful to compare them to other Dunkin' menu items. Keep in mind that a Turbo Shot of espresso contains about 85-100mg of caffeine, while a standard shot is closer to 75mg. A medium frozen coffee from Dunkin' contains a similar amount of caffeine to the original Dunkaccino because it is made with coffee syrup.


Drink (Medium Size)	Key Ingredients	Estimated Caffeine (mg)
Dunkaccino (Retired)	Coffee + Hot Chocolate Mix	Approx. 150-200
Hot Chocolate + Turbo Shot (Hack)	Hot Chocolate + Espresso Shot	Approx. 100-115
Frozen Chocolate + Coffee Syrup (Hack)	Frozen Chocolate + Coffee Syrup	Approx. 190-200
Dunkin' Hot Chocolate	Hot Chocolate Powder	13 mg
Dunkin' Latte	Espresso + Milk	166 mg

Caffeine and Its Effect on the Body

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects nearly every system in the body. When consumed in moderate amounts (up to 400 mg daily for most healthy adults), it can enhance mental alertness and physical energy. However, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects, including:

Insomnia and restlessness
Increased heart rate
Anxiety and irritability
Headaches
Upset stomach

Individuals sensitive to caffeine should be aware of the content in their Dunkin' alternatives and adjust their intake accordingly. It's also important to remember that combining coffee and chocolate can lead to a more significant stimulant effect than consuming either ingredient alone.

Conclusion

While the official Dunkaccino was discontinued by Dunkin', fans can still enjoy its signature blend of coffee and chocolate by creating their own version. Since the original drink contained coffee, it was always a caffeinated beverage. By adding a Turbo Shot of espresso to a hot chocolate or using the Frozen Coffee syrup with a Frozen Chocolate, customers can get the caffeine fix they desire. Knowing the caffeine levels of these substitute ingredients allows for a delicious and informed recreation of this beloved, retired classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the original Dunkaccino contained caffeine. It was a blended beverage made with coffee and hot chocolate, so it naturally had a caffeine content from the coffee component.

No, the Dunkaccino was officially discontinued by Dunkin' in 2023. While the company has left the door open for a potential return, it is not currently available on the menu.

You can create a caffeinated Dunkaccino by ordering a regular hot chocolate and adding a Turbo Shot of espresso to it. The espresso provides the necessary coffee and caffeine component.

The best frozen Dunkaccino hack is to order a Frozen Chocolate and ask for three pumps of the Frozen Coffee syrup to be added. This combination closely mimics the taste and caffeine content of the original.

A Dunkaccino hack can be more or less caffeinated than a standard latte, depending on your choices. A medium hot chocolate with a Turbo Shot (approx. 100-115mg) is less than a medium latte (166mg), but a frozen chocolate with coffee syrup (approx. 190-200mg) is more.

Yes, a regular Dunkin' hot chocolate contains a very small amount of caffeine from the cocoa powder, typically around 13 milligrams for a medium size. It is not enough to produce a stimulating effect for most people.

You can create a decaf version by ordering a hot chocolate and adding a shot of decaf espresso. Be aware that decaf coffee is not 100% caffeine-free, but it contains significantly less than regular espresso.