Dunkin' Spiked: More Than Just a Flavor Twist
When Dunkin' introduced its line of Spiked Iced Coffees, including the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte, it immediately raised questions for consumers accustomed to the brand's non-alcoholic drinks. The most common inquiry revolves around the combination of coffee and alcohol: Does Dunkin' spiked pumpkin spice iced latte contain caffeine? The answer is yes, though the quantity is significantly less than a traditional iced latte from a Dunkin' restaurant. The drink is a flavored malt beverage, which means it is an alcoholic product intended for adults and sold in retail stores, not Dunkin' restaurant locations.
The Science Behind the Spiked Brew
The Dunkin' Spiked Iced Coffee series uses a malt alcohol base for its 6% alcohol by volume (ABV). This malt base is a fermented product derived primarily from sugar. Real coffee is also added to the blend to give it the signature coffee flavor. This combination of fermented alcohol and actual coffee is the reason for both the alcohol content and the caffeine. For the Pumpkin Spice flavor, natural pumpkin spice flavors are incorporated along with a non-dairy creamer. It is this inclusion of real coffee that contributes the caffeine, although in a much-reduced concentration compared to what might be expected from a non-alcoholic coffeehouse drink.
What to Know About the Ingredients
- Real Coffee: Provides the distinctive coffee taste and the moderate caffeine content. All Dunkin' Spiked Iced Coffees use real coffee as an ingredient.
- Malt Base: The fermented, sugar-based ingredient that supplies the alcohol in the beverage. This makes it a malt liquor and not a traditional spirit or wine.
- Natural Flavors: Used to achieve the classic pumpkin spice profile, along with other ingredients.
- Vegan Creamer: The pumpkin spice flavor specifically uses a non-dairy creamer, making it vegan-friendly and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Carbonation: Unlike standard Dunkin' lattes, the spiked versions are carbonated, giving them a different mouthfeel than the restaurant versions.
Spiked vs. Regular: A Comparison
To fully understand the product, it is helpful to compare the Spiked Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte with a regular, non-alcoholic iced latte from a Dunkin' store. They share a name but are fundamentally different products.
| Feature | Dunkin' Spiked Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte (12 oz can) | Dunkin' Restaurant Iced Latte (12 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Retail stores, not Dunkin' restaurants | Dunkin' restaurants |
| Alcohol Content | 6% ABV from malt base | 0% ABV |
| Caffeine Content | ~30 mg | ~75 mg to 100 mg+ (depending on shots) |
| Product Type | Ready-to-drink canned beverage | Made-to-order coffeehouse drink |
| Main Base | Malt liquor and real coffee | Espresso and milk (or plant-based milk) |
| Carbonation | Yes | No |
| Dairy | Non-dairy creamer | Dairy milk (unless substituted) |
The Importance of Understanding Content
The lower caffeine level in the spiked version is an important distinction. Mixing alcohol with a high amount of caffeine can be dangerous, as the stimulant effects of caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol. This can lead a person to consume more alcohol than they would otherwise, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning. The moderate amount of caffeine in the Dunkin' Spiked product mitigates this risk compared to a cocktail mixed with a full-strength coffee, but consumers should still be mindful of consumption levels. Remember, this is an alcoholic beverage and should be consumed responsibly by adults 21 and over.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Dunkin' Spiked Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte contains a small amount of caffeine from the real coffee used in its recipe. However, it is fundamentally an alcoholic, flavored malt beverage with a 6% ABV, designed as a ready-to-drink item for retail purchase. It is not the same product as the non-alcoholic version sold in Dunkin' restaurants and should be treated as a distinct drink. Understanding the ingredients and differences between the spiked and regular versions is crucial for responsible consumption.
For more information on the product line, visit the official Dunkin' Spiked website at dunkinspiked.com.
Key takeaways
- Yes, it contains caffeine: The Dunkin' Spiked Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte has about 30mg of caffeine per 12oz can from real coffee.
- It is an alcoholic beverage: It contains 6% ABV from a malt liquor base, not spirits.
- Different from restaurant lattes: The spiked version is a canned product sold in stores, unlike the made-to-order lattes from Dunkin' restaurants.
- Caffeine is significantly lower: The caffeine content is much less than a standard cup of coffee, which typically has around 100mg or more.
- Vegan and lactose-friendly: The pumpkin spice flavor uses a non-dairy creamer.
