Decaf Coffee and Espresso Drinks
For coffee lovers, Dunkin' provides several decaffeinated options, but it's important to know the difference between made-to-order items and pre-brewed drinks. Dunkin' keeps decaffeinated coffee beans on hand for fresh preparation, and their espresso machines are also capable of pulling decaf shots. This allows for a great deal of customization.
Hot and Iced Decaf Coffee
The most straightforward option is a simple hot or iced decaf coffee. Dunkin's Decaf coffee is a medium roast blend designed to have the same rich, smooth taste as their Original Blend but with the caffeine removed. You can add any of Dunkin's flavor shots (unsweetened) or flavor swirls (sweetened and creamy) to customize your drink. A popular combination from Reddit users includes a decaf iced coffee with caramel and french vanilla flavor. Store availability of fresh decaf coffee may vary, especially late in the day.
Decaf Espresso-Based Drinks
Since Dunkin's espresso machines are equipped to handle decaf beans, many of their espresso-based beverages can be ordered decaffeinated. This opens up a world of possibilities for those who enjoy the creamy texture of a latte or the bold flavor of a macchiato.
- Decaf Latte (Hot or Iced): A classic blend of decaf espresso and steamed or cold milk, which you can customize with flavor shots or swirls.
- Decaf Macchiato (Hot or Iced): Featuring layered decaf espresso and milk, this beverage offers a smooth and impressive aesthetic.
- Decaf Cappuccino (Hot or Iced): This drink adds a foamy layer of milk over decaf espresso for a lighter texture.
Can't-Miss Decaf Additions
- Flavor Shots: These are unsweetened and non-dairy, with options like vanilla, hazelnut, toasted almond, and raspberry.
- Flavor Swirls: For a sweeter, richer treat, options include caramel, french vanilla, and mocha. Note that most swirls contain dairy.
- Alternative Milk: Dunkin' typically offers oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk for a non-dairy option.
Caffeine-Free Drinks: Herbal Teas and Chocolates
Beyond decaffeinated coffee, Dunkin' offers several beverages that are naturally caffeine-free. These are great choices for anyone wanting zero caffeine, not just the small trace amounts found in decaf coffee.
Herbal Tea Infusions
Dunkin's herbal teas are prepared using pyramid-shaped tea sachets containing high-quality loose-leaf tea and herbs, providing a flavorful and aromatic experience. Their herbal infusions include:
- Chamomile Fields™: A soothing blend of chamomile flowers and herbs, perfect for winding down.
- Hibiscus Kiss™: With bright, juicy flavors from hibiscus and natural berry essences.
- Cool Mint Herbal Infusion™: A crisp and invigorating infusion of peppermint leaves and herbs.
Hot and Frozen Chocolate Options
For a truly indulgent, caffeine-free treat, Dunkin's hot and frozen chocolate options are a reliable choice.
- Hot Chocolate: A classic, creamy, and craveable drink that can be customized with various flavor swirls.
- Frozen Chocolate: A blended, ice-cold version of their signature hot chocolate, perfect for a warmer day.
Availability and Customization Comparison
| Drink Type | Hot Decaf Coffee & Espresso | Iced Decaf Coffee & Espresso | Herbal Tea | Hot Chocolate & Frozen Chocolate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Freshly brewed decaf beans or espresso | Freshly brewed decaf espresso | Herbal infusions (no tea leaves) | Chocolate powder base |
| Availability | Generally available, but can depend on the time of day and store traffic. | Available on demand since decaf espresso shots are pulled fresh. | Year-round, using pre-packaged sachets for consistency. | Available year-round. |
| Caffeine Level | Trace amounts of residual caffeine. | Trace amounts of residual caffeine. | 0mg caffeine. | 0mg caffeine. |
| Customization | Yes (milk, sugar, flavor shots/swirls). | Yes (milk, sugar, flavor shots/swirls). | Yes (iced option, add flavors, sweeteners). | Yes (add flavor swirls, whipped cream). |
| Preparation Method | Freshly brewed to order from decaf grounds. | Decaf espresso shots pulled fresh and mixed with cold ingredients. | Steeping a pyramid sachet in hot water, can be iced. | Made with a chocolate powder base and milk or water. |
Drinks Not Available in Decaf
It is important to note that two popular Dunkin' offerings cannot be ordered in a decaf version due to their preparation process. Cold Brew is steeped for a long period with pre-caffeinated beans, and the Frozen Coffee base is pre-frozen with regular coffee. For a similar experience, you can opt for a decaf iced coffee or a frozen chocolate instead.
Conclusion
What decaf drinks does Dunkin' have? Quite a lot, actually. With readily available decaf coffee and espresso beans, a caffeine-conscious customer can enjoy a wide array of hot and iced custom creations, including lattes, macchiatos, and simple coffees. For a completely caffeine-free experience, the herbal tea infusions and hot or frozen chocolate provide satisfying and flavorful alternatives. By knowing your options and how each drink is prepared, you can confidently order a delicious beverage from Dunkin' that fits your needs. For more details on drink preparation, visit the official Dunkin' website for nutrition information or speak with a team member.
