Your Dairy-Free Drink Options at Dunkin'
For those avoiding dairy, Dunkin' has made it easier than ever to customize your favorite drinks. With no extra charge for non-dairy milks as of March 2025, you can enjoy a variety of beverages with confidence.
Milk Alternatives
Dunkin' offers a few dairy-free milk alternatives for use in coffees, lattes, and other beverages:
- Almond Milk: A nutty and versatile option that pairs well with many coffee drinks.
- Oat Milk: A popular, creamy choice with a thicker texture, excellent for lattes and matcha drinks.
- Coconut Milk: While less common than oat and almond milk, it can be requested for a tropical twist in certain beverages.
Coffee and Espresso Drinks
Virtually any coffee or espresso drink can be made dairy-free by opting for almond or oat milk instead of traditional dairy milk.
- Hot or Iced Coffee: Simply order with your choice of almond or oat milk.
- Hot or Iced Lattes: A popular and classic option made dairy-free with plant-based milk.
- Hot or Iced Americano: An Americano is naturally dairy-free (espresso and water) and can be enjoyed as is.
- Cold Brew: Served black or with your favorite non-dairy milk and a flavor shot.
- Hot or Iced Matcha Latte and Chai Latte: Both can be ordered with oat or almond milk for a creamy, spiced beverage.
Other Refreshing Beverages
Beyond coffee, Dunkin' offers several refreshing options that are naturally dairy-free or can be made so.
- Dunkin' Refreshers: These drinks, infused with green tea, come in flavors like Strawberry Dragonfruit and Peach Passion Fruit and are dairy-free by default.
- Coolatta Frozen Beverages: The Strawberry and Blue Raspberry Coolatta flavors are dairy-free.
- Hot and Iced Teas: All tea varieties are dairy-free.
Dairy-Free Food Choices at Dunkin'
While most Dunkin's signature donuts contain milk and other animal products, there are still several solid dairy-free food choices to build a meal around.
Savory and Hearty Options
- Bagels: Most bagel varieties, including Plain, Everything, Sesame, and Cinnamon Raisin, are dairy-free when ordered without cream cheese.
- English Muffin: A reliable, dairy-free base for a breakfast sandwich.
- Hash Browns: These potato bites are a savory and satisfying dairy-free side.
- Avocado Toast: Toasted sourdough bread topped with a simple, dairy-free avocado spread.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: These can be made dairy-free by ordering on an English Muffin or bagel and asking for "no cheese".
Understanding Flavor Shots vs. Flavor Swirls
One of the most important distinctions for dairy-free customers is the difference between Flavor Shots and Flavor Swirls. Misunderstanding this can lead to accidentally consuming dairy.
| Feature | Flavor Shots | Flavor Swirls |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Status | Always dairy-free and sugar-free. | Contain dairy, except for the Mocha Swirl. |
| Flavor Profile | Unsweetened and concentrated for a flavor boost. | Sweet, creamy, and indulgent. |
| Examples | Vanilla, Hazelnut, Toasted Almond, Blueberry, Raspberry, Coconut. | Caramel, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and most seasonal flavors contain milk. |
| Ordering Tip | Safe to add to any dairy-free drink for extra flavor. | Only the Mocha Swirl is dairy-free; avoid all others. |
How to Order Dairy-Free at Dunkin'
To ensure your order is entirely dairy-free, keep these tips in mind:
- Specify Your Milk: When ordering a latte, coffee, or espresso drink, clearly state your preference for oat or almond milk.
- Ask for No Cream Cheese or Butter: When ordering a bagel or English Muffin, remember to ask for it plain or with avocado spread instead of cream cheese or butter, which contain dairy.
- Watch Out for Swirls and Cold Foams: Most flavor swirls and all cold foams contain dairy. Stick to Flavor Shots for added flavor, or use the Mocha Swirl cautiously.
- Be Mindful of Cross-Contamination: If you have a severe dairy allergy, be aware that cross-contamination is a risk in any shared kitchen environment. You can request that baristas use clean equipment, but it's important to weigh the risks. Iced drinks might be safer as they don't involve the steamer used for milk.
- Double-Check Seasonal Items: Seasonal specials and limited-time offers, particularly coffee swirls, often contain dairy. Always ask a barista or check the official allergen menu online.
Conclusion
Navigating a dairy-free lifestyle doesn't mean you have to skip your Dunkin' run. With a variety of plant-based milk options and a solid foundation of dairy-free food items like bagels and hash browns, it's easier than ever to enjoy your favorite beverages and snacks. By understanding the key differences between flavor shots and swirls and knowing what menu items are safe, you can confidently and deliciously order dairy-free at Dunkin'.
