Competition in the coffee universe is about to get intense, and Dunkin’ just made a daring move. Rumors of a big summer menu shake-up and new beverages that seem weirdly familiar are making fans wonder if this is innovation or just plain copying.
Starbucks has conquered on the premium coffee-and-refreshers market for years, but Dunkin’ appears to be ready to take the crown.
A leaked menu has revealed unexpected similarities, strategic returns, and a heavy focus on drinks. Is this just innocent competition? Or the beginning of an all-out rivalry? Let’s get up close and personal to discover what’s brewing.
Same Drinks, Different Logos?
Over the last ten years, telling fast food competitors apart has been harder and harder. McDonald’s sells lemonade now.
Wendy’s has a line of ice-cream-based drinks. Everyone takes inspiration from everyone. But Dunkin’s new list is raising eyebrows.
From matcha lattes to refreshers, Dunkin’ is introducing drinks that clearly resemble Starbucks staples. Fans have noticed. Analysts have noticed. And on social media, coffee drinkers are taking notice, too.
The Leak That Started It All
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill press release. Rumors started percolating when one of Instagram’s go-to food insiders (@markie_devo) spilled Dunkin’s 2025 summer menu.
As per the leak, Dunkin’s not just launching a few new drinks—they’re launching a full lineup of beverages, many of which resemble Starbucks’ classics. And it’s not by chance. The timing, the flavors, even the foam are turning heads.
A Closer Inspection of the Menu
Among the leaked menu choices are several returning drinks and new additions that scream strategic decision.
Dunkin’s Energy Mixology line is coming back with Cherry Berry Twist and Peach Cherry Twist. And there’s a new Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher—served with oat milk and cold foam.
Ring a bell? That’s because Starbucks has had an almost identical drink on its menu for years. Coincidence? Or master move?
Frozen Coffee Upped its Sweet Game
Dunkin’ is once more featuring its Melted Ice Cream Frozen Coffees to raise the stakes even higher. This time around, they’re going all out with Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Butter Pecan flavors.
These newcomers blur the boundary between drink and dessert, appealing to younger shoppers and straight up competing with Starbucks’ Frappuccino-like frozen beverages. This isn’t just about coffee anymore—it’s brand strategy.
Matcha Makes a Move
Matcha has been gaining popularity with all age groups, and both chains are taking notice. Starbucks just made headlines by modernizing its sweet matcha to a less sweet, unsweetened version.
And now, Dunkin’ is following suit. Though not introducing a new flavor, they’ve reformulated how they’re making their Iced Matcha Lattes, introducing new brewing equipment to ensure consistency. It’s a small tweak, but one that satisfies consumer demand.
Exclusives for the Faithful Few
Similar to Starbucks’ app-only rewards, Dunkin’ is using exclusivity to drive repeat purchases. Dunkin’ Rewards members will be among the first to taste special beverages like Mint Chocolate Chip Signature Latte and Cookie Dough Cold Foam Iced Coffee.
These are not just new drinks—they’re repeat-purchase incentives. It’s a page out of Starbucks’ playbook: make fans feel special, and they’ll return.
What’s Still to Come
Two more Refreshers—Blueberry Breeze and Golden Hour—are allegedly releasing later in the summer, from July 23 to August 19.
Whether this is a second wave of the campaign or just an off-season addition, the objective is clear: Dunkin’ is moving to dominate summer drinking. The teasers are deliberate and the deadline is set. This isn’t just a menu refresh—it’s a launch strategy.
Why Beverages Matter Now
When it comes to fast food, selling beverages is highly profitable because of low costs and a high margins. Plus, they (beverages) attract young buyers, get them to come back, and are simple to scale.
McDonald’s and Wendy’s have doubled down on specialty and frozen drinks for the past decade, and Starbucks still reigns in the cafe-style beverage shelf.
To this extent, Dunkin’ entering the same space is a far greater mission than seasonal promotions. They’re not doing it because it’s popular. They’re attempting to reinvent their brand.
How Starbucks Is Behaving
Publicly? Starbucks has remained silent. Internally? They’re not oblivious to the threat. They’ve already started rolling out their matcha formulas and new refreshers in test markets.
Starbucks’ strength is its global brand and international footprint—but Dunkin’s price point, convenience, and rewards app may erode casual consumers seeking a lower-cost similar experience.
What Customers Are Saying
Talk online is divided. Some Dunkin’ enthusiasts are looking forward to more choices. Others are noticing the similarity and label it “copycat marketing.”
Starbucks customers aren’t concerned—yet. Still, many occasional coffee consumers express that taste and price come before brand loyalty. If Dunkin’s drink is just as good and costs less, the transition might be simpler than imagined.
This Isn’t Dunkin’s First Battle
Dunkin’ has rebranded before, eliminating “Donuts” from its name in 2018 and leaning more toward beverages. They’ve incrementally added coffee, espresso, and specialty drinks over the years.
But this summer’s revamp is Dunkin’s most aggressive move yet to directly compete with Starbucks on its own turf. It’s a sign that Dunkin’ is no longer simply playing defense.
What’s at Stake
Beverage wars aren’t fought on taste. They’re fought on customer retention, share, and long-term growth.
If Dunkin’ convert even a small segment of Starbucks’ customers, particularly the younger crowd, it could change the coffee chain universe.
And with food inflation and changing consumer tastes, consumers are more open than ever to doing something different—especially if it’s garnished with foam.
So Who Wins?
That remains to be seen. If Dunkin’s beverages deliver on taste, value, and convenience, Starbucks may well feel compelled to catch up sooner.
But if Starbucks maintains its customers’ loyalty through community, atmosphere, and quality retention, the devotion will persist.
So far, though, the menu battle is only just beginning. And whether you prefer oatmilk matcha or frozen cookie dough coffee, there’s more choice, and that’s good news for everyone.