Most coffee drinkers are aware of the stimulating effects of caffeine and are aware that caffeine concentrations vary among different drinks. It’s a safe assumption that those opting to get their caffeine fix by buying a coffee from Dunkin’ are especially interested in knowing what coffee selection contains the highest dose of caffeine. In this article, we’ll explore this topic in depth.
Caffeine content in most coffee drinks has been tested and recorded in milligrams (mg) per 16-ounce cup. A standard cup of coffee from Dunkin’ contains around 95 mg of caffeine. For comparison, the same amount of coffee from Starbucks contains approximately 155 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine isn’t the only thing that impacts the strength or intensity of your coffee. Proportion also matters. Depending on the ratio between the amount of grounds and the water added when brewing a cup of coffee, you can get milder or stronger results. Generally speaking, the darker the coffee, the higher the caffeine concentration.
According to Gregory Yates, a nutrition and exercise specialist at The National Institute of Health, “Unfiltered coffee is usually the most potent. This type of coffee is usually brown and yellowish. Also, grinding your own beans (versus buying ready-ground coffee) can increase the caffeine content.”
Dark Roast
Dunkin’ offers several Dark Roast selections including Dark Roast and French Vanilla. The 16-ounce Dark Roast contains 230 mg of caffeine, almost twice as much caffeine than a standard cup of coffee from Dunkin. It’s worth noting that the French Vanilla coffee is the same strength as the dark roast, but with an added touch of flavor.
Espresso
Espresso is a type of coffee defined by its brewing process and has a much higher caffeine content than regular coffee. An Espresso shot typically contains 65 mg of caffeine but Dunkin’s espresso-based drinks contain more. Their Medium Americano, for example, contains 177 mg of caffeine while their Large Americano packs in 264 mg of caffeine.
Cold Brew
Cold Brew is made by soaking ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water, then left to steep for up to 24 hours. Cold Brew drinks typically contain more caffeine than the same volume of hot espresso. Dunkin’ offers three Cold Brew coffees that contain between 164 and 265 mg of caffeine per cup. These values are significantly higher than the amount of caffeine in a regular Dunkin’ cup of coffee.
Nitro Brew
Nitro Brew is, essentially, cold brew that has been brewed with nitrogen. Dunkin’ Nitro Brew contains around 280 mg of caffeine per cup and is their most caffeinated coffee drink. Dunkin’ does offer a special Nitro Latte, with either caramel or mocha flavors, that contains around 265 mg of caffeine.
Cappuccinos and Lattes
Dunkin’ offers a wide range of Cappuccinos and Lattes that contain more caffeine than regular brewed coffee. Their modest-sized Cappuccino contains around 230 mg of caffeine and their Small Latte contains around 155 mg of caffeine. Their Mocha Latte, which is made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, contains around 175 mg of caffeine.
Specialty Drinks
Dunkin’ also offers several specialty drinks with unique flavor combinations. These drinks range from 150mg to 270mg and include Espresso Shots, Mocha Swirl Lattes and Espresso Strawberry Drizzles. Dunkin’ specialty drinks are usually the most caffeinated because they use espresso to boost the caffeine content.
Coffee Boosters
Dunkin’ also offers several boosters that allow customers to increase the caffeine content of any coffee. Their Turbo Charged Coffee Booster contains an additional boost of caffeine that ranges from a mild (90 mg of caffeine) to an extra-strong (150 mg of caffeine). This is an excellent way to customize the intensity of your coffee and get the most out of your caffeine fix.
Brew at Home – K-Cups
Donut fans who don’t have time for a trip to Dunkin’ or just want to prepare their coffee at home have another option. Dunkin’ K-Cups contain around 260 mg of caffeine and come in several delicious flavors. The most caffeinated K-Cup flavor is Dark Roast, which contains 300 mg of caffeine.
Coffee Alternatives
Those not particularly fond of coffee can opt for one of Dunkin’s other caffeinated beverages. Their Iced Tea, for example contains 70 mg of caffeine while their Hot Tea contains 80 mg of caffeine per each 16-ounce cup. Dunkin’ also offers several flavored hot and iced teas that contain anywhere from 70 to 130 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine Free Options
Finally, Dunkin’ also offers several caffeine-free options for those avoiding the stimulant. These include Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider and Hot Tea. Dunkin’ also offers a range of flavored teas that don’t contain any caffeine, such as Jamaica Mango, Blueberry Pomegranate, or Peach Passion Fruit.
