In 2014, Dunkin' met the growing demand for dairy-free alternatives by partnering with Blue Diamond, introducing Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk. This addition transformed the brand’s menu, catering to customers seeking creamy, dairy-free customization options and marking a pivotal shift in Dunkin’s offerings.
Dunkin' Adds Almond Milk to Menu, Partnering with Blue Diamond for a Creamy Dairy-Free Option
According to a report by Tasting Table, Dunkin' has long been a favorite stop for those seeking a sweet coffee fix. From the famous Iced Signature Caramel Latte to the fan-favorite Snickerdoodle Frozen Coffee from its secret menu, Dunkin’s beverages often come enhanced with sugar, milk, and even whipped cream. However, before 2014, Dunkin' didn’t offer dairy-free milk options, leaving customers with dietary restrictions and no alternatives. This changed when Blue Diamond introduced its Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk to Dunkin's lineup, marking a pivotal moment for the brand.
In 2014, almond milk was the obvious choice as Dunkin's first non-dairy option. While soy milk had long been a staple, popularized mainly due to early advocates like Henry Ford, almond milk had surged in popularity among American consumers, with Blue Diamond leading as a prominent almond producer. This partnership between Dunkin' and Blue Diamond provided a rich, creamy, dairy-free alternative, which remained on the menu for over a decade.
Almond Breeze stands out among almond milk varieties. It is fortified with calcium and vitamins D, E, and A and is known for its smooth consistency, and blends seamlessly into Dunkin' beverages.
Dunkin’ Expands Choices with Dairy-Free Almond Milk, Catering to Customization and Customer Demand
Dunkin' Brand President John Costello emphasized the company’s commitment to customer choice when announcing the addition. "Our fans love that we offer so many choices to personalize their favorite coffee beverage. Based on increasing customer requests, we began to explore options for expanding our menu with a non-dairy alternative to milk and cream," Costello shared. With this option, customers could now substitute almond milk in any beverage, though it pairs better with specific options.
For those seeking an entirely dairy-free experience, Dunkin' suggests avoiding flavor swirls (except for the mocha swirl), as they contain dairy. All flavor shots, however, are dairy-free, allowing customers to customize their drinks further. Occasionally, Dunkin' releases seasonal offerings featuring almond milk, such as the Almond Spice Coffee, which can be ordered with or without dairy-based swirls.
Almond Breeze is available in stores for those who prefer a DIY approach. Customers can recreate their Dunkin' order at home—perhaps with an extra topping of dairy-free whipped cream to complete the experience.