Starbucks vs. Dunkin': Who Reigns Supreme in the Battle of Cold Brew Coffee?

As cold brew continues to gain popularity among coffee drinkers, the rivalry between Starbucks and Dunkin' intensifies. Starbucks' smooth texture and flavor variety make it a favorite, but Dunkin's nitro cold brew offers a creamy, bold experience that wins on value and taste.

Cold Brew Gains Popularity as Starbucks and Dunkin' Compete for Coffee Lovers with Unique Offerings

What fuels America? According to a survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, the answer is coffee, with the average American consuming nearly two cups daily. The World Population Review even ranks the United States as the top coffee consumer worldwide. Drip coffee remains the most popular choice, accounting for 41% of preferences. Still, cold brew has quickly gained momentum, overtaking iced coffee and competing with espresso as one of the nation's favorite coffee beverages.

Regarding the enduring rivalry between Starbucks and Dunkin', each coffee chain has its loyal followers. Both introduced cold brew nearly a decade ago, followed by nitro cold brew and cold foam offerings in subsequent years. Despite statistics from Statista indicating that Starbucks more than doubled Dunkin's sales in 2023, the quality of coffee can't be judged solely by numbers.

The difference between iced coffee and cold brew lies in temperature and time. Iced coffee begins with hot water that quickly extracts flavor and caffeine before being chilled. On the other hand, cold brew uses room temperature or cold water and a lengthy steeping process, typically 18 hours, to extract flavor, resulting in a less bitter and more caffeine-rich beverage. Nitro cold brew adds nitrogen gas to cold brew, giving it a creamy, frothy texture and a subtle sweetness.

Starbucks offers cold brew in four sizes, ranging from 12 to 30 ounces, priced between $4.75 and $5.95. Dunkin's cold brew comes in three dimensions, priced from $4.19 to $5.49, offering a more budget-friendly option. Starbucks' nitro cold brew is available in two sizes, with prices starting at $5.75, while Dunkin' offers nitro cold brew in a single size for $3.99, making it a more affordable choice. Regarding caffeine, Dunkin's cold brew contains 174 milligrams in a small serving, while Starbucks packs 205 milligrams in the same size.

Starbucks Wins on Cold Brew Texture, While Dunkin' Shines with Creamy, Flavorful Nitro Cold Brew

A taste comparison reveals the nuances of each brand's offerings. Dunkin's black cold brew has a bitter, gritty texture, which may result from using a grind that is too fine or requires a shorter steeping time. Starbucks' cold brew, though still bitter, has a smoother texture, making it more enjoyable. Nitro cold brews from both brands offer a softer, creamier experience, with Dunkin's nitro cold brew standing out for its texture and flavor.

In the battle of cold brews, Starbucks emerges as the overall winner, thanks to its superior texture and variety of flavors. However, Dunkin' takes the crown for its nitro cold brew, with its unique and creamy taste making it the better choice for those seeking a pure nitro experience. While Starbucks dominates in variety and texture, Dunkin' offers an edge in taste and value for nitro cold brew.