Dunkin Vs. Starbucks? Who’s better?
All coffee lovers may be familiar with the two most known and loved coffee chains; Dunkin and Starbucks. However, sometimes you get torn between getting your beverage from either Dunkin or Starbucks. Which one is better; Dunkin or Starbucks?
Starbucks coffee shop is better than Dunkin due to several reasons. One outstanding reason is the great ambiance and experience you get when you decide to visit Starbucks locations. The locations have a more inviting décor, warm lighting, and free internet access, hence enticing to many people. Its menu is also extensive, and thus you cannot miss an option. However, if the price factor is your main concern, then Dunkin is for you as their products are significantly cheaper. Last month, I decided to try out something new from my regular Starbucks iced coffee; hence I decided to visit a nearby Dunkin location. That is when I noticed the differences between the stores, including the more extensive menu at Starbucks compared to that of Dunkin.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Dunkin Vs.? Starbucks?
Feature |
Dunkin |
Starbucks |
Ambiance |
Their store design resembles traditional fast food eateries |
A more inviting decor and warm light atmosphere with ample space, plenty of outlets, and reliable Wi-Fi |
Location |
More than 11,300 restaurants worldwide; around 3200 international restaurants in 36 countries, and over 8500 restaurants across 41 states in the US |
It has over 32,000 stores across the world |
Menu |
It has limited options on its menu |
Has a more extensive menu |
Price Range |
Significantly cheaper |
Most products are expensive |
Beverage Sizes |
Ranges from 10 ounces to 32 ounces |
Ranges from 8 ounces to 31 ounces |
Environmental Consciousness |
Annually removes around one billion foam cups from the waste |
Offering drink discounts to customers who bring their reusable cups as well as the elimination of straws |
Dunkin Vs. Starbucks – how do they compare?
Ambiance
Starbucks brand takes pride in itself as a beverage chain offering its customers more than a normal coffee house dining experience. Its locations are designed to offer its customers peace and comfort of mind. The inviting décor and free Wi-Fi play a huge role in attracting those who are looking for a place to chat with friends, read, or even just relax. Starbucks locations are more of a destination rather than just distribution locations hence appealing to customers who are after a premium experience.
The interior design of Dunkin stores is quite different from that of Starbucks as Dunkin locations resemble fast food stores in décor and finishing. Dunkin coffee stores are not designed for chatting with friends or relaxing like Starbucks.
Therefore, Starbucks wins in this category since its atmosphere is more welcoming and friendly.
Location
Starbucks has over 32000 locations globally. These stores have grown almost annually over the past decade. In the year 2019, the coffee chain had 31 256 stores across the world. Starbucks aims to expand internationally and tap into bigger and larger markets.
On the other hand, Dunkin has recorded more than 11 300 stores globally. The coffee company has over 8,500 restaurants across 41 states in the US and over 3200 restaurants internationally across 36 countries.
Starbucks is a better choice when considering location as it has more locations in numerous countries than Dunkin.
Menu
Starbucks has an extensive menu compared to Dunkin. Starbucks offers products like bistro boxes that are simply lunch boxes, including a sandwich, vegetables, and a small dessert prepared for lunch. Starbucks also offers their customers healthy diets containing less fat and gluten-free.
On top of having a variety of drinks and foods throughout the day, Starbucks has added new products on its menu aimed at evening and afternoon customers. This product includes sandwiches, small plates, beer, and even wine.
Though Dunkin’s menu is not as extensive as that of Starbucks, food is a significant element of the coffee chain’s offering. The chain offers its customers a range of hearty breakfast sandwiches like sourdough and power breakfast sandwiches. Food items like oat milk, avocado toast, and Stevia as a sugar substitute are on the menu.
Though Dunkin has a variety of breakfast options, Starbucks is still the better choice in this category due to its wide range of food options and beverages it offers throughout the day.
Price Range
Regarding prices, Dunkin products are significantly cheaper than those of Starbucks, almost half the price of Starbucks products. The coffee chain brands itself by offering quality products at low prices, achieving more competitive pricing.
For example, a venti latte at Starbucks goes for $4.15, yet Dunkin sells a large-sized latte at $2.49. Furthermore, the food menu at Starbucks is pricier. An egg croissant, bacon, and a cheddar cost $4.75, while cheese and a bacon egg cost $3.59 at Dunkin.
Dunkin wins in this category when considering the prices as its products are significantly cheaper.
Beverage sizes
Starbucks has a variety of beverage sizes that you can choose from when ordering a drink from their store. The sizes range from a tall, 12 ounces, to a grande, 16 ounces, to a venti which is 24 ounces, and a trenta which is 31 ounces. However, when switching to hot coffee, the sizes begin from a short, which is 8 ounces.
When serving iced coffee, Dunkin sizes are in three categories, a small (16 ounces), a medium size (24 ounces), and a large (32 ounces). When you switch to hot coffee, the beverage sizes of Dunkin start from small (10 ounces), to medium (14 ounces), large (20 ounces), and finally, the Xtra large, that is 24 ounces.
In this category, the two companies draw as most of their beverage is offered in similar sizes.
Environmental Consciousness
Starbucks has differential operational programs that protect the environment from harmful materials. The recently launched one is the program that allows you to use your reusable cup at the store. Starbucks has encouraged the use of reusable cups by offering a discount on anyone that uses a reusable cup. Furthermore, the brand also eliminated the use of straws. On the other hand, Dunkin annually removes one billion cups from the waste in its bid to take care of the environment.
The two brands draw in this category since both of them have programs that promote environmental sustainability in place.
Dunkin Vs. Starbucks – a comparison overview
Dunkin Overview
Dunkin Donuts was founded in Massachusetts by Bill Rosenberg in the year 1950. Did you know the first Dunkin Donuts to be founded by Rosenberg was opened under the name “Open Kettle?” When opening the chain, the goal of Rosenberg was to create and serve the most delicious and fresh donors and coffee.
In the year 1955, the first Dunkin franchise was opened, and in 10 years, it had grown to over 100 shops. Dunkin introduced its munchkins in the year 1972. Over the years since, the coffee chain has expanded its menu to include a vast range of beverages and foods.
The company has over 11,000 restaurants globally. It has over 8500 restaurants across 41 states in the US and over 3200 international restaurants in 36 countries. The company specializes in selling beverages and foods to its clients. Though it identifies as a coffee house, food is a huge element of the products it offers.
Starbucks Overview
Starbucks was founded in Pike Place Market, Seattle, in the year 1971 by Zev Siegl, Gordon Bowker, and Jerry Baldwin. A major fun fact about Starbucks is that it was founded as a coffee bean company that offered its customers freshly roasted coffee beans, tea, and spices from across the world.
Ten years later, Howard Schultz visited the company and was he was interested in it. In 1987, the company officially became a coffee house after it was sold to Howard Schultz. As it expanded, the company began selling specialty beverages and buying different coffee retailers. Currently, the company has over 33 800 locations in 80 countries.
Though Starbucks specializes in selling coffee, food has become a vital product of the company. It offers baked products and collectibles like mugs, cups, and flasks. The company attracts a lot of people due to its diverse menu.
Final Verdict: So, Which is better? – Dunkin Vs. Starbucks
Starbucks is better than Dunkin. If you are seeking an exceptional coffee experience with a wide variety of beverages, then Starbucks is your solution. Despite its prices being higher than those of Dunkin, the coffee chain offers quality and diverse products to its customers. The ambiance of its locations is very welcoming and calm. Starbucks offers its clients free internet, and its stores are great if you want to relax or chat with friends. Starbucks offers you value for your money despite it being pricy than Dunkin.
FAQs
What’s the healthier; Dunkin or Starbucks?
Starbucks offers its customers some dietary foods like gluten-free items, unlike Dunkin.
Which coffee is stronger; Starbucks or Dunkin?
Starbucks coffee is much stronger as it has a higher caffeine content than Dunkin’s. A cup of coffee from Starbucks has an average of 267mg of caffeine compared to 220mg of caffeine in a cup of coffee from Dunkin.
Which iced coffee is better; Dunkin or Starbucks?
Iced coffee from both Dunkin and Starbucks is good, depending on which flavor of iced coffee you need.