Table of Contents

Does Dunkin’ Donuts Have Shakes? Unveiling the Frozen Truth

Yes, Dunkin’ Donuts does offer frozen beverages that closely resemble what many consider shakes, though they are officially marketed under different names. The specific offerings and their formulations have evolved over time, and vary by location.

Decoding Dunkin’s Frozen Drink Landscape

Navigating the Dunkin’ menu can be a bit like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics, especially when you’re craving something cold and creamy. While you won’t find an item explicitly labeled “shake,” Dunkin’ serves a range of frozen drinks that fulfill the same indulgent desire. To understand the Dunkin’ shake situation, we need to explore the key players: the Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee and the Dunkin’ Refreshers.

The Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee: Your “Shake” Contender

Think of the Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee as the most likely candidate to satisfy your shake craving. It’s essentially a blended coffee beverage, combining Dunkin’ coffee, ice, and a creamy base. The exact composition of the “creamy base” is a trade secret, but it results in a texture that’s definitely thicker and more milkshake-like than a simple iced coffee.

Key Features of Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee:

Coffee Forward: Obviously, the dominant flavor is coffee. This is perfect for those who want their shake with a caffeine kick.
Customizable Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by adding flavors like mocha, caramel, or vanilla.
Creamy Texture: The blended ice and creamy base create a smooth, thick consistency.
Seasonal Variations: Dunkin’ often releases limited-time flavors of Frozen Coffee, adding even more variety.

Dunkin’ Refreshers: A Fruitier Alternative

While not technically “shakes” in the traditional sense, Dunkin’ Refreshers can be blended with ice to create a frozen version. These drinks are typically fruit-flavored, using a sweetened base combined with green tea extract and fruit concentrate. Frozen refreshers offer a lighter and more refreshing option compared to the coffee-based Frozen Coffee. These have also been discontinued but might be available in certain locations depending on the stock availability.

Key Features of Dunkin’ Refreshers (Frozen):

Fruity Flavors: Popular choices include Strawberry Dragonfruit, Mango Pineapple, and Watermelon.
Green Tea Boost: Provides a subtle energy lift without the strong coffee flavor.
Lighter Texture: Generally, frozen refreshers are less thick than Frozen Coffees.
Naturally Sweet: The fruit concentrate contributes to the sweetness, but you can still customize it.

Dunkin’s Discontinued Offerings: A Look Back

Over the years, Dunkin’ has experimented with various frozen beverage offerings, including genuine shakes. Some offerings are limited time only, which makes it difficult to keep track of what is available. These are a few previously available shake-like products.

Dunkin’ Shakes (Discontinued): Yes, at one point, Dunkin’ did sell actual milkshakes! These were available in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. However, they were discontinued in the early 2010s, much to the disappointment of shake aficionados. The discontinuation was attributed to operational complexity and the desire to streamline the menu.
Coolattas: Coolattas are another example of a once-prominent frozen offering at Dunkin’. They were blended, icy drinks that came in different flavors, including coffee and fruit. Coolattas were also discontinued and replaced with Frozen Coffees.

The Quest for the Perfect Dunkin’ “Shake”: Tips and Tricks

While you can’t order a “shake” directly, you can create a very similar experience by strategically customizing existing menu items. Here are some expert tips:

Order a Frozen Coffee and ask for extra “creamy base”. This will significantly enhance the milkshake-like texture.
Add a flavor swirl like vanilla bean or French vanilla to your Frozen Coffee to replicate the classic vanilla shake flavor.
Experiment with different flavor combinations. Mocha and cookie dough flavor swirls can create a delicious chocolatey shake.
Check for seasonal offerings. Dunkin’ often releases limited-time frozen drinks that might be particularly shake-like.

Ultimately, whether Dunkin’ has “shakes” is a matter of semantics. While they don’t offer items explicitly labeled as such, their Frozen Coffees and blended Refreshers can certainly satisfy your craving for a cold, creamy, and indulgent treat. With a little customization, you can craft your perfect Dunkin’ “shake” experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dunkin’ and Shakes

Here are 12 of the most frequently asked questions about Dunkin’s frozen beverage offerings, designed to clear up any confusion and help you find your perfect drink:

1. Does Dunkin’ still sell milkshakes?

No, Dunkin’ no longer sells traditional milkshakes. They were discontinued several years ago. However, Frozen Coffees are the closest thing.

2. What is the closest thing to a milkshake at Dunkin’?

The Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee is generally considered the closest equivalent to a milkshake, especially when customized with extra “creamy base” and flavor swirls.

3. What flavors of Frozen Coffee does Dunkin’ offer?

The standard flavors of Frozen Coffee usually include Original, Mocha, and Caramel. Seasonal flavors are also frequently introduced.

4. Can I add a flavor shot to my Frozen Coffee?

Yes, you can add flavor shots to your Frozen Coffee. This is a great way to customize the flavor to your liking.

5. What’s the difference between a Frozen Coffee and a Coolatta?

Coolattas were a different type of frozen beverage previously offered by Dunkin’. They were icier and less creamy than the current Frozen Coffee. Coolattas have been discontinued and replaced with Frozen Coffees.

6. Are Dunkin’ Refreshers similar to shakes?

Blended Dunkin’ Refreshers are similar to a lighter shake, offering a fruitier and less creamy alternative to Frozen Coffee.

7. Can I customize the sweetness of my Frozen Coffee?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by specifying the number of pumps of your chosen flavor swirl or flavor shot.

8. Is the “creamy base” in the Frozen Coffee dairy-free?

Unfortunately, the exact ingredients of the “creamy base” are proprietary, and Dunkin’ does not explicitly state that it is dairy-free. You should inquire at your local Dunkin’ about the ingredients if you have dairy sensitivities.

9. Does Dunkin’ offer any vegan frozen drink options?

This is a tricky question, as it depends on the ingredients used in the “creamy base” and flavor swirls. It’s best to inquire at your local Dunkin’ about vegan options and ingredient lists.

10. Are Frozen Coffees available year-round?

Generally, Frozen Coffees are available year-round at most Dunkin’ locations. However, availability may vary.

11. How does the nutritional information of a Frozen Coffee compare to a traditional milkshake?

The nutritional information varies depending on the size and customization of the drink. Frozen Coffees tend to be lower in fat than traditional milkshakes but can be high in sugar and calories, especially with added flavor swirls.

12. Can I order a Frozen Coffee with decaf coffee?

Yes, you can typically order a Frozen Coffee with decaf coffee. Just specify your preference when ordering.