Dunkin' Just Launched Two New Energy Drinks & These Are My Unfiltered Thoughts

Not a fan of coffee, but still want a caffeine boost when you’re at Dunkin’? Well, you’re in luck. Dunkin’ just launched its spring menu, and it includes two new made-to-order energy drinks. So of course, I had to run to the nearest Dunkin’ to try them out.

SPARKD’ Energy Berry Burst

The bubbly SPARKD’ Energy drinks have vitamins, minerals, caffeine, and taurine, an ingredient often found in energy drinks. A small SPARKD’ Energy has 18 grams of sugar and 96 mg of caffeine, which is about as much as an 8-ounce cup of coffee has. A large SPARKD’ has 192 mg of caffeine and 37 grams of sugar. That’s less caffeine than Panera’s infamous Charged Lemonade, which has 237 mg of caffeine in a 30-ounce serving. Panera is still facing several lawsuits over deaths and serious health problems allegedly caused by their highly caffeinated lemonade.

According to the ingredients list, the caffeine in the SPARKD’ drinks comes from Guarana Seed Blend. Perfect for springtime, there are two fruity flavors: Berry Burst and Pink Sunshine.

The SPARKD’ Energy Berry Burst is a combination of raspberry and strawberry flavors. This one hit me hard with its tangy, slightly sour flavor that left a syrupy artificial aftertaste in my mouth. I have to admit I’ve never really drank many energy drinks before, and this is pretty much what I thought it would be: sweet and syrupy.

SPARKD’ Energy Peach Sunshine

Next, I went for the Peach Sunshine, a mix of lychee and peach. It’s definitely less tart and more subtle than the Berry Burst.

“With the introduction of SPARKD’ Energy by Dunkin’, we set out to create a deliciously unique option for our guests,” said Beth Turenne, Dunkin’s Vice President of Category Management in a press release. It’s not just another energy drink; it’s a totally new way to run on Dunkin’, incorporating the flavors that we know our fans enjoy.”

The spring menu also includes the Churro Signature Latte, Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee, Churro Donuts, Banana Chocolate Chip Bread, and Breakfast Empanadas. All items will be available for a limited time.