Caramel is right up there next to vanilla and chocolate on my list as one of the most delicious and classic flavors. So why don't we hear about it as often?
I feel it doesn't get the credit it deserves. We are not eating enough caramel, and that needs to change!
Dunkin' Donuts agrees with me and knows a thing or two about caramel drinks. They have upped the ante and given us what we've always wanted with their caramel-based offerings.
Whether you’re a Dunkin’ regular or making a point to check it out, this list has everything any caramel fan needs to know to get your favorite caramel flavors at Dunkin’.
7 Best Caramel Drinks To Try At Dunkin' Donuts
1. Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew
This new menu addition is Dunkin' Donuts' answer to Starbucks Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew.
The Salted Caramel equivalent of the French vanilla-flavored Sweet Cold Foam is a rich, creamy, sweet topper added to Dunkin's cold brew coffee—a little like whipped cream but softer and somehow creamier.
My favorite part is that this drink is served with a special lid that allows the cold foam to mix gradually with the cold brew and cream as you sip.[1]
2. Caramel Mocha Latte
Available either as a hot latte or an iced latte, this drink adds chocolate and caramel syrup to make a caramocha delight.
My mom, aka the mocha queen, loves this beverage when she is having a sweet tooth moment.
A medium caramel mocha latte is 260 calories and has 52 grams of sugar (not including if you add toppings!)
3. Coconut Caramel Iced Coffee
Coconut and caramel is not the combination of flavor notes that tops my list when I think of caramel coffee drinks.
Still, the match Dunkin' Donuts has put together in this iced latte does work, and I'm happy I gave it a chance.
I was shocked to find out that the coconut syrup does not have a bad aftertaste, and when blended with the sweet and rich caramel flavors, it tastes like all my childhood vacations in a cup.
Toppings include caramel drizzle and whipped cream on top to perfect this rich drink.
4. Vanilla Caramel Macchiato
The Vanilla Caramel Macchiato from Dunkin’ Donuts contains two shots of espresso, frothed milk, and French vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel flavor shots.
The blend of vanilla flavors and caramel flavors with sweetness and steamed milk make a simply delicious coffee experience that always puts a smile on my face (That might be due to the multiple espresso shots as well).
It is served topped with caramel sauce. I always ask my barista to add whipped cream for an extra treat. You can order this drink as an iced version as well.
Best served in the summer, preferably with a friend who has a pool!
5. Caramel Craze Signature Latte
One of Dunkin's signature latte series, this latte includes rich caramel drizzle blended with creamy milk and strong espresso.
I've been known to order this as a cold iced latte or hot latte, but always sprinkled with cinnamon. As far as caramel drinks go, this one gets a fully delicious and perfect score from me.[2]
A medium does have 410 calories, so this one is definitely more of a dessert than a morning coffee!
6. Caramel Swirl Iced Coffee
You can add Dunkin' Donuts' Caramel Swirl flavor to any coffee when you are craving that special caramel flavoring.
It is perfect in an iced coffee, making an exceptional frozen caramel drink that always cools me down on hot afternoons.
This presweetened special combination adds an indulgent twist to your usual summer coffee beverage. Amazing with a dollop of whipped cream.
7. Caramel Swirl Cappuccino
Another of my favorite drinks to take advantage of the caramel swirl is a classic cappuccino.
Strong espresso with foamed milk combines with sweet caramel flavor to make a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up.
This will suit those traditional coffee and espresso drinkers who may not be ready for a new-age iced caramel latte. They can discreetly enjoy their caramel swirl by using cappuccino foam as a Trojan horse.
What Brand Of Caramel Does Dunkin Donuts Use?
Dunkin’ uses Torani Caramel Syrup, an Italian-based gourmet flavor company. This caramel is made from pure cane sugar and natural flavors.[3]
How To Order Caramel Drinks at Dunkin Donuts (Pro Tips)
From one caramel lover to another, here is how I go about ordering caramel drinks from Dunkin’ Donuts so you can sound like you know what you’re doing right from the start:
Start with the signatures.
Before you go diving into the world of secret menus and customization with all the various ingredients, I recommend you start with the easy.
The caramel drinks that Dunkin’ Donuts offers have specifically been designed around caramel's rich and delicious taste of caramel.
The Caramel Craze Latte and the Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew are great options to get your caramel career started.
Lean into swirls.
Repeat these four words “Add caramel swirl, please.” Take just about any coffee beverage you love and say the magic words.
Dunkin’ Donuts will take it from there and graciously provide you with caramel swirl sweetness to your coffee.
Isn't it a great time to be alive? I use the swirl in stronger coffee options such as espresso; it takes some of the bitterness away while still pumping me full of caffeine for the day.
Watch out for special menu features.
The Dunkin’ Donuts chain likes to introduce new options and seasonal drink features, like Dunkin Pumpkin drinks, many of which include caramel.
So keep your eyes peeled for new ways to enjoy exciting caramel coffee flavors. I know I’ll be on the hunt at many different places to see if anyone is doing caramel better than DD.
Common Dunkin Caramel Drink Questions
Does Dunkin Donuts have caramel frappes?
Yes, Dunkin Donuts does have caramel frappes, but they are not called "frappes." There is a Dunkin’ caramel drink that is just like a frappe. Simply request a blended frozen coffee and “add caramel swirl, please,” and your barista will produce what is essentially a caramel frappe for you. Add a caramel drizzle for extra love.
How many pumps of caramel are in Dunkin drinks?
The number of pumps of caramel in Dunkin Donuts drinks is four for a large coffee. A small coffee drink from Dunkin’ Donuts gets two pumps, and a medium coffee gets three pumps of caramel.
Is Dunkin iced caramel latte sweet?
Yes, the Dunkin iced caramel latte is sweet. It is made using the caramel swirl, which is sweetened and adds about 150 calories to your coffee. If you’re looking for something lighter, try one of six Dunkin’ Donuts flavor shots, as they are calorie-free but still taste delicious.
How does Dunkin's Caramel compare to Starbucks?
Both Dunkin' and Starbucks use a premium brand of bottled caramel, and both use premium cane sugar. You can't go wrong with either of the caramel used at Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks. Neither has the cheap syrup consistency or ingredients that some lesser-known products have.
Conclusion
There you have it. With a different caramel coffee option at Dunkin’ for each day of the week, you have plenty of options for the best caramel drink.
The Salted Caramel Foam Cold Brew ranked as the most popular around my office, and for good reason.
It combines taste and texture that's not too sweet but is still a rich and satiating coffee drink right to the last sip.
Relax and enjoy my caramel-loving coffee, friends.
References:
1. https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/salted-caramel-cold-foam
2. https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/dunkin-what-is-a-latte
3. https://shop.torani.com/products/classic-caramel-syrup
