Look Out, Dunkin’ Donuts Nitro Coffee is Coming

Last year, coffee shops everywhere were jumping on board the newest industry trend: the nitro brew. It was (and still is) one of the most popular ways to enjoy your java, offering a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that reminds us more of drinking beer than coffee.

Starbucks joined the nitro phenomenon in May of 2016, and now we’re finally seeing the company’s biggest competitor preparing to throw its hat in the ring as well.

That’s right, Dunkin’ Donuts may be introducing its own nitro brew.

For anyone who doesn’t know, nitro brew is cold brew coffee that’s been infused with nitrogen, which is what gives it that irresistibly smooth finish without taking away from the strong coffee taste. And the Dunkin’s attempt at nitro promises just that; “a bold yet creamy and cascading coffee beverage”, that will be poured via tap.

Now, like many DD fans, you might be wondering why it’s taken the coffee giant so long to catch up to this major trend. The reason isn’t that the company was out of the loop when it came to nitro brew, but rather that Dunkin’ was trying to make this new product as accessible as possible.

“We have an internal group of coffee experts, as well as team members from marketing, operations and supply chain working together on our Nitro Cold Brew to make sure it’s right for our customers and our position as the #1 retailer of Iced Coffee in the U.S.,” said Chris Fuqua, Senior Vice President of Dunkin’ Donuts Brand Marketing. “Whenever we launch a new product, we focus carefully on getting the right product to our guests at the right time.”

Currently, Dunkin’ Donuts is testing their newest beverage at five locations in Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts. If the product tests positively, the company hopes to have nitro coffee on their nationwide menu — however, there is no standing plan or date for this launch.

“Our marketing, culinary, operations and supply chain teams are working together with franchisees in Boston and Rhode Island to test Dunkin’ Nitro Cold Brew,” Fuqua added. “This will help us gather feedback, evaluate our ability to execute operationally, and determine if and when it fits within our long range plans.”

Fingers crossed, everybody.