On February 21, 2024 Dunkin’ released a new caffeinated beverage called “SPARKD’ Energy,” their take on a energizing refresher. The drink comes in two flavors: Berry Burst and Peach Sunshine. Each beverage contains anywhere from 96mg-192mg of caffeine depending on if the consumer purchases a small, medium or large.
Pricing for each size is between $4.99 and $6.99. This is fairly average compared to other fast food produced energy drinks on the market, although Panera’s Charged Lemonade only costs $4.89 for their largest size and contains almost double the caffeine content. SPARKD’ Energy is also significantly more expensive than the average gas station energy drink such as Celsius ($1.98) or Monster Energy ($2.39) Primarily providing coffee and tea, Dunkin’ is stepping into the world of energy drinks with passion and promoting their drink by promising all app deliveries double the points on the Dunkin’ app.
When it comes to presentation, Dunkin’ keeps it simple. With bright colors and clear cups, the drink practically screams summer. Although the printed logo on each cup may fade into the background of drinks like the Peach Sunshine, Dunkin’s trademark bright orange and pink straws let everyone know where it came from. The vibrant colors of the energy drinks themselves entice customers to keep coming back for another sip.
The Peach Sunshine comes through with a fruity, sweet flavor and would leave the average customer satisfied. Almost looking how it tastes, the bubbly orange drink has a nice blend of tropical tones with an overarching orange taste. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this almost neon orange drink has more benefits than it has caffeine. Alongside using a natural caffeine, Dunkin’s energy drink contains zero artificial dyes, a common issue with other brands. In addition the drink has no animal products in it, making it ideal for a vegan customer. A downside, however, is the high sugar content it contains, a concern many other brands have eliminated by using artificial sweeteners or flavors instead of real sugar in their products. Whereas Panera’s Charged Lemonade boosts zero sugar, the SPARKD Energy contains 18-37 grams of sugar depending on the size purchased.
Overall, this drink is a good first step into the energy drink industry for Dunkin’, but has not made a significant impact on the industry. As energy drinks and supplements become increasingly popular on the market, consumers can expect an increasing number of new options to follow.
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