The rivalry between Starbucks and Dunkin’ is unmatched. The two make up the largest coffee chains in America today. In 1950, Dunkin’ was founded and started the legacy of huge serving sizes and cheap coffee that apparently “America Runs on.” While Starbucks was founded in 1971, building their empire of very caffeinated and wildly expensive coffee. Despite the history of either, I’m a bit biased towards Starbucks. However, they’re both known for seasonal drinks and as of right now winter drinks. Recently, I conducted a survey to figure out the top five winter drinks from either Dunkin’ or Starbucks, and after receiving over 100 responses from Troy High Students students, it was completed.
Coming in first place is Sabrina Carpenter’s Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso from Dunkin’, the first choice for 32.6 percent of responders. This oatmilk delicacy is heavily endorsed by the pop star, yet still picked first when it isn’t branded with her name. While I love Sabrina Carpenter I’m not quite sure if I love her drink, as a bare minimum I liked it.
Coming in second place is a Starbucks drink, Customizable Matcha with a whopping 19.6 percent of responders. Bringing more opportunities and options for customers when it comes to the sweetening of matcha, or unsweetened if the customer chooses. Whether hot or iced, it’s either loved or hated, and Starbucks is preying on America’s new obsession. If one thing is for sure I know I’m obsessed, matcha is delicious. If you disagree, talk to a wall.
Coming in hot, Starbuck’s Brown Sugar Oat milk Cortado makes third place with 17.4 percent of responders. This powerful, traditional drink from Spain is made with three ristretto shots, blonde espresso and steamed milk that received a warm welcome from the Starbucks coffee drinkers. Added with Starbucks’s brown sugar syrup and cinnamon powder, its advertised to transform normal coffee shop cortado drinkers to yet another Starbucks addict? Now I already love Starbucks, but I hate this. I find the brown sugar to be revolting.
Now, back to Dunkin’ in fourth place where 15.3 percent of responders chose the Lava Cake Latte. The drink can perfectly cover one’s caffeine and chocolate cravings with notes of lava cake and rich espresso. Topped with whipped cream, mocha drizzle and a dusting of chocolate powder to create a sugary deluxe. I’m a sucker for anything sweet, and this matches my sweet tooth. All I can say to Dunkin’ is well done, and I’m ashamed Troy High School ranked it so low.
Now finally, coming in fifth place is the Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte from Dunkin’ with 15.1 percent of responders. This drink is a combination of matcha’s earthiness and the sweetness of brown sugar syrup with a hint of vanilla. This drink has a beautiful gradient of green and white, but does it taste as good as it looks? The ranking speaks for itself. I normally love matcha, but for me this did not work. Good attempt though Starbucks.
Being a Starbucks addict myself, I wish I could just say go to Starbucks, but Dunkin’ isn’t all that terrible. After all, they still have the Lava Cake Latte. Still, out of the top five list, I would still have to say Starbucks’ Customizable Matcha is my favorite. What some call earthy, I call it an acquired taste. I must assure you readers that it isn’t for everyone. Like I said you either love it or hate it, I’ve often found that there’s no in between. But run to Starbucks or Dunkin’ now, and try their new 2025 winter drinks, they didn’t do awful this year.
