For some, coffee is a daily ritual. For others, it’s a lifestyle— complete with branded cups, social media trends, and seasonal drinks. There are a few things you should consider when choosing your go-to coffee spot: menu items, pricing, online programming, environment, availability/location, and customer service. 

Menu Items 

Starbucks is known for its extensive and customizable menu. It offers a wide range of espresso-based drinks, teas, refreshers, and seasonal beverages. Their food choices include sandwiches, protein boxes, pastries, and plant-based choices. 

In contrast, Dunkin’ focuses on simplicity and consistency. It offers coffee, espresso drinks, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels. While their drink menu is expanding, it’s still more limited than Starbucks’s. When it comes to Starbucks Vs. Dunkin’ coffee often comes down to personal preference. 

Starbucks sandwiches are often more aesthetically pleasing; however, the portion size is much smaller. Starbucks looks more visually appealing, and these days that’s all customers care about: brand experience, Instagram-worthy moments, and the overall vibe. 

Starbucks offers a slightly more artisanal food menu while Dunkin, much like its approach to coffee, is focused on speed and practicality. The Starbucks breakfast sandwiches, for example, are smaller than what you’ll get at Dunkin and contain anywhere from 290-640 calories. The breakfast sandwich at Dunkin’ contains between 320-720 calories, depending on the bread. 

Starbucks is for those who enjoy a more elaborate coffee experience with a wider range of customization options, while Dunkin is for those who prioritize speed and value.  

Customer Service 

Aside from pricing factors, these two places have very unique but opposite atmospheres. Walking into Starbucks, it’s pretty quiet, whether it is busy or not. For the most part, Starbucks tables and floors are usually always clean and well put together.  

On the other hand, Dunkin’ is messy and normally chaotic with blaring music, and the workers are irritable. The two can be equally as busy, but the kindness and atmosphere around Starbucks are usually a lot more welcoming. 

Have you ever met the Dunkin’ employee who serves coffee with a side of music, brightening customers’ mornings before they start their day? This talented team member takes your order with a melody and a smile. 

Abigail Toomey reports “that the signing man at Dunkin brightened my day and had a great sense of humor.” 

When customers interact with this young man at Dunkin’, it creates a positive environment that they want to return to. Considering Dunkin’ is more of a fast-paced, the staff tends to be more direct and less controversial. Starbucks employees usually take their time to connect with the customer, making the experience feel more personal.

 For instance, Starbucks workers may write sweet messages or encouraging notes on your cup, adding a personal touch to your order. The little things also matter, like when your order name is on your cup instead of a random number. Something as small as that can be a connection during a busy day. 

Pricing 

Do you feel Starbucks is worth the money? 

Mr Nascin believes he could “make a coffee at home that tastes the same and is one-eighth of the price.” 

Given the upscale names like Grande, Venti, and Trenta, one might expect the drinks to reflect a higher standard. 

Starbucks coffees cost approximately $3.95, while on the other hand, Dunkin’s Iced coffee is $2.49; however, some may argue that Starbucks has a wider variety of mixtures and flavors for their iced coffee. 

Dunkin’ is by far more affordable, with most drink items priced $2-$4 compared to Starbucks drinks that range from $5-$7. Dunkin’ has fewer customization options, and those available are normally cheaper. Dunkin’ offers more deals, whereas for Starbucks, you are normally paying for the brand. 

While some customers don’t mind paying more for the atmosphere and customization of Starbucks, others prefer simplicity and the savings they get at Dunkin. 

Environment 

Starbucks often feels like a cozy environment where people have their laptops out and are working quietly and independently. Dunkin’ stores are often more basic and designed for quick trips.  A better hangout spot would be Starbucks; however, if you are looking to hang out or study, Dunkin would be your better bet. 

Starbucks encourages people to stay longer by providing free wifi and comfortable seating. Dunkin’s layout is simpler, and sometimes you can’t always go in and sit — many times there is only a drive-thru.  

Online Program 

Fewer and fewer people are ordering at the counter, and the popularity of these mobile ordering apps is growing rapidly. Skipping the line is the way to go, ordering ahead allows your food/drinks to be ready to go before arriving, which is a way more efficient process. 

Through the Starbucks and Dunkin’ ap,p money has to be loaded into the app in increments. The app is easy to navigate and allows you to easily customize your products. Your stars and rewards points are clearly stated on the home screen of your Starbucks app. 

Which app has a better rewards program? “Dunkin’ because there’s a balance between earning rewards quickly and offering convenience for users,” says junior Juliana Bartolucci. 

Similarly, both organizations allow frequent customers to save money and earn perks, especially through their mobile app.

Availability/Locations 

Accessibility and store type can influence your go-to choice. Dunkin’ has a strong presence in the Northeast U.S and many drive-thru or express locations. Starbucks is more evenly spread across regions and tends to have larger, sit-down stores.  

You will find Dunkin’ on nearly every corner in cities like Boston. Starbucks locations are more common in urban, suburban, malls, airports, and college campuses. Dunkin’ tends to have standalone stores, while you find Starbucks in places like a hotel or inside a Target.

The choice between Starbucks and Dunkin’ comes down to what matters most to you. Whether its speed and simplicity or experience and aesthetic. Both brands offer something unique, it’s your preference of experience that makes the difference.