Boston may run on Dunkin’, but in disappointing news, Dunks has discontinued the beloved Dunkaccino, a drink that blends coffee and hot chocolate flavors. This upsetting retirement includes both the hot and frozen versions of the drink that had spent 23 years on the coffee shop's menu. While this is big news for most of us, if you are a craft coffee enthusiast, check out our list of the best coffee shops in Boston and perhaps pair those with our favorite donuts around town!
The Dunkaccino has been hard to find
Unfortunately, this situation has been brewing for a while, with fans noticing it was harder and harder to order the drink at their local Dunkin’.
According to to Eat This, Not That, a fan who couldn’t find the drink asked the Dunkin' subreddit to confirm that the drink actually existed. In another post on the subreddit, an apparent leaked memo from Dunkin' showing a list of menu items that would be discontinued, including the Dunkaccino.
People are disappointed, to say the least, with one Twitter user explaining that the drink was the reason he went to Dunkin’ in the first place.
It's a sad day today.
— Jimmy D. (@JimmyDPooper) July 22, 2022
I'm at a Dunkin' and I just learned that they discontinued the Dunkaccino...
That drink is the whole reason I started going to Dunkin' (thanks to the memes), and now it's gone forever 😔
Why was the Dunkaccino discontinued?
We can only guess, but Reddit users who claimed to be former or current employees of the chain claim the drink is dispensed from a machine that utilizes a pre-mixed powder, an ingredient that has allegedly been “discontinued,” according to multiple users. Dunkin’ has not confirmed this speculation.
The Al Pacino connection
Yes, there’s an Al Pacino connection to the Dunkaccino, and many people became fans of the drink because of it. Back in 2011, Pacino performed a rap about the drink in the Adam Sandler comedy Jack and Jill, and it became a viral meme. It’s not surprising that Sandler, a New Hampshire native, likes his Dunks jokes.
Will the Dunkaccino return?
Probably, if the history of fast casual restaurants canceling menu items is any indication. Also, in a statement to TODAY.com, a Dunkin' spokesperson confirmed that the drink is retired, but only for now.
"As we focus on innovation and finding new ways to delight guests, we continually evolve our menu in an effort to deliver a fast, frictionless experience. The Dunkaccino is retired for now, but there’s always the chance for its return in the future."
How can you dupe the Dunkaccino?
It’s not easy, as the base of the drink is a tasty powdered blend of chocolate and other yummy flavors. However, one simple idea for a hot version is adding a shot of espresso to Dunkin’s hot chocolate. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a decent hack. There’s also the Frozen Chocolate drinks, but they don’t have the extra boost of caffeine. Finally, the closest to the cold version might be the Iced Signature Latte with Cocoa Mocha. Hopefully these drinks will keep you going until the Dunkaccino (hopefully) makes a triumphant return.