Dunkin’ has long been the go-to for a morning coffee fix. But now, it’s stepping into a new arena with the launch of its SPARKD’ Energy drinks. These vibrant, fizzy beverages are designed for those looking for an alternative to their usual cup of joe.
What is SPARKD’ Energy?
SPARKD’ Energy is Dunkin’s answer to the growing demand for coffee alternatives. Released in early 2024, it’s a made-to-order, carbonated energy drink served over ice.
Dunkin’ markets it as a refreshing beverage “for the fun of it,” combining fruity flavors with a blend of vitamins and minerals.
The energy boost comes from a combination of caffeine and a guarana seed blend. Unlike many canned energy drinks, SPARKD’ is mixed in-store, much like Dunkin’s other iced beverages.
The goal is to provide a fresh, vibrant, and energizing option for customers throughout the day.
Flavors, Ingredients, and Nutrition
Dunkin’ launched SPARKD’ Energy with two distinct, fruit-forward flavors:
- Berry Burst: A combination of raspberry and strawberry flavors.
- Peach Sunshine: A mix of lychee and peach flavors.
More recently, a fan-inspired “secret menu” item, the Tornado Twist, has become an official option, which is simply a mix of the Berry Burst and Peach Sunshine syrups.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
One of the key selling points is the use of more natural ingredients compared to some traditional energy drinks. According to Dunkin’s official ingredient list, here’s what you’ll find in a SPARKD’ Energy drink:
Energy Blend
The caffeine comes from a Guarana Seed Blend. Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon basin, and its seeds contain about twice the concentration of caffeine found in coffee beans.
It’s often used in energy drinks for a natural energy source. The blend also includes Taurine, an amino acid commonly found in energy drinks that may help with metabolic function and athletic performance.
Vitamins and Minerals
Each drink is fortified with a blend that includes Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Manganese, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12.
These B vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy.
Sweeteners
The drinks are sweetened with Sugar and Stevia Extract.
Other Ingredients
They also contain sparkling water, citric acid for tartness, natural flavors, and vegetable juice for color.
A major plus for many consumers is what SPARKD’ doesn’t contain. The drinks are made with zero artificial dyes and contain no animal products, making them a suitable option for vegans.
Nutritional Information
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional content for a medium (24 oz) SPARKD’ Energy drink, based on information from Dunkin’s website.
| Nutrient | Medium Berry Burst (24 oz) |
| Calories | 130 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Total Sugars | 27g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Caffeine | 144mg |
The sugar content is a notable point of consideration for health-conscious individuals, especially as many competitors offer zero-sugar alternatives.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Dunkin’ SPARKD’ Energy Drink?
The caffeine content varies by size, giving you control over your energy intake.
- Small (12 oz): 96mg
- Medium (24 oz): 144mg
- Large (32 oz): 192mg
Price and Availability
SPARKD’ Energy drinks are now a permanent fixture on the Dunkin’ menu across the United States. The pricing is comparable to other handcrafted beverages at the chain.
- Small: ~$4.99
- Medium: ~$5.99
- Large: ~$6.99
Prices may vary by location. Dunkin’ often runs promotions for Dunkin’ Rewards members, so keep an eye on the app for potential deals.
SPARKD’ Energy vs. Competitors
How does SPARKD’ compare to other popular energy drinks? Let’s break it down against Starbucks’ new Iced Energy, Celsius, and Monster.
| Feature | Dunkin’ SPARKD’ (Medium) | Starbucks Iced Energy (Venti) | Celsius (12 oz can) | Monster (16 oz can) |
| Caffeine | 144 mg | 180-205 mg | 200 mg | 160 mg |
| Sugar | 27 g | 0 g | 0 g | 54 g |
| Calories | 130 | 5-10 | 10 | 210 |
| Key Ingredients | Guarana, B Vitamins, Taurine | Green Tea, Hibiscus | Guarana, Green Tea, Ginger | Guarana, Taurine, Ginseng |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (most flavors) |
| Price (approx.) | $5.99 | $6.25 | $2.50 | $2.39 |
Key Takeaways from the Comparison:
- Sugar Content: Dunkin’s SPARKD’ has significantly more sugar than Starbucks and Celsius, which both offer zero-sugar options. It does, however, contain about half the sugar of a classic Monster.
- Caffeine Kick: SPARKD’ offers a more moderate caffeine level than its direct competitors, which could be a positive for those sensitive to high doses of stimulants.
- Price: As a handcrafted beverage, SPARKD’ is priced higher than canned energy drinks like Celsius and Monster, and is on par with Starbucks’ new offerings.
Final Verdict: Is SPARKD’ Worth a Try?
Dunkin’s SPARKD’ Energy is a solid first entry into the energy drink market. It successfully carves out a niche for customers who want a fun, fruity, and moderately caffeinated pick-me-up without turning to coffee or traditional energy drinks.
Who will love SPARKD’ Energy?
- Dunkin’ regulars looking to try something new.
- People who enjoy fruity, sparkling beverages.
- Those seeking a vegan-friendly energy option with no artificial dyes.
- Individuals who want a moderate caffeine boost, comparable to one or two cups of coffee.
Who might want to skip it?
- Anyone on a low-sugar or zero-sugar diet.
- Energy drink purists who prefer the intense flavor profiles of brands like Monster or Red Bull.
- Budget-conscious consumers who can get a bigger caffeine kick for less with a canned drink.
Have you tried the new Dunkin’ SPARKD’ Energy drinks? What did you think? Drop a comment below and share your favorite flavor and experience.
