The latest trend in the coffee world is making waves as Dunkin’ begins testing its 48-ounce drink buckets in select towns across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These oversized beverage containers have captured the interest of coffee enthusiasts and social media users alike, marking a unique twist in the café’s offerings.
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One notable voice in this new trend is Stephanie Boutchie, a self-proclaimed “Dunkaholic” and popular TikTok user. Speaking to PEOPLE, Boutchie shared her experience with the Dunkin’ Bucket and her enthusiasm for its innovative design. Boutchie, who frequents her local Dunkin’ outlet multiple times a day, describes her excitement upon hearing about the availability of the buckets, saying a friend’s tip led her to the café.
The Dunkin’ Buckets are available in certain locations including Durham, Lee, and Amherst, all in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. A spokesperson for Dunkin’ stated that the company is keen to align with current coffee culture trends, hence the decision to pilot this unique product. Consumers can fill these buckets with an array of options such as Iced Coffee, Iced Lattes, or Dunkin’ Refreshers, with special flavours like Blueberry Cobbler Iced Latte and Strawberry Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher also on offer.
For Boutchie, however, the novelty of the bucket goes beyond just the drink. She highlighted a rather amusing incident during her visit when a fellow customer ordered five buckets. The two shared a laugh when they realised that the buckets, due to their size, would not fit in standard cup holders, leading to a comical discussion of how to carry them. “We joked that we would need to install some command hooks to hang them on,” Boutchie recounted.
In terms of practicality, Boutchie expressed her surprise at how long the beverage lasted, stating it could stay fresh for at least five hours. She was also pleased to find that the drink wasn’t overly diluted with ice, maintaining her usual drink proportions thanks to indicated guidelines printed on the bucket.
The online response to the Dunkin’ Bucket seems to be divided. While many users on platforms like TikTok are embracing the quirky design and the perceived value of the drinks, others have voiced scepticism over the necessity of a 48-ounce coffee. Comments ranged from requests for the buckets to be made available nationwide, particularly as summer approaches, to doubts about anyone needing that much coffee at once. As one user probed, “If you aren’t an iced coffee drinker, you won’t understand.”
While the critiques may arise, Boutchie firmly stands in favour of the novelty drink, as evidenced by her viral TikTok post, which has further fuelled interest in the drink buckets. Supporters of the concept have been vocal about their desire for Dunkin’ to expand this pilot initiative beyond Massachusetts and New Hampshire, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for creative coffee options.
In the midst of changing coffee trends and consumer preferences, Dunkin’s move to pilot these sizeable drink containers indicates a commitment to staying relevant in a market filled with competition. As coffee culture continues to evolve, unique offerings like the Dunkin’ Bucket may soon become a familiar sight in cafés across the country, appealing to both loyal customers and curious newcomers.
With the Dunkin’ Bucket trending online, it remains to be seen whether the brand will roll this out on a wider scale. Boutchie’s experience exemplifies the enthusiastic reception in some circles, while responses across social media illustrate a broader discussion about experimentation in coffee culture and consumer habits in a post-pandemic world. As coffee lovers eagerly await further developments, one thing is certain: the Dunkin’ Bucket is making a considerable splash in its initial launch.