DUNKIN’ released its new line of energy drinks on Thursday.
With the energy drink market growing crowded, the coffee chain rolled out the colorful new beverages as part of its spring menu.
The drinks, called Sparkd’ Energy, are offering Dunkin' drinkers a new way to get their caffeine fix.
Fizzy and fruity, Sparkd’ drinks are sold in two flavors, Berry Burst and Peach Sunrise, advertised as a way to “spark your fun.”
With Dunkin' diverging from its typical fare, the U.S. Sun stepped in to weigh whether the drink would make any sparks fly.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Dunkin’s Refreshers and I’m an avid carbonated water drinker, so the idea of a drink that appeared to blend the two lured me in.
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Sparkd’ has more caffeine than refreshers, but less than my usual coffee — 144 milligrams in the new drink versus 294 milligrams in an iced coffee.
After a taste test, it's clear the drink is an interesting option.
THE TASTE TEST
I ordered a medium Peach Sunrise Sparkd' drink, as the more generic “berry” name on the Berry Burst left me feeling uncertain about what flavor I’d get.
Further research revealed that the Berry Burst is made with a mix of strawberry and raspberry flavors — the combination used in the chain’s new Mixed Berry Beats Refresher, which debuted after the chain’s Dunkings Super Bowl ad campaign.
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The peach drink was undeniably peachy — similar to the brand’s discontinued Peach Passion Fruit Refresher.
More immediately noticeable was the fizz, however.
Strongly carbonated, the first sip had the texture of a freshly opened can of seltzer.
The first taste was exciting, but the drink grew somewhat tiresome as I drank it.
While I am a fan of carbonation and Dunkin’s fruit flavors, the Sparkd' reminded me that I’m no huge fan of energy drinks.
With an overall flavor profile similar to that of a Celcius energy drink, I was left with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Still, I managed to finish the rather light drink within about half an hour. A few hours later, I was still a bit jittery. I was glad I hadn't ordered a large.
Overall, the odd aftertaste and the unusual sensation of what feels like a bubbling refresher might be too much to get used to — I’ll probably stick with coffee and plain refreshers in the future — but the drink could be right for you.
HOW IT COMPARES
Dunkin' is currently offering the medium Sparkd' for $3.
A smaller quantity of Ceclius Peach Vibe drink costs $2.99.
The same amount of Peach Nectarine Red Bull goes for $2.88.
TASTES TESTED
The U.S. Sun has tested a variety of flavors — see how a variety of cold brews stacked up.
Many people are fiercely loyal to their peanut butter brand — we tried eight to see which was best.
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The team tests more than just food. With spring approaching, check out our ranking of room fans.
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