Review: Dunkin's New Protein Milk Works, Though Some Of Its New Drinks Fall Flat - Tasting Table

"Protein drinks and coffees are all the rage these days, so Dunkin' decided to join in on the fun. Given that Dutch Bros has a range of protein coffees, and Starbucks has protein coffees and cold foams, it makes logical sense that Dunkin' would follow in their footsteps with its own range. The coffee chain joined the protein coffee competition with a new line of drinks released on January 7, 2026, and it's collaborating with Megan Thee Stallion for a couple Refreshers, too."

"Not all of Dunkin's Refreshers are a hit, as was the case with the Mixed Berry Daydream Refresher from the 2025 fall menu. The Strawberry Protein Refresher falls into the miss category to me. The drink has 290 calories and is made with a strawberry-dragon fruit base, Protein Milk, and ice, but the strawberry flavoring leans artificial. The fake strawberry taste hits the tongue and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste that is all I can concentrate on."

"Like the aforementioned mango drink, I don't taste the secondary element - dragon fruit in this case - and the Protein Milk separates from the rest of the sipper. You can see some of the separation happening in the above photo, but it goes back with a quick shake. I like the creaminess of the Protein Milk, but the strawberry flavor of the Refresher base is a skip for me."

Dunkin' entered the protein beverage trend with a new line released January 7, 2026, including protein Refreshers and lattes and a collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion. Competitors Dutch Bros and Starbucks already offer protein coffees and cold foams. Five new protein drinks were sampled for flavor, texture, and composition. The Strawberry Protein Refresher contains 290 calories, a strawberry-dragon fruit base, Protein Milk, and ice; it displays an artificial strawberry flavor, an unpleasant aftertaste, muted dragon fruit notes, and visible Protein Milk separation that recombines with shaking. Protein Milk provides creaminess, but some bases undermine overall enjoyment.

Read at Tasting Table