As September arrives, Dunkin’ is unveiling its new fall menu, prominently featuring pumpkin spice offerings. However, many are still reminiscing about the summer’s standout item: the Donut Swirl. This flavor addition not only enhanced several drinks but also earned a spot in Dunkin’s secret menu. It can still be found at some locations—check your local menu or app. To prepare for its possible return next year, we explored the taste of the Donut Swirl.
What Does the Donut Swirl Taste Like?
Opinions vary on the Donut Swirl’s flavor. Some Redditors and TikTok users describe it as buttery vanilla, vanilla batter, or even gingerbread, attributing these notes to the baking spices used in some donuts, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Others detect a general sweetness without specific flavors, while a few note a chemical aftertaste, despite Dunkin’s promise of natural ingredients without artificial sweeteners or dyes. Overall, the Donut Swirl is intended to be sweet and creamy.
Understanding Flavor Shots vs. Flavor Swirls
The Donut Swirl adds a creamy, sweet layer to beverages. It stands out when paired with Dunkin’s flavor shots, which are dairy-free and sugar-free syrups. The Donut Swirl itself is milk-based and sweetened. The combination of the creamy Donut Swirl with the specific, unsweetened flavor shots can produce a taste reminiscent of various donuts. Dunkin’s creations featuring the Donut Swirl include the Blueberry Donut Iced Coffee and the Vanilla Frosted Donut Signature Latte. The Donut Swirl blends well with raspberry shots for a jelly donut effect or with coconut shots for a toasted coconut donut flavor.
Customization Tips
To tailor your drink, adjust the number of Donut Swirl pumps according to your sweetness preference. Dunkin’ large coffees typically receive four flavor shot pumps, mediums get three, and smalls get two. For a sweeter taste, request three or four pumps of Donut Swirl. For less sweetness, choose one or two pumps along with additional flavor shots to balance the flavor. You can also experiment with different milk or creamer options to perfect your drink.