Craving a Dunkin’ iced coffee but unsure what “medium” really means? You’re not alone. Let’s spill the beans: A medium Dunkin’ iced coffee is 24 ounces of pure, refreshing caffeine bliss.
But this isn’t just about size; it’s about why that 24-ounce cup matters.
We’re diving into Dunkin’s iconic drink, from its humble beginnings to the secret behind its bold flavour. Want to know how to tweak it for fewer calories?
Or why do coffee lovers swear by its customizable swirls and shots? Stick around. Whether you’re a daily Dunkin’ devotee or a first-timer, this guide brews everything you need.
Let’s start with the burning question: How many ounces is a medium dunkin iced coffee? (Spoiler: It’s bigger than you think.)
How Many Ounces Is a Medium Dunkin Iced Coffee?
A medium Dunkin’ iced coffee is 24 ounces. Not 20, not 16, 24. That’s roughly three cups of coffee in one portable cup. But why does this number matter?
Because Dunkin’ nails the balance between “enough to keep you awake” and “not so big you’ll spill it all over your car.”
This site is confirmed everywhere, from Dunkin’s official menu to trusted food bloggers. Even Starbucks fans might recognize it: their Venti iced coffee matches Dunkin’s medium at 24 ounces.
But if you’re used to McDonald’s medium (which stops at 20 ounces), Dunkin’s version feels like an upgrade.
Let’s break it down:
- Small: 16 oz (suitable for a quick sip).
- Medium: 24 oz (the crowd favourite).
- Large: 32 oz (for when you need all the caffeine).
Yes, sizes vary slightly by location; some stores tweak ounces based on regional preferences. But 24 ounces is the golden rule for a medium.
And here’s the kicker: that 24-ounce cup isn’t just about volume. It holds enough ice to keep your drink cold without drowning the coffee flavour.
Dunkin’ brews their iced coffee extra-strong, so even as the ice melts, every sip stays bold.
Still wondering why medium reigns supreme? It’s the sweet spot, big enough to feel indulgent, small enough to fit in your cup holder.
Plus, it’s the ideal canvas for Dunkin’s famous swirls, shots, and milk swaps. (More on that later!)
Historical Context
It’s 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Bill Rosenberg has just renamed his “Open Kettle” shop to Dunkin’ Donuts, a playful nod to the ritual of dunking pastries into coffee.
Back then, the focus was hot coffee and fresh doughnuts, with a quirky handle-shaped doughnut designed specifically for dunking (a fan favourite until 2003). But iced coffee? That wasn’t even on the radar yet.
The story of Dunkin’s iced coffee starts quietly in the 1970s, when Rhode Island locations began experimenting with chilled coffee to beat the summer heat, a bold move in an era dominated by hot brews.
Yet, it wasn’t until the 1990s that iced coffee began to shine.
In 1995, Dunkin’ shook things up by introducing flavoured coffees like Hazelnut and French Vanilla, a game-changer that laid the groundwork for today’s customizable iced drinks. Suddenly, coffee wasn’t just a morning pick-me-up but a canvas for creativity.
But here’s the twist: Early iced coffee faced a problem. Ice diluted the flavour, leaving drinks tasting weak.
Dunkin’ solved this by doubling the coffee’s strength, a secret still used today to keep every sip bold, even as the ice melts. This wasn’t just a recipe tweak but a commitment to quality that set Dunkin’ apart from competitors.
The 2000s brought explosive growth. By 2016, Dunkin’ debuted Cold Brew, a smoother, slower-steeped option that catered to purists and leaned into tech with mobile ordering, letting customers skip lines for their 24-ounce iced coffees.
Meanwhile, the 2019 rebrand to Dunkin’’” signalled a shift: coffee, not doughnuts, was now the star.
Today, Dunkin’s iced coffee is a year-round obsession, thanks to seasonal twists like Pistachio (back by popular demand in 2025) and the Dunkalatte.
This coffee-milk latte tastes like a “melty milkshake”. Sustainability also plays a role; foam cups were phased out by 2020, and non-dairy milks like oats and almonds are now standard.
Nutritional Breakdown
your medium Dunkin’ iced coffee can be a guilt-free sip or a sugary splurge, it’s all in how you mix it. Start with the basics: black iced coffee is practically a ghost in the calorie world.
At just five calories and zero fat, sugar, or carbs, it’s like drinking air with a caffeine kick. If you’re curious about does coffee have carbs, plain black coffee is virtually carb-free. But let’s be honest, most of us aren’t sipping it plain.
Add cream and sugar, and that innocent cup morphs into a 190-calorie treat. Here’s the kicker: that’s 27 grams of sugar, more than a glazed doughnut, with 26 grams added, hitting 52% of your daily sugar limit in one go.
The fat content? A creamy 9 grams (12% DV), including 4.5 grams of saturated fat (23% DV).
| Nutrient | Black (5 cal) | With Cream & Sugar (190 cal) |
| Calories | 5 | 190 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 9g (12% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 4.5g (23% DV) |
| Carbs | 0g | 27g (10% DV) |
| Sugars | 0g | 27g (26g added, 52% DV) |
| Protein | 0g | 2g |
Now, let’s talk caffeine. That 24-ounce medium packs ~297 mg, enough to fuel a marathon work session or a late-night drive.
According to the FDA, adults can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine daily.
(Pro tip: If caffeine-sensitive, stick to the small.) Wondering does iced coffee have caffeine? Yes, and Dunkin’s packs plenty of it.
Customization
Think of your 24-ounce Dunkin’ iced coffee as a blank canvas, except instead of paint, you’ve got swirls, shots, and milk swaps.
Here’s the fun part: you call the shots. Start with the basics. Want it sweet? Add a caramel or mocha swirl, thick, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent. Prefer subtlety?
Try unsweetened flavour shots like hazelnut or vanilla. They’re like a whisper of flavour, not a sugar shout.
But why stop there? Dairy-free? Dunkin’ hands you almond, oat, or soy milk at no extra cost (yes, even for that 24-ounce cup).
Speaking of alternatives, you might wonder can you put brown sugar in coffee? Absolutely, and it adds a richer flavor than white sugar. Craving a caffeine bomb? Toss an espresso shot for a jolt that’ll outlast your to-do list. And let’s talk ice.
Ask for “light ice,” and you’ll get more coffee and less dilution because nobody wants a watered-down caffeine fix.
Here’s a hack Dunkin’ regulars swear by: Mix a butter pecan swirl with oat milk. It tastes like dessert, but you can still pretend it’s breakfast. Or go wild with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles because adulting is overrated.
Popularity and Consumer Preferences
Dunkin’ iced coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a vibe. Even in the dead of winter, when frost clings to car windows, folks are still clutching those 24-ounce cups like lifelines.
Back in 2011, Dunkin’ found that 84% of iced coffee drinkers guzzled more of it during winter than the year before, and 56% outright preferred it over hot coffee, snowstorms be damned.
Why? Because sipping something icy when it’s freezing outside feels rebellious, like wearing flip-flops in a blizzard.
Flavor-wise, Dunkin’ fans play favorites. Caramel and mocha swirls dominate orders, hitting that sweet spot between “treatyo’selff” and “I need this to function”.
But let’s talk seasonal magic. Take the Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, a fall superstar called “festive yet sophisticated,” with caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar, turning basic sips into autumn rituals.
And when Dunkin’ brought back the Pistachio Coffee in 2025 after years of fan petitions, it wasn’t just a comeback but a caffeinated revolution.
Customization? Dunkin’ gets it. Want oat milk instead of dairy? Done, no extra charge since 2025, thanks to customer demands for inclusivity.
Prefer your drink to taste like a melty milkshake? The Dunkalatte, a coffee-milk latte with Rhode Island roots, sold out twice because it’s dessert in a cup.
And let’s not forget the app warriors: Dunkin’ Rewards members snag perks like $6 meal deals and bonus points, turning coffee runs into gamified rituals.
But here’s the kicker: Dunkin’ iced coffee isn’t just about taste; it’s about identity. Holding that cup says, I’m productive, I’m trendy, and I’ve got my life together.”
In 2012, 64% of drinkers swore it gave them a mental edge over coworkers.
Pair that with limited-time twists like the Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso or Raspberry Watermelon Refresher, and you’ve got a menu that’s always one step ahead of cravings.
Seasonal Flavors
Dunkin’ serves mood. And nothing sets the vibe better than seasonal flavours that turn your 24-ounce medium into a time capsule of the year.
Think of it like this: your cup isn’t just holding coffee; it’s holding spring blooms, summer sunsets, fall leaves, and winter snowflakes. Let’s break it down.
Spring: This season is all about comebacks. The Dunkalatte, a creamy, coffee-milk latte that “tastes like a melty milkshake”, returns by popular demand, blending espresso with Dunkin’s secret coffee-infused milk for a sip that’s pure nostalgia.
Pair it with the nutty Pistachio Coffee, back after years of fan petitions, or the Raspberry Watermelon Refresher, a tart-sweet green tea that screams “picnic weather”.
Need a caffeine jolt? The Arctic Cherry Energy drink throws cherry, blueberry, and grapefruit into a sparkling iced mix that’s spring break in a cup.
Summer: When temps rise, Dunkin’ goes tropical. The Tropical Guava Refresher storms in with fruity guava vibes is customizable with green tea or lemonade, and is perfect for poolside sipping.
The Pistachio Signature Latte shakes things up for espresso lovers: espresso meets pistachio swirl, topped with whipped cream and waffle cone crumbles.
It’s like sipping a pistachio ice cream cone with enough caffeine to survive a beach day.
Pro tip: Use the app to unlock the Caramel Oat Shakin’ Espresso, an exclusive blend of caramel swirl and oat milk that’s shaken, not stirred, for frothy perfection.
Fall: Pumpkin Spice might be the headline act, but 2025’s fall menu digs deeper. The Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte returns, of course, espresso, milk, and pumpkin-vanilla swirl topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar.
But the real sleeper hit? The Almond Spice Coffee is a cosy pumpkin mashup and toasted almond with less dessert and more “curl-up-by-the-fire” warmth.
And yes, the Dunkalatte sticks around because why let go of a good thing?
Winter: Dunkin’ turns your medium into a holiday party. The Peppermint Mocha is back, blending cool peppermint with rich chocolate, while the Toasted White Chocolate Latte wraps you in creamy, caramel-drizzled decadence.
New this year?
The Holiday Cookie Signature Latte, brown sugar cookie flavour, toasted almond notes, and cookie crumbles, tastes like Santa’s secret recipe.
And let’s not forget the Cookie Butter Cold Brew, a cult favourite with spiced cold foam that’s liquid gingerbread.
Recipes and Hacks
Not everyone can swing a daily Dunkin’ run. But guess what? You can be the barista. Start with the basics: strong coffee.
Brew it double-strength (Dunkin’ does this to battle ice melt), let it cool, then pour over ice. Too bitter?
Add a splash of milk and a pump of caramel syrup: boom, homemade Dunkin’ vibes for pennies.
But here’s the insider twist: Cold brew concentrate. Steep coarse grounds in cold water overnight, strain, and mix with water or milk.
It’s smoother, sweeter, and closer to Dunkin’s iced coffee than your basic fridge brew. According to Coffee Science, cold brewing extracts fewer acids and bitter compounds.
If you’re starting with coffee beans, learn how to roast coffee beans for the freshest flavor. Craving that caramel swirl? Melt caramel candies with heavy cream; it’s messy but worth it.
Now, let’s talk hacks. Next time you order, whisper this to the cashier: “Light ice, please.” You’ll get more coffee and less dilution because nobody wants to pay for frozen water.
Feeling adventurous? Mix flavours like mocha + hazelnut or blueberry + vanilla for a Franken drink that’s weirdly amazing.
Copycat tip: Dunkin’s iconic Butter Pecan Swirl can be hacked with toasted pecans, butter extract, and brown sugar syrup.
Simmer, strain, and pour into your 24-ounce DIY cup. Not perfect? Close enough to satisfy cravings.
App users, listen up: Dunkin’s mobile rewards let you stack points for free drinks. Order a medium iced coffee with two espresso shots.
That’s 10 points, halfway to a freebie.
Pro move: Check the app for “secret” seasonal hacks, like the Caramel Oat Shakin’ Espresso, which blends caramel swirl, oat milk, and extra shaking for frothy bliss.
Sustainability Efforts
Take that 24-ounce medium iced coffee in your hand. The cup itself tells a story. Gone are the days of foam cups piling up in landfills.
By 2020, Dunkin’ swapped all global foam cups for double-walled paper ones certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, cutting 1 billion foam cups annually from the waste stream.
These new cups? They’re heat-retaining warriors, keeping your coffee hot and your hands cool; there’s no need for double-cupping or sleeves.
Oh, and those recyclable #5 polypropylene lids? They’re phasing out another 19 million pounds of polystyrene yearly.
But Dunkin’ didn’t stop at cups. By 2025, 100% of its coffee will be responsibly sourced through its Drive-To Sustainability Program.
Partnering with nonprofits like Enveritas, Dunkin’ audits coffee farms, trains farmers in Honduras, and plants trees, 450,000 in Guatemala and Honduras alone, to combat deforestation.
They’re even tackling gender equity and funding workshops in Colombia and Guatemala to empower women in coffee farming.
Energy-wise, Dunkin’s DD Green Achievement restaurants are game-changers.
These spots use LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and low-flow faucets, slashing energy use by 33% compared to traditional locations.
With over 500 opened by 2020, Dunkin’ aims to hit 1,000 green-certified stores by 2025.
Here’s the kicker: Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s baked into every bean. Dunkin’ funnels a slice of every Original Blend coffee sale to World Coffee Research, funding projects that protect crops from climate change.
They’ve also joined the Sustainable Coffee Challenge, aiming to make coffee the world’s first fully sustainable crop.
And let’s talk people. When hurricanes battered Nicaragua and Honduras, Dunkin’ donated to rebuild coffee communities.
They’ve eliminated artificial dyes, added vegan Beyond Meat options, and switched to 100% recycled napkins and bagel bags, saving 20 million pounds of virgin paper yearly.
Customer Feedback
Dunkin’s medium iced coffee has fans and critics. Coffee devotees swear by its creamy texture and bold flavour, especially the caramel and mocha swirls that turn a basic iced coffee into a “liquid dessert”.
But let’s get real: not every sip is sunshine and rainbows.
The Good
Regulars love the 24-ounce medium for its “just-right” size, big enough to fuel a workday but not so massive it’s impossible to finish.
Cold brew fans rave about its smoothness, calling it “better than Starbucks” for half the price.
Customization is king here: oat milk lovers praise Dunkin’ for ditching upcharges on non-dairy options, while sugar-free vanilla shot loyalists call it a “game-changer” for cutting calories without sacrificing flavour.
The app? It’s a double-edged sword. Rewards addicts stack points for free drinks and adore mobile ordering (“Skip the line, grab my cup, and go!”).
But others gripe about glitches, like disappearing gift card balances or orders that mysteriously reset mid-customization.
The Not-So-Good
Price hikes sting. In some areas, a medium iced coffee now costs up to $4.50, leaving budget sippers fuming.
For comparison, check out how much is an iced coffee at Dunkin for current pricing across locations. One customer snapped, “For $4.50 in some areas, leaving budget sippers fuming.
One customer snapped, ‘For $7, my ‘large’ was 75% ice, felt like a scam! Consistency is another pain point. Joan from North Carolina lamented, “One day it’s perfect, the next it’s watery or tastes like dishwater”.
And while Dunkin’ touts nutritional transparency, some baristas still drown drinks in sugar unless you beg for “light swirls”.
The Ugly (But Fixable)
Arizona’s Robert called Dunkin’s doughnuts “cardboard with sprinkles,” but let’s focus on the coffee.
The Shamrock Macchiato earned universal hate for its “chemical green slime” taste, while the blueberry iced coffee divided crowds; some called it “funky fresh,” others compared it to “cheap muffin crumbs”.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: A medium Dunkin’ iced coffee is 24 ounces of pure, customizable caffeine magic.
From its rebellious winter sippers to summer’s tropical refreshers, this cup isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural staple.
Dunkin’ nails the balance between bold flavour and eco-conscious choices, whether you’re sipping black coffee (5 calories!) or a caramel-swirled treat.
But here’s the real kicker: That 24-ounce size isn’t random. It’s designed to hold extra espresso shots, non-dairy milk, or a splash of seasonal whimsy (looking at you, Pumpkin Spice).
And with Dunkin’ ditching foam cups and sourcing ethical beans, every sip feels a little greener.
