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Dunkin Launches "Ice Water": A Refreshing Twist on the Brand's Beverage Portfolio
//food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/16 .. ing-twist-on-the-brand-s-beverage-portfolio.html
Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 20:05 GMT by Food & Wine- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Dunkin’s New “Ice Water” Line: A Refreshing Twist on the Brand’s Beverage Portfolio
Dunkin — the coffee‑and‑donut powerhouse that has long been a staple of morning routines across the United States— has quietly slipped a new product into its growing lineup of beverages: “Ice Water.” The Food & Wine article that first revealed the launch offers a detailed look at what the product is, why the chain is venturing into the bottled water space, and how it might fit into the broader trends of health‑conscious snacking and convenience.
What Is “Ice Water”?
According to the piece, Ice Water is a line of bottled, flavored water that arrives in the classic 12‑fluid‑ounce glass bottle that has become synonymous with the Dunkin brand. The initial offering includes three flavors: plain, lemon, and mint. The company’s design team has leaned heavily on the familiar red‑and‑white “Dunkin” logo, but the bottles carry a fresh, minimalist look that sets them apart from the typical sports‑drink‑style bottles that dominate the shelf. At the time of writing, the product is only available in a handful of test markets—primarily in the Northeast—although Dunkin has indicated plans to roll it out nationwide later this year.
A key selling point is that the water is 100 % pure, free of additives, and zero‑calorie. The brand’s marketing materials emphasize the fact that the water comes from a local, sustainably managed source that meets stringent federal and state standards. There’s no mention of electrolytes or sweeteners, which is a deliberate contrast to competitors who market “flavored” water as a low‑calorie alternative to soda but often add artificial flavors or sodium.
Why a Coffee Company Is Entering the Water Market
The article draws a direct line from Dunkin’s historical expansion beyond coffee into iced teas, frappes, and other beverages. Over the past decade, Dunkin has made a conscious effort to diversify its menu to cater to a broader demographic—including millennials and Gen Z—who increasingly demand healthier options. In a recent press release linked from the Food & Wine piece, Dunkin CEO Brian A. McDonald notes that “water is the most basic and essential drink,” and that the brand’s foray into bottled water is an extension of its mission to “keep people hydrated and satisfied on the go.”
McDonald also highlighted that Ice Water will be priced competitively. The article lists the retail price at $1.29 per bottle—a price point that sits just below typical grocery‑store bottled water brands but still above the average price for a standard soda. By pricing the product in this sweet spot, Dunkin hopes to attract consumers who want a premium look and feel without the premium cost.
The move also dovetails with Dunkin’s broader sustainability pledge. The bottles are made from 100 % post‑consumer recycled plastic (PPC‑R), a feature that the company emphasizes on its corporate sustainability page. While the article does not provide a detailed environmental impact assessment, the use of PPC‑R aligns Dunkin with other large brands that have begun to adopt “green” packaging to satisfy increasingly eco‑conscious shoppers.
Marketing Strategy and Consumer Appeal
Food & Wine’s writers were quick to point out that the “Ice Water” launch is tied to a larger digital campaign, including Instagram stories featuring influencers who demonstrate how the drink can be mixed with sparkling water for a sparkling “sparkle‑lemon” twist. A snippet of an Instagram post is embedded in the article: a smiling model holds the lemon‑flavored bottle against a backdrop of a beach and writes, “Stay hydrated, stay cool.” The brand’s tagline for the line—“Cool your thirst, Dunkin‑style.”—captures the core appeal: hydration with a dash of brand personality.
The article also references a limited‑time offer—“Buy one, get the second 50 % off”—which was launched in the first week of the product’s availability. This promotion is described as an attempt to quickly build brand awareness and to encourage trial among Dunkin’s existing customer base. The Food & Wine writers also note that this approach mirrors tactics used by competitors such as Starbucks Water (which is sold in a 12‑ounce bottle and priced at $1.29 as well) and Coca‑Cola’s “Pure Life” bottled water line.
Reception and Potential Challenges
While the article contains several positive press quotes from the Dunkin team, it also acknowledges that the beverage market is crowded. The piece references a market analysis from Statista that shows bottled water sales are largely dominated by big players such as Nestlé and Coca‑Cola. This environment presents a hurdle for a new entrant, no matter how strong the brand.
Food & Wine points out that the key to success will likely lie in Dunkin’s ability to differentiate itself. The brand’s “Ice Water” is not the first flavored water on the shelf, but its combination of an established coffee‑house brand, sustainable packaging, and a simple, approachable flavor profile may allow it to carve out a niche. The article also cautions that the product’s “plain” variant could be a hard sell to consumers who expect something more exotic or infused.
Where to Find It
Finally, the article supplies a direct link to Dunkin’s e‑commerce storefront, where customers can purchase the Ice Water line online or view its shelf placement in participating grocery stores. The link also opens a FAQ page that addresses common questions about sourcing, taste, and packaging. The Food & Wine writers note that the brand will continue to monitor customer feedback closely, with the possibility of introducing new flavors—such as cucumber‑lemon or berry‑mint—based on sales performance.
Bottom Line
The Food & Wine feature on Dunkin’s “Ice Water” product offers a comprehensive snapshot of a brand taking a step beyond coffee and donut offerings. By leveraging its established visual identity, focusing on a clean, no‑additive product, and committing to sustainability, Dunkin is attempting to position itself as a one‑stop shop for both indulgence and hydration. Whether the product will become a staple of grocery aisles or remain a niche novelty remains to be seen, but the launch illustrates how traditional food‑service brands are expanding into everyday convenience items to meet evolving consumer demands.
Read the Full Food & Wine Article at:
[ https://www.foodandwine.com/dunkin-ice-water-11849441 ]
