Dunkin’s newest pumpkin drink contains actual donuts

New York
CNN
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Dunkin’ is raising the bar Pumpkin drinking wars With what, cakes.

Starting Wednesday, its newest fall drink combines a pumpkin-flavored Munchkin donut blended with frozen coffee and topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle, marking the first time the chain has added donuts directly to its beverage lineup.

The drink, called “Ice Spice Munchkins Drink,” is a collaboration with rapper Ice Spice and perhaps Dunkin’ biggest fan, actor Ben Affleck. The pair appear in a TV advert promoting the drink, which notes that the rapper’s fans are called “munchkins”. It’s also the second ad in which Affleck stars in a Dunkin’ movie after his debut Somewhere Super Bowl this year.

Dunkin’ rolled out its fall-themed menu in mid-August, a few weeks before Starbucks added pumpkin spice lattes to menus. Tuesday, Wendy’s started selling For a limited time, Pumpkin Spice Frosty, a new flavor to its menu, is the Pumpkin Spice Flavored Cold Brew Coffee, which uses the same syrup from Pumpkin Spice Frosty.

Dunkin’ said in the statement that “pumpkin spice season has become a bit predictable lately” and that the new drink “appeals to early pumpkin lovers, regardless of the official start of the season.” Prices vary by city, and the drink is available on the menu for a limited time.

Adding pumpkin flavored drinks is a no-brainer as the flavor continues to grow in popularity. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has been a reliable hit, making it a fall mainstay and giving the coffee chain a seasonal boost in sales during this time of year for the past two decades.

Dozens of other food products, from Oreo pumpkin spice to beer, hot chocolate mix and even protein powder, have crowded the market.

For marketers, seasonal products are a crucial way to generate buzz. Often, they choose items that make people feel a certain way — nostalgic or excited for a new season — but are too indulgent to be purchased more than a few times a year. The “limited time only” availability also enhances the appeal.