Latest news with #Dunkin
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
Iced Matcha Lattes, Ranked: Starbucks, Dunkin', & More
Hi! I'm Dannica, I was a barista for four years, and I love matcha lattes and other matcha-flavored things. Previously, I went to different coffee chains and ranked their pumpkin spice lattes to welcome in fall, but now that we're about to enter summer's embrace, I'm back again to try iced matcha lattes from the most popular coffee chains in America. But first, ✨history check✨! Matcha is a type of green tea. It presents as a finely ground powder made from shade-grown tea leaves. Originating in China but now primarily associated with Japan, matcha was originally (and still is!) used ceremonially among Buddhist monks and others to promote mental clarity and meditation, and is believed to help medicinally due to the tea being high in antioxidants. However, matcha has grown outside of its spiritual and ceremonial role in recent years as it surged in popularity across the world, particularly captivating younger coffee and tea enthusiasts (me). Now, you can find matcha incorporated into things like donuts, breads, ice cream, cakes — and lattes. So, without further ado, let's get into our taste test, which I'm calling Matcha Madness™️. I went to five coffee chains: Dutch Bros, Dunkin', Better Buzz, Peet's Coffee, and Starbucks. Let's start! 5. STARBUCKS — Made with 2% milk and an unsweetened matcha powder, Starbucks puts the matcha powder and milk into a cold foam blender to gently incorporate the two together. If you do want your matcha sweetened, though, you can ask for some pumps of classic syrup or vanilla! OK, though the internet is telling me that Starbucks's matcha latte recipe is supposed to come with classic syrup, the one I got surely didn't. And even if it did, I honestly don't think it would've made a difference in the I mentioned before, I used to be a Starbucks barista, so I was around when the matcha powder WAS sweetened, and I thought it was pretty decent back then and didn't need any other added sweetener. So color me surprised when I took a sip of the ~updated~ matcha latte and found that not only was it unsweetened, but extremely bitter and watery!?Listen, I understand that matcha isn't naturally the sweetest thing in the world, but this put it plainly, not good. It was thin-bodied and tart, and almost just tasted like watered-down milk. Again, even if the drink was sweetened, you shouldn't need to rely on syrups to have a good matcha latte!• Price: $5.25• Rating: 2/10 🍵 Literally, here is the surprise coloring my face: 4. DUTCH BROS — Dutch Bros recently came out with a whole new matcha menu featuring several different flavors, but this is just a regular ole iced matcha latte featuring 2% milk. I'm going to assume that the matcha powder is sweetened because when I asked the baristas, they weren't sure (but I'm 95% sure it is). First of all, I didn't take a picture of what the latte looked like on the inside because there were so many people at the location I went to that I got stressed out, navigated my way out, went to a plaza across the way to park, and ultimately forgot. However, I will say that the consistency of the drink appeared less creamy and cloud-like than Starbucks's, but thin-bodied as well. Unfortunately, Dutch Bros didn't meet my expectations!The vegetal, grassy flavor from the matcha peeked through a little bit, but it was overshadowed by this strange apple-like flavor? It caught me off-guard — it almost tasted like a sour apple? I'm still unsure what I was tasting, TBH, but all I know is I didn't like it all that much. I'm sure that if I tried another specialty matcha drink that Dutch Bros offers, I would like it a whole lot more, but their regular matcha latte? Not the biggest fan.• Price: $5.65• Rating: 4/10 🍵 3. DUNKIN' — Honestly, I underestimate Dunkin' Donuts, because they ranked higher during my Pumpkin Patrol™️ taste test, too! Dunkin's iced matcha latte is made with, by default, a sweetened matcha blend and skim milk. Without a doubt, Dunkin's matcha latte is sweetened to the heavens. There's barely any dimension to the matcha because it's quite sweet, yet it's still a better drink compared to the last two, in my drink is more full-bodied, and judging by the foam on top, it appears the matcha was shaken in with the milk (like how Starbucks used to do it), which I like a lot I were in a rush and had to go through a drive-thru for a matcha fix, I honestly wouldn't shy away from pulling up to Dunkin'! And for a small being $4.99, it doesn't seem like too bad of a deal. Dunkin' Donuts, you have truly bewitched me, body and soul.• Price: $4.99• Rating: 6/10 🍵 2. BETTER BUZZ — Made with whole milk, Better Buzz's matcha latte comes with matcha sweetened and mixed with their Vanilla Buzz mix! Simply put, this was a good matcha latte. Despite it being sweetened, I didn't think the sweetness overpowered the matcha at all, and it was still able to shine. The matcha was incorporated with the milk seamlessly, creating a silky mouthfeel, and had a grassy yet sweet flavor, without it being too was depth to the flavor of this drink that I didn't taste in the previous chains I went to, but I do wonder how the drink would stand without the vanilla mix, which is why I put it at number 2! Also, additional points for the cutest brand theme.• Price: $5.49• Rating: 8.5/10 🍵 Well, look at that! We've reached the end of our matcha-tasting journey! Now, for the best iced matcha latte that I tasted. Drumroll, please 🥁🥁🥁... 1. PEET'S COFFEE — The undefeated champion, it appears! Made with whole milk, Peet's uses organic ceremonial-grade matcha, and it certainly tastes like it. No offense, but this matcha latte won by a LANDSLIDE. Not only does Peet's win based on using a higher-quality matcha, but the preparation of the drink really makes a difference in the taste.I was watching the barista making it (if you're reading this, you slayed so hard), and the matcha is made traditionally, which includes sifting the matcha and whisking it with hot water. The matcha was then mixed with milk, then topped with ice and a nice, creamy cold the youngins say, that thing was bussin'. The drink was subtly sweet and earthy, with almost a nutty flavor to it. The vegetal, grassy flavor came through, but without ever being overly bitter. The foam was an awesome touch and was creamy and silky, creating a really pleasant sipping experience. Peet, whoever you are, I love you.• Price: $5.35• Rating: 10/10 🍵 Whew, trying five matcha lattes in one day is surely not for those with a complicated relationship with dairy (me). Let's just say that, yes, I probably consumed a lot of sugar, and, no, I didn't end up sleeping well that night. Even so, I had so much fun on this matcha adventure! Of course, everyone has different preferences and taste buds, so feel free to make your own judgment and do your own Matcha Madness (just bring water and maybe take a nap in between). And remember, you can always ask your barista to modify your drink as needed! And that's a wrap! Where's your favorite place to get a matcha latte? Do you like to make yours at home, or do you go to a specialty place? Let me know in the comments, and we can talk all things MATCHA! Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck were ‘flabbergasted' after meeting Jordon Hudson, insider says
It turns out that viewers weren't the only ones confused by Jordon Hudson's presence in a Dunkin' Super Bowl commercial alongside Bill Belichick. A couple of her famous co-stars were as well. In a recent discussion with Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, journalist Pablo Torre shed some light on what he described as bizarre negotiations to make the DunKings commercial happen. Torre reports that Hudson was acting as Belichick's agent. Torre, the host of 'Pablo Torre Finds Out,' has been notably plugged in with the Belichick-Hudson relationship. 'She was negotiating directly with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who were, I am told very reliably, flabbergasted that this was who they had to go through to get to the guy that they revered for decades as the greatest coach of all time,' Torre said. Affleck and Damon both grew up in Massachusetts and have been vocal about their New England sports fandom. They're plenty familiar with the former Patriots coach, who was famously media savvy in terms of keeping his life private. That's why it's been especially jarring to see Belichick and Hudson so open about their public and professional relationship with his girlfriend (and rumored fiancée). Torre described Hudson as 'kind of Bill Belichick's 'momager,' a mom/manager akin to Kris Jenner figure, the architect behind the Kardashian-Jenner media empire. Torre noted that Affleck and Damon were thrown off by Hudson's role in negotiations, but pushed on to secure Belichick's spot in the commercial. However, the North Carolina coach didn't come alone. Hudson reportedly 'forced' her way into an on-screen role in the Super Bowl ad. Hudson's appearance on TV screens in the Super Bowl was one of many catalysts that vaulted her into the national conversation as one half of the most talked-about relationship in football. QB Joe Milton says Patriots trading him was a 'blessing' for 4 reasons Bill Belichick has tried to land Jordon Hudson '6-figure' jobs, insider says Jabrill Peppers has amusing recollection of first meeting with Mike Vrabel Veteran starter impressed with Patriots rookie safety Read the original article on MassLive.
NBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
A group of New York City college students are going viral for spreading ‘Black Boy Joy'
When Khadim Thiam, 23, posted a video to TikTok of his friends visiting a Dunkin' in New York City to try matcha green tea, he had no idea it would go viral. The 19-second video, which has been watched by more than 15 million people since early April, shows Thiam and seven friends smiling and laughing as they hold up their cups. But the initial comments did not match the group's positive energy. 'They were saying things like, 'Oh, why are men this happy to try matcha?' 'Oh, men should be in war,'' Thiam said. Instead of listening to the negative comments, the group was inspired to gleefully keep trying more adventures and posting their experiences on social media. 'I don't know why the internet reacted like that,' Thiam said. 'So now I was like, O.K., so y'all don't want to see us try matcha? We're going to start trying many other things.' Now the group OSB, which stands for One Strong Brotherhood, has since posted more than 20 videos conquering a range of activities from puppy yoga to dance classes and pilates. Their goal is simple: break the mold of how people perceive young Black men. 'It's like 'Black Boy Joy,'' said Thaim, evoking the phrase and hashtag popularized in 2016 by Danielle Young, a writer for The Root at the time. The point was to counter negative stereotypes of Black men and boys through celebrating their happiness and freedom through positive a decade later, Young said she's seen the videos made by Thiam and his friends. 'It's so hard to see the OSB guys and not be immediately happy, joyful and smiling,' Young said. But she also notes there's a deeper historical context that goes beyond any phone screen. 'Thinking of Emmett Till and his story, not even being able to be a young, free Black boy without society claiming him as a threat and needing to be murdered for that,' Young said. She also said the societal limitations placed on young Black men are exactly the reason their videos have gone viral. 'It's beautiful to see that Black boy joy is timeless, but it's also hurtful to see that it is considered a thing because of what they're not supposed to be doing,' Young said. Now, Thiam considers himself and his friends — all 10 of whom are students at Hunter College in Manhattan — part of a movement with a greater purpose. 'There's a lot of negative stereotypes and connotations' when it comes to young Black men, said Thiam, a computer science major and the son of immigrants from Senegal. 'We deserve our credit and our place in society to be considered normal, joyful people.' In the two months since the matcha video was posted, nearly every video the group posts has gone viral, each gaining at least hundreds of thousands of views between TikTok and Instagram. As OSB has posted more videos, Thiam said he's also noticed a shift in the comments. 'People were beginning to see the genuineness and joy in us trying different things,' Thiam said. 'I felt like it inspired a lot of people to continue watching the series, and basically they wanted to see what's next.' One of the latest adventures was a West African cooking class led by Maye Jolie, another New York City-based content creator, who frequently posts popular African recipes on TikTok. On the menu was a dish called nem, a meat and spice-filled fritter from Mali that's similar to a spring roll. During the nearly three-hour class, the members of OSB mixed, rolled and fried their nem, all joking and laughing. Each member took turns recording one another while trying to pay attention. A battle even emerged among OSB members and other class participants to see who could make the best shaped spring roll. 'Whoever's guiding us, they always feed off our energy,' Thiam said. 'We're always getting hit with, 'Oh, this is the most fun class,' best class that they ever had.' It's an experience that OSB wants to keep up. Thiam says the group is already securing five-figure brand deals and has collaborated with brands such as DoorDash and MAC Cosmetics. The ultimate goal is to eventually take their adventures beyond New York City. 'Hopefully we go global,' said Thiam, dreaming out loud about 'going to Japan trying to become like a samurai or something, or we're making tea in China.' But for now Thiam says he finds joy in inspiring others. 'I just want to encourage people to try new things,' he said. 'Meet new people, make great connections. Have genuine fun, joyness and bring energy.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'It's giving motivation.' Dunkin', Paige DeSorbo release pink refresher
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Dunkin' is partnering with reality television star Paige DeSorbo for its take on a fruity pink drink. On Thursday, May 28, Dunkin' unveiled its Pink Spritz Refresher. Promoted by DeSorbo, the iced drink is made with guava, orange and passionfruit flavors and topped with a splash of sparking water. "Anyone who follows me knows I'm usually horizontal until noon, but somehow this drink has me fully styled and running errands," DeSorbo said in a news release. "It's giving motivation." The Pink Spritz Refresher isn't the only new menu item. Dunkin' also whipped up a new Orange N' Vanilla Specialty Donut for the summer. The glazed cake doughnut is topped with a vanilla-flavored icing drizzle and is available for a limited time. Summer at Dunkin': Guava refresher and more: Dunkin' debuts new summer menu items for 2025 The 32-year-old reality television star is known for her role in the Bravo series, "Summer House." The show follows a group of friends who share a summer house in Southampton, New York. The friends work in New York City during the week and get together each weekend. DeSorbo has been a part of the series since 2019. DeSorbo is also the co-host of the podcast, "Giggly Squad" with Hannah Berner. Each week, the duo talk about pop culture, fashion and mental health. Here's what rewards Dunkin' is offering to members this June: June 1-16: $2 Iced Strawberry Lemon Loaf with beverage purchase June 14-15: Three times the points on a half dozen and full dozen doughnuts and 25- and 50-count Munchkins June 16-30: $4 Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites with beverage purchase Every Monday in June: Receive 100 bonus points when ordering ahead on the Dunkin app The Dunkin' mobile app is free, as is a Dunkin' Rewards membership. Throughout the entire summer, all Dunkin' customers (not just reward members) may purchase a medium refresher for $3. In addition to the Pink Spritz, Dunkin' offers Strawberry Dragonfruit, Mango Pineapple and Tropical Guava. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paige DeSorbo, Dunkin' partner for pink refresher
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'It's giving motivation.' Dunkin', Paige DeSorbo release pink refresher
'It's giving motivation.' Dunkin', Paige DeSorbo release pink refresher Show Caption Hide Caption Dunkin' Donuts gives pit bull VIP treatment for his birthday Apollo the dog goes viral after a Dunkin' Donut shop celebrates his birthday with a song and a tasty treat in Chester, New York. USA Today Dunkin' is partnering with reality television star Paige DeSorbo for its take on a fruity pink drink. On Thursday, May 28, Dunkin' unveiled its Pink Spritz Refresher. Promoted by DeSorbo, the iced drink is made with guava, orange and passionfruit flavors and topped with a splash of sparking water. "Anyone who follows me knows I'm usually horizontal until noon, but somehow this drink has me fully styled and running errands," DeSorbo said in a news release. "It's giving motivation." The Pink Spritz Refresher isn't the only new menu item. Dunkin' also whipped up a new Orange N' Vanilla Specialty Donut for the summer. The glazed cake doughnut is topped with a vanilla-flavored icing drizzle and is available for a limited time. Summer at Dunkin': Guava refresher and more: Dunkin' debuts new summer menu items for 2025 Who is Paige DeSorbo? The 32-year-old reality television star is known for her role in the Bravo series, "Summer House." The show follows a group of friends who share a summer house in Southampton, New York. The friends work in New York City during the week and get together each weekend. DeSorbo has been a part of the series since 2019. DeSorbo is also the co-host of the podcast, "Giggly Squad" with Hannah Berner. Each week, the duo talk about pop culture, fashion and mental health. June Dunkin' deals for Rewards Members Here's what rewards Dunkin' is offering to members this June: June 1-16: $2 Iced Strawberry Lemon Loaf with beverage purchase $2 Iced Strawberry Lemon Loaf with beverage purchase June 14-15: Three times the points on a half dozen and full dozen doughnuts and 25- and 50-count Munchkins Three times the points on a half dozen and full dozen doughnuts and 25- and 50-count Munchkins June 16-30: $4 Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites with beverage purchase $4 Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites with beverage purchase Every Monday in June: Receive 100 bonus points when ordering ahead on the Dunkin app The Dunkin' mobile app is free, as is a Dunkin' Rewards membership. Throughout the entire summer, all Dunkin' customers (not just reward members) may purchase a medium refresher for $3. In addition to the Pink Spritz, Dunkin' offers Strawberry Dragonfruit, Mango Pineapple and Tropical Guava. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
