Everyone knows the iconic fast-food chain Dunkin’ Donuts for its quick “pick-me-up” coffees and its delicious and notable donuts. However, a little over a month and a half ago, the company decided to introduce something new, distinguishing themselves from other competing coffee brands. Keeping with their theme of caffeinated beverages, Dunkin’ decided to launch their new line of energy drinks, SPARKD’ Energy, sparking curiosity and skepticism among Dunkin’ fans and caffeine enthusiasts.

Before Dunkin’, another popular food chain, Panera Bread, attempted something similar with their Charged Lemonade about a year ago. This drink, however, became unsuccessful immediately after it killed two customers and caused health complications for another due to the immense amount of caffeine it contained. According to NBC News, the drink “exceeded that of cans of Red Bull and Monster energy drinks combined.” Yet, it was still marketed as a lemonade with a little kick but still “less-caffeinated,” containing a safe amount of caffeine that can be consumed by the average person. After being released to the public, Panera Bread faced three lawsuits due to the adverse effects of consuming this deceptive beverage. As a result, the product has experienced a notable decrease in sales, causing many consumers to become cautious about other Panera drinks.

Dunkin’ has received little to no criticism for this new drink so far, released so recently that the drink only has two flavors: Berry Burst and Peach Sunshine. It is advertised as a healthier energy drink compared to others like Red Bull because it contains “vitamins & minerals” that provide a “revitalizing burst of energy.” This marketing strategy is similar to Panera’s Charged Lemonade; however, Dunkin’ does not attempt to conceal the fact that there is a significant amount of caffeine in the drink, although not nearly as much as Panera’s version. Dunkin’ emphasizes that their large cup contains 192 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than half of the 390 milligrams in Panera’s Charged Lemonade (even though the company stated it had 260 milligrams on their website).

Many people who have tried the drink seem to believe that it is a positive addition to the company’s growing menu. It not only makes the brand stand out even more from its competitors like Starbucks, but it gives customers more options when it comes to how they want to consume their caffeine. Instead of being limited to earthy-tasting coffee, they have the option to have a refreshing, fruity drink that still gives them their needed energy boost. This decision to add this product expands their audience to those who are looking for a vibrant and exciting drink.

The drinks contain a mineral blend consisting of B3, B6, and B12, along with zinc and manganese. The product also contains caffeine and guarana, a plant that offers numerous health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, wound-healing abilities, and antioxidant properties. These benefits help support Dunkin’s assertion that their energy drink is “healthier.” The actual drink is made by adding a syrup base, which depends on your order, followed by sparkling water to give it a bubbly and fizzy taste. The ratio of syrup to water is specifically designed to create a prominent burst of fruity flavor while still retaining some fizz to enhance the drink’s enjoyment.

Overall, the drink seems to be gaining popularity after only being on the market for a couple of months. Its energy-packed contents, combined with its sparkling water and refreshing taste similar to that of Starbucks, make this drink unique from other Dunkin’ products. It is a great alternative to coffee for those who want to switch up their caffeine source. So far, the drink has not shown any signs of ending up like Panera’s Charged Lemonade, which is most likely a goal for the company. Though many people have been comparing the two drinks, Dunkin’ seems to have figured out how to make theirs superior to Panera’s in multiple ways.

Now, with this new off-brand product from Dunkin’, many are now asking: what will be Dunkin’s next big thing?