A recent Facebook post claims that Dunkin’ is instructing its baristas not to fill iced drinks all the way, even when customers request less ice. This revelation sparked outrage among patrons.
An anonymous user shared what appears to be an internal guideline in the Dunkin’ World Facebook Group, which has over 567,000 members. The post features suggested fill levels for various iced beverages, including iced lattes, macchiatos, and refreshers.
The posted image included a cup marked with an “ice line,” indicating how full to pour iced drinks. The alleged rules suggest that employees should pour the same amount of liquid regardless of whether a customer asks for regular ice, less ice, or none at all.
The individual who shared the image described it as reflecting a “new policy” for the popular chain. Some commenters claimed to be employees and verified the instructions’ authenticity.
Many replies flowed in, with baristas noting that they adhered to the fill line and could not add more milk or espresso without charging extra. Others pointed out that while some locations refill drinks, it often requires customers to pay for it.
A number of customers expressed frustration, labeling Dunkin’ as stingy, and some even declared their intention to switch to other coffee shops. One user remarked, “Starbucks, Dunkin noticed the hack that they don’t have ice lol. They’re trying to give us less for what we pay.”
Another user, Renee, mentioned she’s shifted to McDonald’s for iced coffee, stating she prefers their approach, which yields more coffee despite being less iced. People are increasingly aware of rising prices paired with diminished quantities at Dunkin’.
However, some defended Dunkin’ and its employees. One commenter pointed out that this policy has existed for a long time, although many stores may not enforce it strictly. A former manager mentioned it has always been the case, suggesting that customers should understand they receive what they pay for.
Others debated the logic behind expectations of getting more product without the ice, with one poster emphasizing that requiring double the product could mean paying double the price. The guidelines reportedly extend to Dunkin’ refreshers, energy drinks, and iced teas as well.
The document warns against filling drinks to the top without ice, as measurements are based on that added ice. A user shared their experience of paying a high price for a drink with inadequate ice, frustrated over not being informed of the policy beforehand.
With coffee bean prices consistently rising, it’s clear many chains need to be cautious of their profit margins. The average retail price for ground coffee recently hit $9.14 per pound, a significant increase from previous years. Tariffs and other economic factors have contributed to these rising prices—and even though some tariffs were reduced recently, the overall costs continue to affect consumers.
