Dunkin'
RECOGNITION > 2026 CARING COFFEE SHOPS STUDY > DUNKIN'
National Award
Dunkin' Named a 2026 Caring Brand Award Honoree—National
The Caring Brand Award honors companies named by consumers, unaided, in our national study as the brands they believe care most about their customers. Recognition is earned, not purchased.
The 2026 Caring Coffee Shops Study was conducted using a rigorous, nationally representative consumer survey of U.S. adults. Read the study
About Dunkin'
Dunkin' is a beloved coffee and baked goods brand that has been serving communities across the United States and beyond for decades. Known for its signature hot and iced coffees, delicious donuts, and a variety of breakfast items, Dunkin' is dedicated to providing customers with a quick and satisfying experience. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Dunkin' continually evolves its menu to meet the tastes of its diverse customer base. The brand's friendly atmosphere and community-focused initiatives make it a favorite destination for coffee lovers and families alike.
Learn more at dunkindonuts.com
Quick Overview
Each Caring Brand Award is backed by the voices of real consumers, named unaided in a national study. Honorees must meet a minimum mention threshold. In this video, we discuss our findings from the 2026 Caring Coffee Shops Study. Read our awards methodology.
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Why America's Coffee Ritual is Searching for Its Soul
The 2026 Caring Coffee Shops Study℠ reveals a fundamental tension: consumers want assembly-line speed while mourning the loss of the coffee shop's soul. Our study of 1,107 U.S. consumers found:
Pragmatic Humanity:
Consumers define a caring brand through functional respect for their time and budget. Value (54%), Convenience (51%), and Reliability (48%) are the most-selected qualities of a "caring" brand.
The Performance Gap:
While 59% of consumers choose shops based on consistent, efficient experiences, 54% are still influenced by personal warmth—a dual mandate that's difficult to scale.
The Loyalty Driver:
Consistent, efficient experience was the top loyalty driver (52%), followed closely by fair pricing (43%).
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Methodology
We conduct large-scale, nationwide surveys designed to capture the voice of the customer. Our studies are structured to meet statistical reliability standards—typically carrying a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. Data is gathered via representative sampling. Read our awards methodology.
Licensing Rules
Companies named in this study may reference their recognition in editorial or news contexts. However, using the designation name, title, badge, or logo in advertising, marketing, or sales materials requires prior written authorization and an active licensing agreement. Please inquire below for details.
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