Trying to work out whether Dunkin’s Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte is vegan can be difficult.
Makers of coffee lattes often hide their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural flavors,” and even if they do provide you with a full list of what’s in their products, it can be hard to understand what those ingredients actually are.
To ensure that you are only eating food that aligns with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production process of Dunkin’s Peppermint Mocha Latte.
Here’s what I found out.
Is Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Vegan?
No. Dunkin’s Peppermint Mocha Latte is not vegan.
Dunkin’s Peppermint Mocha Latte is a seasonal Signature Latte that contains espresso, steamed milk, and mocha and peppermint flavor.
The main non-vegan ingredient in Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte is milk and cream, and a milk derivative in their whipped cream topping. Milk is an animal product that comes from cows, and, as such, is not vegan.
Then there’s sugar. Sugar is naturally vegan, but with bone char being widely used in the processing and filtering of sugar, it’s not always vegan.
Bone char is made from the bones of cows, pigs, and other animals and it’s used to make sugar look brighter. So, even though sugar is a plant-based product, many vegans choose to avoid it. Unless the sugar is explicitly labeled “raw,” “organic,” or “unrefined,” it’s best to assume that it is not vegan.
Is Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Cruelty Free?
Yes! Dunkin’s Peppermint Mocha Latte is cruelty free.
Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha is not tested on animals at any point in its production nor does it contain ingredients that are routinely tested on animals, such as artificial color.
Animal testing is an inhumane and outdated practice that sees animals being subjected to cruel and often deadly experiments. It often leaves innocent animals disfigured, maimed, and even dead. There surely are other methods to test products for safety without harming animals.
Fortunately, more and more food brands are ditching animal testing and instead using cruelty-free methods that don’t harm animals.
What Is Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Dunkin’s Peppermint Mocha:
- Brewed 100% arabica coffee
- High fructose corn syrup
- Sugar
- Cocoa processed with alkali
- Water
- Natural flavors
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Citric acid
- Salt
- Milk
- Cream
- Disodium Phosphate (stabilizer)
- Sodium citrate (stabilizer)
Let’s break down each ingredient of Dunkin’s Peppermint Mocha:
Brewed 100% arabica coffee
Brewed 100% arabica coffee is made from coffee beans that are roasted and then ground. The coffee is then brewed with hot water to extract the flavor. It is vegan friendly.
High fructose corn syrup
High fructose corn syrup is a main ingredient in the Peppermint Mocha Swirl flavor swirl from Dunkin’ Donuts. It is a type of sugar made from corn and is often used in processed foods. It is vegan friendly.
Sugar
Sugar is a sweetener made from either sugarcane or sugar beets. Sugar is often refined using bone char, which is made from the bones of cows, pigs, and other animals. Unless the sugar is explicitly labeled “raw,” “organic,” or “unrefined,” it’s best to assume that it is not vegan.
Cocoa processed with alkali
Cocoa processed with alkali is cocoa that has been treated with an alkali solution. This process makes the cocoa smoother and less acidic. It is vegan friendly.
Water
Water is used as a solvent in syrup. It is vegan friendly.
Natural flavors
Natural flavors are flavors that are derived from natural sources. They can be either plant or animal based. In this case, it is unclear what the natural flavors are made from and whether they are vegan.
Potassium sorbate (preservative)
Potassium sorbate is a preservative made from potassium salt and sorbic acid. It is vegan friendly.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits. It can also be made synthetically. It is vegan friendly.
Salt
Salt is used to enhance the flavor of foods. It is also used as a preservative. Salt is vegan friendly.
Milk
Milk is an animal product that comes from cows. It is not vegan friendly.
Cream
The cream is a dairy product made from the fatty parts of the milk. It is not vegan friendly.
Disodium phosphate (stabilizer)
Disodium phosphate is a type of salt used as a stabilizer. It is vegan friendly.
Sodium citrate (stabilizer)
Sodium citrate is a type of salt used as a stabilizer. It is vegan friendly.
Why Isn’t Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Vegan?
Dunkin’ Donuts Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte is not vegan because it contains milk and refined sugar. Milk is, of course, an animal product, and refined sugar is often processed using bone char.
Sadly, vegans will not be able to try and enjoy this latte in the coming holiday season. However, there are many other vegan-friendly options out there for those who want to enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free cup of coffee.
Is the Dunkin’ White Mocha Hot Chocolate Hot Drink Vegan?
No. Dunkin’s White Mocha Hot Chocolate Hot Drink is not vegan. It contains milk, cream, and refined sugar.
Dunkin’s White Mocha Hot Chocolate Hot Drink is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is the Dunkin’ Chai Latte Vegan?
No. Dunkin’s Chai Latte is not vegan. Its chai tea syrup contains refined sugar.
Dunkin’s Chai Latte is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is the Dunkin’ Cold Brew Vegan?
Yes! Dunkin’s Cold Brew can be vegan. You just have to order it without sugar and cream.
Dunkin’s Cold Brew can be ordered vegan.
Is the Dunkin’ Americano Vegan?
Yes! Dunkin’s Americano is vegan. It is a hot coffee that does not contain milk or sugar.
Dunkin’s Americano is safe for vegan consumption.
Are There Vegan Options at Dunkin’ Donuts?
Yes, there is! Here are some of Dunkin’ Donuts’ vegan menu items:
There are vegan Dunkin’ drinks:
- Plain Brewed Espresso Coffee (Hot or Iced)
- Dairy-free milk (Oat Milk, Coconut Milk, and Almond Milk)
- Iced Latte (with dairy-free milk)
- Hot Teas (all)
- Iced Teas (except sweetened ones)
Dunkin’ Donuts has a vegan menu that includes the following foods:
- Flavor Shots (Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Toasted Almond flavors)
- English Muffin
- Hash Browns
- Avocado Toast
Dunkin’ Donuts likes to claim that its bagels (Cinnamon Raisin, Sesame, Everything) are vegan, but they all contain refined sugar, so I can’t confirm that they are vegan.
If ever you’re in a Dunkin’ Donuts, you can order these items without worrying whether they are vegan or not. You can enjoy these drinks and food items without harming any animals in the process.
Vegan Alternatives to Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha, there are some brands that you can try. Here are some of my favorites:
- Crazy Cups Peppermint Chocolate Mocha Coffee Pods
- Victor Allen’s Coffee Peppermint Bark Flavored, Medium Roast
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making one at home. Here are some of my favorite recipes online that you can try:
- Peppermint Mocha by The Clean Eating Couple
- Vegan Peppermint Mocha by Up Beet Kitchen
- Vegan Peppermint Mocha by World of Vegan
Some recipes use plant-based milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, in place of dairy milk. You can also find recipes that use peppermint extract or candy canes to get the minty flavor without using any animal products. You don’t have to miss out on trying this popular holiday drink just because you’re vegan!
Final Words
So, there you have it! Dunkin’s Signature Peppermint Mocha Latte is not vegan. However, there are many other vegan-friendly options at Dunkin’, as well as recipes and alternative products that you can try so you won’t have to miss out on this holiday favorite. Enjoy!