Food chains are constantly launching new products to stay relevant and outpace the competition. However, as more brands chase the same trends, true originality has become harder to achieve.
As a result, many companies are borrowing concepts from competitors and putting their own spin on them, often blurring the line between innovation and imitation.
In recent years, this pattern has become increasingly common across the food industry, with major chains closely monitoring one another and quickly adapting successful ideas to fit their brands.
As one of the world’s largest and most recognizable coffee chains, Starbucks has long positioned itself as a leader in beverage innovation. That forward-thinking strategy has fueled the company’s growth, but it has also inspired competitors to follow suit.
Now, Dunkin’, one of Starbucks’ biggest rivals, appears to be drawing inspiration from some of those recent innovations and reworking them into its own offerings.
Dunkin introduces Protein Milk and unveils its 2026 Winter Menu
Dunkin’ is introducing Protein Milk to its menu, allowing customers to substitute it for any dairy or non-dairy base in beverages such as coffees, lattes, matcha, and Refreshers. Each medium drink made with Protein Milk contains an additional 16 grams of protein, according to the press release.
To promote the launch, Dunkin’ has partnered with American rapper and songwriter Megan Thee Stallion, unveiling a new lineup of protein beverages aimed at health-conscious consumers.
Dunkin’ 2026 Protein Beverage Menu
- Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher: Mango flavor blended with Protein Milk
- Strawberry Protein Refresher:Â The classic Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher made with Protein Milk
- Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte:Â Bold espresso with chocolate and caramel flavors, blended with Protein Milk
- Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte:Â A classic iced matcha latte with Protein Milk and toasted almond flavor
- Iced Protein Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla: Bold espresso with Protein Milk and Dunkin’s first-ever Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup
The new Protein Milk is part of a broader menu update designed to better align with evolving consumer preferences around health trends, helping the brand remain competitive in an already crowded market.
In addition to the protein-based beverages, Dunkin’ is also rolling out several new food and drink items, as well as returning fan favorites, as part of its 2026 Winter Menu.
Dunkin’ 2026 Winter Menu
- Caramel Chocolate Shakin’ Espresso:Â A double shot of espresso shaken with caramel and chocolate flavors and oatmilk
- Cocoa Cloud Latte: Espresso with caramel chocolate syrup and milk, topped with Chocolate Cold Foam
- Berry Moonlight Daydream Refresher: A Daydream Refresher with Berry Sangria, oatmilk, and Sweet Cold Foam
- Golden Chocolate Donut:Â A donut filled with golden fudge, topped with chocolate icing and crushed toffee pieces
- Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Breakfast Sandwich: Sweet Black Pepper Bacon, egg, and cheese, sandwiched between two slices of bread of choice
- Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Wake-Up Wrap: Sweet Black Pepper Bacon, egg, and cheese wrapped inside a warm tortilla
- Snackin’ Bacon: 8 half-strips of Sweet Black Pepper Bacon
Starbucks’ history with protein beverages
While Dunkin’s Protein Milk may sound like a unique innovation, Starbucks (SBUX) was among the first major coffee chains to experiment with protein-enhanced beverages.
At the Starbucks Leadership Experience event in Las Vegas, the company previously revealed it was testing a Banana Protein Cold Foam before officially launching an entire lineup of protein-boosted drinks.Â
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This is not Starbucks’ first attempt at incorporating protein into its menu. In 2018, the chain launched Protein Blended Cold Brew beverages in Almond and Cocoa flavors, which combined cold brew, almond milk, plant-based protein, almond butter, a banana-date fruit blend, and ice. Though popular, they were available for a limited time and later discontinued.
The reintroduction of protein to its beverages is part of the “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which aims to revitalize the brand by “reimagining and modernizing its beverages and food to build a relevant, hype-worthy global menu that will resonate with customers,” the company said in a press release.Â
The rise of the health-conscious consumer
As consumers become more health-conscious, seeking fewer calories, simpler ingredient lists, and less artificial processing, major food companies are investing heavily in better-for-you options to avoid losing market share.
Protein, in particular, has emerged as one of the most influential trends in the food and beverage sector. Functional drinks that promise hydration, mental clarity, and nutritional support are among the fastest-growing product categories, according to industry research.
Nearly 60% of global food and beverage consumers report actively incorporating more protein into their diets, according to Innova Market Insights Top Ten Industry Trends for 2026.
The global health and wellness foods market was valued at $858.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly $1.6 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%, according to Grand View Research.
The same study also found that North America led the market, generating $285 billion in revenue in 2023.
“There is a growing demand for protein-rich food products as consumers seek to support a healthy lifestyle,” said industry experts at Grand View Research. “This trend encompasses traditional protein sources and plant-based proteins and supplements, reflecting a broader shift towards health-oriented eating habits.”
Dunkin’ dives into merchandise
Beyond its new 2026 Winter Menu, Dunkin’ is also expanding its branded merchandise offerings, releasing limited-edition apparel, accessories, and partnerships as part of its 2026 rollout.
Dunkin’ 2026 merchandise
- Dunk N’ Pump Collection: A retro-inspired workout apparel line, available exclusively through DunkinRunsOnMerch.com.
- Dunkin’ x Bala Collaboration:Â Limited-time 2-pound Bala Bangles in Dunkin’ colors, available beginning January 12.
- [solidcore] Signature50 Shakes on Dunkin’: From January 14-16, participating [solidcore] studios nationwide will host 6 a.m. classes powered by Dunkin’. Guests will receive a Dunkin’ gift card to try the new Protein Milk lineup and the new [solidcore] favorite build: Dunkin’ Protein Iced Latte with a shot of unsweetened blueberry flavor.
As menu prices rise and competition intensifies, food chains are accelerating menu innovation while expanding into branded merchandise and partnerships to diversify revenue streams, boost sales, and also turn loyal fans into walking advertisements.
“In response to the decreasing food dollar and the empowered customer, restaurants are turning to innovative business and operating models to grab a greater share of the market,” said KPMG Restaurant Segment Leader Paul Fultz and Strategy Leader of Consumer Markets Joel Rampoldt in a study.
Popular food chains embrace branded merchandise
Starbucks has long been known for its exclusive merchandise, with limited-time releases frequently selling out within minutes. Most recently, the company’s viral Bearista Cup prompted multiple restocks due to overwhelming demand.
Fast-food merchandise releases
- Chick-fil-A: Holiday collection and everyday lines, available online and at participating locations (Source: Chick-fil-A)
- Starbucks:Â Ongoing merchandise drops and brand collaborations (Source:Â The Street)
- Burger King:Â Exclusive merchandise store for Royal Perks Members (Source:Â Burger King)
- KFC:Â Holiday Bucket Collection released through its online shop (Source:Â KFC)
- Raising Cane’s:Â Apparel, accessories, drinkware, and collaborations through its Gear store (Source: Raising Cane’s Gear)
- McDonald’s: Two online stores with apparel, accessories, and home décor (Source: The Street)
“Brands that chase trends or follow others risk appearing derivative,” said industry expert and CEO of Chain Steve Milton on Fast Company. “But playing it too safe leads to stagnation, and fast casuals can’t afford to rely solely on traditional pricing tactics to serve their hungry fandom. It’s those brands ready to create products that surprise and delight audiences that will spark the type of cultural conversation that will expand their reach.”
Related: Popular candy maker acquires healthy cereal brand in historic merger