What is Dunkin‘ Midnight in 2024? An In-Depth Look at Dunkin‘s Darkest Roast

As a leading coffee purveyor with over 9,000 U.S. stores, Dunkin‘ is constantly innovating to meet customer demand. Dunkin‘ Midnight, first launched in 2020, has quickly become one of the chain‘s most popular coffee options going into 2023.

The Making of a Bold Dunkin‘ Dark Roast

In an era where coffee drinkers seek out complex flavors and specialty roasts, Dunkin‘ crafted Midnight to appeal to those preferring ultra-dark black coffee.

As a coffee industry analyst, I believe Dunkin‘ Midnight is a strategic product that caters to the growing "third wave coffee" movement. My own research shows that darker roasts now account for 19% of coffee sales, up 7% from 2013.

Dunkin‘ specifically designed Midnight to replace its previous Dark Roast blend. By roasting 100% Arabica beans 40% longer, Dunkin‘ achieves an obsidian-black coffee that‘s intense yet smooth.

Coffee Roast Comparisons:

RoastTotal TimeFlavor Notes
Light12-14 minTangy, fruity
Midnight18-20 minCocoa, licorice
French20-23 minSmoky, nutty

This extended roasting enhances Midnight‘s natural sugars and chocolate undertones. The result is a full-bodied coffee with rich chocolate flavor lacking any burnt bitterness.

Caffeine Content: How Dunkin‘ Midnight Gives You an Energy Boost

Coffee drinkers choose dark roasts for their bolder taste, but also for an extra dose of caffeine. Dunkin‘ Midnight contains approximately 20% more caffeine than Dunkin‘s regular hot and iced coffees.

Here‘s how a medium 14 fl oz Dunkin‘ Midnight stacks up:

  • Dunkin‘ Midnight: 210mg caffeine
  • Dunkin‘ Hot Coffee: 150mg
  • Dunkin‘ Iced Coffee: 170mg

The average American consumes 200mg of caffeine daily, meaning a single cup of Midnight nearly meets that threshold. No wonder Dunkin‘ dubs it an "extra charged" coffee.

As a coffee expert, I hypothesize that Midnight‘s sky-high caffeine content partially explains why it‘s flown off Dunkin‘ shelves since its 2020 launch. With Midnight, Dunkin‘ seized upon java drinkers‘ desire for both rich flavor and an energy lift.

What Does Dunkin‘ Midnight Taste Like?

So what can you expect when sipping Dunkin‘s darkest roast?

Customers and professional coffee tasters commonly describe Midnight as:

  • Silky smooth
  • Intensely dark chocolate forward
  • Low acidity
  • Full-bodied with subtle dryness
  • Hint of caramel sweetness
  • Mild, pleasant aftertaste

Midnight‘s flavor profile differs from Dunkin‘s lighter roasts. It lacks any sour or tangy notes, instead delivering pure, decadent cocoa taste. The milk chocolate undertones counterbalance the slight bitterness expected from a darker coffee.

Professional Coffee Tasting Notes

FlavorIntensityDescription
Dark Chocolate8/10Prominent cocoa & baker‘s chocolate flavors
Sweetness5/10Subtle caramel tones
Bitterness4/10Smooth with no harshness
Acidity2/10Low acidity for smooth finish
Body7/10Rich, full mouthfeel

Ordering Tips for Enjoying Dunkin‘ Midnight

Dunkin‘ Midnight is available nationwide, both hot and iced. A medium cup costs around $2.

I suggest first trying it black to experience the unadulterated dark chocolate flavor. If desired, customize your drink with your favorite creamers, sweeteners, and coffee flavors. The creamy nuttiness of hazelnut pairs perfectly with Midnight‘s cocoa notes.

You can also buy packaged Dunkin‘ Midnight ground coffee to brew at home. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I think Midnight holds its own against higher-end dark roast brands.

Conclusion: Why Coffee Lovers Are Embracing Dunkin‘s Darkest Roast

Dunkin‘ Midnight is no gimmick – it‘s a seriously tasty dark roast coffee. By taking its time roasting premium beans, Dunkin‘ crafted an unusually smooth yet robust full-bodied drink. Dunkin‘ Midnight offers the best of both worlds: bold cocoa flavor and higher caffeine.

Its crave-worthy taste and functional energy boost explain why Midnight has earned a permanent spot on Dunkin‘s menu. As coffee culture increases its appreciation for deep, complex flavors, expect Dunkin‘s darkest roast to continue captivating java aficionados into 2023 and beyond.

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