News

Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins get 'real'

March 7, 2017

Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins will eliminate all artificial colors in their now often brightly hued offerings by the end of next year, according to a news release.

It's part of an overall trend across food service to use more naturally sourced ingredients, some of which have been found to have less than healthful properties. 

The parent company of the two brands, Dunkin' Brands, said the move is part of its systemwide shift away from the use of synthetics in restaurant menu offerings.

As a result, synthetic hues will be stripped from donut icings, fillings and toppings, as well as frozen beverages like fruit smoothies and "Coolatta" drinks, as well as baked goods, breakfast sandwiches and coffee flavoring. 

The company said Baskin-Robbins will take a longer time to replace decorative items on ice cream cakes. 

Additionally, Baskin-Robbins will take a longer period of time to find replacements for the decorative elements on ice cream cakes. 

"This is a significant undertaking on the part of our product development teams and suppliers," Dunkin' Brands Chairman and CEO Nigel Travis said in a news release. "However, we are committed to meet the evolving needs of our customers, including their preference for more nutritional transparency and simpler ingredients, while maintaining the great taste and the fun, vibrant colors expected from Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins products."

Two years ago the company reviewed its menus, resulting in a new product development process that reformulates its products with simpler ingredients, lower sodium and less sugar.