Dunkin’ is removing coconut milk from its menus, less than three years after adding the plant-based dairy alternative. The chain confirmed that it will be “bidding farewell” to coconut milk from US locations in the coming days, but will still offer almond milk and oat milk as dairy-free creamers. The elimination of coconut milk also means the end of its Coconut Refreshers lineup, which were colorful drinks mixing coconut milk and flavored iced tea. Dunkin’ did not specify why it is reducing its selection of plant-based dairy alternatives, but chains regularly adjust offerings if an item isn’t selling or becomes too expensive. Technomic’s Robert Byrne, director for consumer and industry insights, said that the cost of coconut milk plays a significant role as it is the most expensive nondairy milk for restaurants, while almond is the cheapest. Technomic’s Ignite menu data shows that coconut and soy milk, which appear more frequently than almond and oat, are disappearing from menus. Coconut milk joins the menu graveyard with the Dunkaccino, which Dunkin’ eliminated earlier this year.
