The paleo diet is all about eating the same types of foods that our ancestors had access to way back in the Paleolithic Era. And let’s be honest, Dunkin’ Donuts wasn’t exactly an option for them.
But today, it’s one of the most popular coffee chains in America, and even if you follow a specific diet lifestyle like paleo, keto, vegan, or gluten-free, you may end up there from time to time – whether it’s your favorite spot for the occasional morning treat or you happen to find yourself there to grab a quick bite on the road.
So what are your paleo food and drink options at Dunkin’? While they’re (unsurprisingly) limited, there are ways you can work with certain items to order something paleo-friendly. Here’s everything on the current Dunkin’ menu that you can order or modify for a paleo-friendly meal, snack, or beverage.
Paleo-friendly food items available on the Dunkin’ Donuts menu
Unfortunately it’s slim pickings when it comes to the food at Dunkin’ Donuts, because by nature a fast food donut shop simply won’t have any items that truly meet the standards of a paleo diet. Grains, sugar, and processed foods are all to be avoided – and these are all main culprits in almost every menu item.
However, there are a couple of customizations you can make to certain orders that will result in better-for-you choices if you’re hoping to keep your meal in line with the paleo diet.
One gray area within the paleo diet is the dairy category. While paleo purists avoid all dairy, many adapt the diet to allow for certain types of dairy or a limited amount. So that opens up some options on the menu, but your order will depend on whether you choose to consume dairy products while on the diet.
Unfortunately the donuts and bakery items at Dunkin’ are all off limits, along with processed meats like bacon and sausage. But eggs and chicken are good choices on the diet, so if you do allow for dairy then you have a couple of options.
Here are all of the paleo-friendly food choices on the current Dunkin’ menu along with any necessary modifications to be made to the order.
Paleo Sandwiches, Wraps + More | Necessary Modifications |
Egg & Cheese [Sandwich or Wake-Up Wrap]* | Remove bread |
Egg White & Veggie Omelet Bites** | |
Chicken & Roasted Pepper Dunkin’ Wrap** | Remove wrap |
Paleo Snacks + Sides | |
Avocado Spread |
Paleo-friendly coffee, tea, and specialty drinks Dunkin’ Donuts
Luckily, the coffee and tea category is more paleo-friendly! As long as you stick to black or unsweetened beverages and customize accordingly with paleo-friendly ingredients, you’ll be in the clear and have some options to choose from.
The big thing to avoid when ordering a paleo-friendly drink at Dunkin’ is any added sugar. Since many of the beverages, like Refreshers, Coolatas, and flavored lattes, are made with sweeteners, syrups, and added sugar, these types of orders should be avoided.
If you allow for dairy on the diet, you can choose between cream, whole milk, or skim milk when customizing your coffee or tea order. Dunkin’ currently offers two options as far as milk alternatives (almond milk and oat milk); however, since oat milk grain-based and the almond milk that Dunkin’ uses contains added sugars, neither are suitable for a paleo diet. Dunkin’ did used to offer coconut milk, which made for a great paleo-friendly substitute, but unfortunately discontinued this milk option in late 2023.
Unfortunately, what Dunkin’ calls flavor shots and flavor swirls should also be avoided. The flavor swirls contain lots of added sugar, and while the flavor shots are technically sugar-free, they’re made with questionable ingredients and preservatives which wouldn’t necessarily be paleo-friendly.
Here are the best options on the current menu for ordering or customizing a paleo-friendly beverage at Dunkin’.
Paleo Coffees + Teas | Necessary Modifications |
Hot Coffee Blends [Original Blend, Dark Roast (Dunkin’ Midnight), Dunkin’ Decaf] | |
Cold Brew | |
Iced Coffee | |
Americano | |
Iced Americano | |
Espresso | |
Latte* | |
Iced Latte* | |
Macchiato* | |
Iced Macchiato* | |
Cappuccino* | |
Iced Cappuccino* | |
Hot Tea [Bold Breakfast Black Tea, Chamomile Fields Herbal Infusion, Cool Mint Herbal Infusion, Harmony Leaf Green Tea Hibiscus Kiss Herbal Infusion, Decaf Breakfast Black Tea] | |
Iced Tea [Unsweetened Black Tea, Unsweetened Green Tea] |
Dunkin’ offered coconut milk on their menu for nearly three years, but discontinued this plant-based milk from the menu at the end of 2023. While Dunkin’ has not specified exactly why it’s removed this item, the assumption is that the coconut milk wasn’t selling enough in stores to justify the high cost of carrying the beverage.
While the flavor shots at Dunkin’ Donuts are sugar-free, they are not free of problematic or questionable ingredients like propylene glycol and natural flavors. These types of products are not considered paleo-friendly and are best avoided.
Dunkin’ Donuts does not offer any plant-based or paleo-friendly sweeteners; only sugar or flavored syrups. So if you want to sweeten your beverage, bring along your own paleo-approved sweetener like Stevia.
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