Just The Specials: Dunkin’ Donuts Halloween Treats

Welcome to the table,

Just the Specials is where your junk food-eating journalist, Anton, tests out all sorts of limited edition, small batch, and seasonal menu treats from across the pop culture space. I then report back to you, dear reader, so you have full insight into how these fun foodstuffs taste and if they are worth your time.

“America runs on Dunkin'” or so the turn of phrase goes. While we have a nice coffee maker at home, I do on occasion indulge in the sweet treats and coffee drinks from Dunkin’ Donuts when we are out and about and the lines are short. This Halloween season, the fixture of the American morning commute had a handful of Halloween-themed offerings. I was able to try two of them to see just exactly how much trick or treat they were going to be.

First up was the Potion Macchiato which Dunkin’ has said is “Available hot or iced, this showstopping beverage blends layers of espresso and milk with a vibrant, purple marshmallow ube flavor. With its eye-catching color and magical flavor, it’s the perfect beverage to get into the Halloween spirit.”

The Potion Macchiato looked as advertised and had a really nice toasted marshmallow flavor to it that I would for sure order again if they put it in something else. I love 2+ shots of espresso in my coffee or tea, or just to have so I can continue to function. While the espresso was a little burnt I think that was more a result of ordering a coffee drink from a chain restaurant with a line of people trying to get a plastic bucket, and not because it was bad espresso. All in all, this is a fun little Halloween treat.

I also grabbed one of their Spider Specialty Donuts. Dunkin’ says “In honor of the new purple-hued brew, Dunkin’s beloved Spider Specialty Donut is getting a makeover for the spooky season. The formerly orange-frosted donut is adorned with purple frosting this year and, as always, topped with a Glazed Chocolate MUNCHKINS Donut Hole Treat, complete with chocolate drizzle for spider legs and white drizzle forming the eyes.”

It is what it says it is, a donut with frosting and a munchkin on top that has some eyes and some drizzle. Mine was missing an eye but that was okay. Honestly, this was pretty good as well. I don’t like things that are overly sweet. I was kind of dreading trying this, but the donut was really soft and fluffy and the chocolate munchkin did not taste like it had been sitting around for a while. I normally avoid more than one seasonal donut a season because they just blow out my taste buds, but this thing had flavor and whimsy really making it an effective Halloween treat on all levels.

So there ya’ go, dear readers, two Halloween-themed treats available for a limited time and ready for you to try this Spooky Season.

Until next time, really seriously impressed by that silly spider donut.