- Dunkin' workers will not refill the chain’s popular 48-ounce coffee buckets, prompting customers to improvise a workaround.
- Savvy Dunkin' fans discovered they could order two medium iced coffees and pour them into the bucket themselves, saving money at least a few dollars.
- Health experts warned that the 48-ounce buckets can contain more than double the FDA's recommended daily limit for caffeine.
In February, Dunkin' rolled out a 48-ounce bucket for its most ardent iced coffee fans. Yes. A 48-ounce bucket—complete with handle and everything. Of course, the limited-edition test run of the buckets sold out in seconds. But, again, naturally, Dunkin' has brought them back. And this time they're available nationwide. While you can get them everywhere, fans still have one small gripe: Dunkin' workers are refusing to refill the buckets. However, these are Dunkin' lovers we're talking about, so of course, they found a workaround.
Over the last few days, Dunkin' customers have taken to social media to share the secret way to fill up their buckets: Simply order two medium iced coffees and pour them in yourself. Just watch Rob Pepp as a prime example.
"Let me show you how to put these things to use all summer long," the influencer shared, before walking into his local shop to order two medium iced caramel coffees with cream. "It is confirmed that Dunkin' is not going to be refilling the bucket for you. But all you have to do is order two medium iced coffees."
The DIY trick could actually save customers money
And, as a bonus, Pepp noted that you're "saving money" because the bucket on its own is $12.99, while he was able to score his two mediums for $9 total. Though, as many commenters pointed out, it would be prudent of Dunkin’ to offer to refill the buckets at a small discount to save on cup waste in the future.
Fans are filling the buckets with way more than coffee
Others have already taken to using their bucket to refill with other drinks, including David Ciancio, who filled his with Dunkin' Zero, the brand's new lightly carbonated zero-sugar energy drinks, and then tossed in a shot of espresso for good measure.
Experts say the caffeine content is no joke
While it's certainly a novelty, it's important to remember that this is an absolutely bonkers amount of caffeine in bucket form.
"The safe amount of caffeine per day is around 400 mg, according to the FDA. These 48-ounce buckets can pack anywhere between 550 and 960 mg of caffeine per bucket, meaning it could be more than double the recommended safe limit in a single container,” Dan Miller, a nutritionist and founder of Eternum Longevity Center, previously shared with Good Housekeeping about the buckets. "People need to understand that coffee is a stimulant, not hydration. Water is the official beverage of the animal kingdom; for health and longevity, it must be yours, too."
Avery Zenker, a registered dietitian at MyHealthTeam, added, "For reference, a standard canned energy drink contains about 100 to 200 mg of caffeine. A 48-ounce iced coffee 'bucket' contains about as much caffeine as about five 12-ounce Red Bulls."
Maybe make one of those refills decaf
So please, take these as the novelty they are, and maybe sometimes fill them up with water—or at least decaf—instead.
