Is Dunkin’ Donuts Kosher?
Dunkin’ Donuts is a brand in the United States and is aptly summed up by its tagline, “America Runs On Dunkin’.” Unsurprisingly, a significant segment of the Jewish kosher consumer also loves Dunkin’. Whether it be their coffee, wide assortment of donut flavors, or bagels, there is something for everyone at Dunkin’ Donuts. Interestingly, and in the Jewish and kosher context, Dunkin’ was founded by a Jewish man named William Rosenberg in the 1950S. It is uniquely fitting that over the last few decades, we have seen an increasing trend of Dunkin Donuts locations in Jewish communities getting kosher certification. Still, a common question that arises about a particular location is, “is Dunkin’ Donuts kosher?,” as well as the specifics of the kosher certification, which we aim to clarify here.
Which Dunkin’ Locations Are Kosher & Who Provides The Certification?
Unfortunately, as is often the case with kosher certification, there is no simple answer regarding which Dunkin’ Donuts are kosher. The reason is that different certifiers certify locations depending on the particular location or region. As a general matter, if a location is certified, there should be a kosher certification certificate somewhere in the front window. That said, it is essential to read the certificate carefully. Some locations may have a certificate that says certain items are kosher, but only some items on the menu are included, while others are fully kosher-certified.
The Largest Kosher Certifier Of Dunkin’ Locations Is The “Donut Rabbi”
Rabbi Mehlman of National Kosher Supervision, who has crowned himself the “Donut Rabbi,” certifies many Dunkin’ Donuts locations in New York. He even attended the Dunkin Donuts Franchise University prior to the opening of the first kosher Dunkin’ Donuts store on the Upper West Side in Manhattan.
For a list of National Kosher Supervision-certified Dunkin’ locations, see a listing on their website here. Rabbi Mehlman also has an interesting FAQ page that addresses common questions and provides unique insights. For example, Rabbi Mehlman states the following:
You can purchase any beverage at a non kosher Dunkin’ Donuts store as long as it is a flavor sold at a kosher location. As long as you verify that the exact same flavor is available to drink in a kosher location, it is fine to drink at a not kosher store.
– Rabbi Mehlman of National Kosher Supervision
Further, the FAQ addresses seemingly non-kosher products, such as ham, bacon, or sausages, at locations showing a kosher certificate by Rabbi Mehlman and assures that these products are plant-based at locations he certifies.
Questions about Dunkin’ stores certified by Rabbi Mehlman can be directed to [email protected]
Other Kosher Dunkin’ Donuts Locations
In addition to New York, which has the most Dunkin Donuts stores, other states have locations, including Lakewood in New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, and Maryland. There are outdated lists of some of the Dunkin’ locations that are currently or have previously been kosher. Still, with time and changes to ownership, a previously kosher location may no longer be certified.
Are Certain Menu Items Kosher In An Otherwise Non-Kosher Dunkin’?
While decisions regarding kosher certification and what is acceptable are religious, many will drink black coffee from an otherwise non-kosher location.
