American adults may not agree on politics or social issues, but one thing they do tend to agree on is that it's hard to make it through the day without a good cup of coffee.
Of course, within the realm of coffee, consumers certainly show loyalty to their favorite chains.
Related: Forget Starbucks, another coffee giant promises higher prices
In many parts of the country, you're either a Dunkin' fan or a Starbucks fan.
Sure, you can be a regular at both. But due to the cost of buying coffee versus making it at home, many consumers like to commit to one chain over another so they can benefit from its rewards program.
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And one thing Dunkin' has in its favor is that it tends to be cheaper than Starbucks.
At a time when a lot of people are being forced to cut back on spending thanks to frustratingly high inflation, saving a bit of money on coffee could spell the difference between buying that morning cup of joe or having to settle for whatever old K-cups are lying around at home.
Dunkin' introduces very different beverage item
Fans of Dunkin' know the chain is constantly taking a look at its menu and finding ways to make it more exciting.
In fact, one advantage Starbucks has over Dunkin' is that its drink menu is far more extensive, and its beverages are more customizable.
Related: Iconic Mexican restaurant closing after 23-year run
Dunkin', in turn, has taken steps to mimic Starbucks in that regard by adding more seasonal drinks to its menu, as well as more non-dairy alternatives.
Now, Dunkin' is introducing a whole new kind of drink — Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur.
The rum-based product is a blend of chocolate and coffee, with flavor notes of vanilla, toffee, and dulce de leche, according to a press release.
Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur can be enjoyed over ice on its own or blended into other cocktails.
Dunkin's latest product is a strategic move
It's not exactly a secret that consumers are being choosier with their money at a time when prices are high. And the threat of tariffs isn't helping, either.
A lot of people are worried that the cost of essential goods is going to rise in the near term, so they're stockpiling extra cash to prepare rather than spending it. That's been hurting restaurants and retail chains alike.
Related: Costco's menu adds a fall comfort food classic
By introducing a new alcoholic beverage, Dunkin' is expanding its customer base beyond coffee drinkers — because let's face it, some people are just naturally caffeinated and don't need coffee to function like so many of us do.
Dunkin's newest offering could also bolster its reputation.
Compared to Starbucks, Dunkin's coffee lineup is often regarded as boring. Entering the alcohol space is a prime opportunity for Dunkin' to establish itself as a trendy brand that knows how to innovate.
In fact, interestingly, Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur is unlikely to do much to boost Dunkin's profits, Blake Droesch, a retail analyst for research firm Emarketer, told CNN.
The upside, rather, is brand awareness and hipness.
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Even though some Americans are cutting back on alcohol purchases these days, there's still strong demand for it.
Dunkin's foray could be just the thing that drives more sales overall and convinces consumers that its product lineup is anything but boring.
Related: Iconic Mexican restaurant chain closing final location
