Does Folgers Make Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee?

Quick Answer

• No, Folgers does not make Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.
• Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is roasted and brewed by Dunkin’ Brands.
• Folgers is a brand owned by The J.M. Smucker Company.
• These are two distinct coffee companies with different products.
• You can buy Dunkin’ Donuts coffee beans or grounds, but they won’t be from Folgers.
• They operate in the same market, but are separate entities.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee: Coffee products sold under the Dunkin’ brand, known for its distinct roast profile.
• Folgers Coffee: A popular brand of coffee owned by The J.M. Smucker Company, with its own signature blends.
• Roasting: The process of heating coffee beans to develop their flavor and aroma.
• Brewing: The process of extracting flavor from coffee grounds using hot water.
• Brand Ownership: The company that legally owns and controls a particular product line.
• Parent Company: A company that owns or controls other companies (subsidiaries).
• Coffee Blend: A mix of different coffee beans from various origins, designed to create a specific flavor profile.
• Single Origin: Coffee beans that come from a single geographical location, often highlighting unique regional flavors.
• Roast Profile: The specific temperature and time used during the roasting process, affecting the bean’s flavor.
• Distribution: The process of getting a product from the manufacturer to the consumer.

How It Works

• Coffee beans are sourced from different regions around the world.
• These beans are then roasted to unlock their potential flavors. Different companies use different roasting techniques.
• After roasting, the beans are ground to varying degrees of fineness, depending on the brewing method.
• Hot water is passed through the coffee grounds to extract the soluble compounds that give coffee its taste and aroma.
• Dunkin’ Brands manages its own coffee sourcing, roasting, and packaging for its branded products.
• The J.M. Smucker Company, which owns Folgers, does the same for its Folgers brand.
• Each company has its own proprietary blends and roasting processes.
• This means the flavor profile of Dunkin’ coffee is distinct from Folgers coffee.
• They are essentially competing brands, not partners in production.

What Affects the Result

• Bean Origin: Where the coffee beans are grown significantly impacts their inherent flavor notes – think fruity Ethiopian beans versus nutty Brazilian beans.
• Roast Level: Light roasts preserve more of the bean’s original character, while dark roasts develop deeper, more caramelized flavors. Dunkin’ and Folgers have different signature roasts.
• Grind Size: A fine grind is good for espresso, while a coarser grind works for French press. The wrong grind can lead to under- or over-extraction.
• Water Quality: Tap water with strong mineral tastes or chlorine can really mess with your coffee’s flavor. Filtered water is usually best.
• Water Temperature: Too hot, and you’ll scorch the grounds. Too cool, and you won’t extract enough flavor. Aim for 195-205°F.
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: This is your brew strength. Too little coffee, and it’s weak. Too much, and it can be bitter. A common starting point is 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water by weight).
• Brew Time: How long the water is in contact with the grounds. Too short, and it’s weak. Too long, and it can get bitter.
• Freshness of Beans: Coffee is best used within a few weeks of roasting. Old beans lose their aromatic oils and flavor.
• Brewing Method: Drip, pour-over, French press, espresso – each method highlights different aspects of the coffee.
• Equipment Cleanliness: Old coffee oils build up and can make fresh coffee taste stale or rancid. Keep your gear clean!
• Atmospheric Pressure: At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, which can affect extraction if you’re not adjusting.
• Your Personal Taste Buds: Ultimately, what tastes good to you is the most important factor!

Pros, Cons, and When It Matters

• Distinct Brand Identities: Dunkin’ and Folgers are separate brands, allowing consumers to choose based on specific taste preferences. This matters if you have a favorite flavor profile.
• Widespread Availability: Both brands are widely available in grocery stores across the US, making them easy to find.
• Different Roasting Philosophies: Dunkin’ often aims for a bolder, brighter taste, while Folgers is known for its classic, smooth profile. This difference is key if you’re loyal to one or the other.
• No Direct Production Link: Since Folgers doesn’t make Dunkin’ coffee, you can’t accidentally buy one thinking it’s the other. Clarity is good.
• Market Competition: Their separation fuels competition, which can lead to innovation and better products for consumers.
• No Shared Quality Control: Each brand maintains its own standards. This is good if you trust one brand’s quality more than the other.
• Brand Loyalty: Many people are loyal to either Dunkin’ or Folgers due to years of familiarity and taste. This distinction matters to them.
• Ingredient Sourcing: While both use coffee beans, the specific origins and blends are proprietary to each company.
• Marketing and Branding: They market themselves differently to appeal to different consumer segments.
• Price Points: While both are generally accessible, there might be slight differences in pricing strategies.
• No “House Blend” Confusion: You know what you’re getting with a bag labeled “Dunkin’ Original Blend” versus “Folgers Classic Roast.”
• Focus on Core Competencies: Each company focuses on what it does best, rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

Common Misconceptions

• Myth: Folgers is the company that roasts all coffee for Dunkin’ Donuts.
• Reality: This is false. Dunkin’ Brands handles its own coffee production.
• Myth: All grocery store coffee brands are made by the same few big companies.
• Reality: While consolidation exists, many brands, including Dunkin’ and Folgers, are distinct entities with their own manufacturing.
• Myth: Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is just Folgers with a different label.
• Reality: They use different beans, roasting methods, and proprietary blends. The taste is noticeably different.
• Myth: If a coffee tastes “classic,” it must be Folgers.
• Reality: “Classic” can describe many coffee profiles. Folgers has its own classic taste, but other brands also aim for a familiar, smooth flavor.
• Myth: Dunkin’ Donuts only sells coffee brewed in their stores.
• Reality: Dunkin’ sells packaged coffee beans and grounds for home brewing, separate from their in-store offerings.
• Myth: Folgers is a premium coffee brand.
• Reality: Folgers is generally positioned as an everyday, accessible coffee, not a specialty or premium offering.
• Myth: Dunkin’ coffee is always stronger than Folgers.
• Reality: Strength depends on the specific blend and how it’s brewed. Both brands offer various roasts and strengths.
• Myth: The J.M. Smucker Company owns Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.
• Reality: The J.M. Smucker Company owns Folgers. Dunkin’ Brands is a separate entity.
• Myth: All coffee from a chain restaurant is made by that chain exclusively.
• Reality: While chains often have proprietary blends, the actual roasting and packaging might be done by specialized co-packers or internal facilities. In this case, Dunkin’ does its own.
• Myth: Dunkin’ and Folgers are in a partnership to produce coffee.
• Reality: They are competitors in the coffee market.

FAQ

Q: So, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is definitely not made by Folgers?

A: That’s correct. They are completely separate companies with their own roasting and production processes.

Q: Who owns Dunkin’ Donuts coffee?

A: Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is owned and produced by Dunkin’ Brands.

Q: Who owns Folgers coffee?

A: Folgers coffee is owned by The J.M. Smucker Company.

Q: Can I buy Folgers coffee and have it taste like Dunkin’ coffee?

A: No, you can’t. They use different beans and roasting methods, resulting in distinct flavors.

Q: Are there any similarities between Dunkin’ and Folgers coffee?

A: Both are mass-market coffee brands found in grocery stores, but their taste profiles are intentionally different.

Q: If I like Dunkin’ coffee, should I avoid Folgers?

A: Not necessarily. While they’re different, you might enjoy both for different reasons or occasions. It’s all about personal preference.

Q: Does Dunkin’ sell coffee beans or just pre-ground?

A: Dunkin’ sells both whole bean and pre-ground coffee for home brewing.

Q: Is Folgers only available in ground form?

A: Folgers offers various formats, including ground coffee and sometimes whole beans, depending on the product line.

Q: Where can I buy Dunkin’ Donuts coffee?

A: You can find Dunkin’ branded coffee at most major grocery stores, convenience stores, and of course, at Dunkin’ locations.

Q: Where can I buy Folgers coffee?

A: Folgers is widely available in grocery stores, supermarkets, and mass retailers across the United States.

What This Page Does Not Cover (and Where to Go Next)

• Specific brewing guides for Dunkin’ or Folgers beans: This page focuses on brand ownership, not how to best brew each one. Look for guides on pour-over, French press, or drip brewing techniques.
• Detailed taste comparisons or reviews: We’re not getting into the nuances of flavor notes here. Search for coffee reviews or taste tests for specific product lines.
• The history of The J.M. Smucker Company or Dunkin’ Brands: This article is about their coffee products. For company histories, you’d need to research their corporate profiles.
• Information on specialty coffee roasting or single-origin beans: Our focus is on these two widely available brands. Explore specialty coffee blogs or roaster websites for that info.
• Advice on specific coffee makers or grinders: This page is about the coffee itself, not the equipment. Check out reviews for coffee makers and grinders separately.