Starbucks vs Dunkin Donuts

Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ Donuts Debate : The Coffee Wars. Coffee wars : Starbucks vs Dunkin' Donuts! Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts Coffee for you? Welcome to the topicable debate of Starbucks vs Dunkin' Donuts -- Coffee Wars! Do you prefer Starbucks or do you prefer Dunkin' Donuts coffee?

I was just reading that Susan Gunelius wrote a blog post about this very lens topic. It seems that Dunkin' Donuts sponsored the research study through A&G Research to return the conclusion that more "hard working Americans" prefer Dunkin' Donuts coffee over Starbucks. Well, you don't get any more 'hard working' than JaguarJulie. And, JaguarJulie thinks Starbucks has the best coffee.

My ex-hubby was always telling me that Dunkin' Donuts is the Starbucks of the Northeast. I don't know about that as I haven't visited the Northeast lately ... how about you? Starbucks OR Dunkin' Donuts?

So you want a good cup of coffee or a donut? For me, it's a good cup of coffee and it's 5 STARS for Starbucks!

Photo Credit: The Starbucks logo coffee sleeves photographed by JaguarJulie.

Are You a Coffee Drinker?
Do you get started on coffee daily? Please register your vote!

1. I drink coffee several times a day!
2. I drink coffee only in the mornings.
3. I drink coffee in the afternoon.
4. I enjoy espresso at dinner time.
5. I am into tea!
6. None of the above.

 Starbucks vs Dunkin Donuts : Coffee Debate

Why Coffee?

Especially these two well-known brands?

Would you believe that I started drinking coffee when I was about ten years old? At that time, there weren’t any Starbucks coffee shops. And, it was usually just a good old cup of java – nothing fancy except do you want it black or with cream and sugar.

I’ve also drunk my java with a little cream and some popular sweetener, not sugar. It seemed that was the only way I could start my day – and normally, I went for the stronger brews.

In the beginning, I remember Maxwell House, Folgers, and Chase & Sanborn. Sometimes, grandma would serve the instant which never tasted right. Other times, she had the old electric percolator brewing.

The first time I had a cup of Starbucks coffee I thought it was interesting tasting and rather strong. Later, in my coffee drinking life, I learned to compare other coffees to that taste. In the end, I found Dunkin’ Donuts was a bit too mild for my tastebuds. I always kept coming back to Starbucks.

How about you?

Are you a Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts coffee fan? Be heard!

Starbucks Links

1. Starbucks Homepage - Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. The Company's other brands enhance the Starbucks ...
2. Starbucks Beverages & Food Details - That's why Starbucks offers a little of everything to match your mood and lifestyle. ... 2008 Starbucks Corporation.
3. Starbucks Store Locator - At your Starbucks Explore the Starbucks calendar for programs in your corner of the world - from live music and art displays, to volunteering or a coffee ...

Dunkin Donuts Links

1. The Dunkin' Difference - It's all the delicious details that make Dunkin' Donuts a daily ritual for millions of people. Serving nearly a billion cups of rich and smooth coffee each ...

Books You Might Love

1. The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
2. Leading the Starbucks Way: 5 Principles for Connecting with Your Customers, Your Products and Your People
3. It's Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks
4. More Than Coffee: The Secrets of Starbucks' Success (Best Business Books Book 23)
5. Time to Make the Donuts

History: Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ Donuts : Coffee Wars was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on February 27, 2008. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #169 overall. Lens #300 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Costa Rica Tarrazu Whole Bean Coffee

Us blondes that DIY believe in that first cup of java in the morning to get us started. Coffee has been a part of my life for over 50 years! Like some exotic romance novel, these are my dark-roasted memories. Would you believe that the last special item I purchased for myself was a bag of Costa Rican coffee?

Hey, it wasn't just any coffee, but Costa Rica Tarrazu, Whole Bean, Fresh Roasted Coffee. For me, my coffee tells a story. The intoxicating aroma of my coffee brewing, in the morning, stimulates fond memories of days past. This particular product takes me back a number of years to our vacation in that country.

MY STORY :: MY COSTA RICAN MEMORY

More about my "dark-roasted memories!" When we traveled to Costa Rica, we landed in San Jose and rented a car to make the drive to our timeshare in Jaco. I knew nothing of the country before our visit, but had always thought of it as some far away Latin American country.

The rental company at the airport cautioned us to be careful on the roads ... look at for banditos! Oh my, if our car was to break down, we needed to be vigilant of who stopped to help us? Well, that was surely in the back of my mind as the hubby drove along. We were into a mountainous region with narrow, winding roads that gave me the best view of the dropoffs where I could see into the valleys. On top of that, it was raining!

THE RICHEST COFFEE BEANS

Did I tell you that the mountainous regions of Costa Rica produce some of the richest coffee beans in the world?

The white-knuckle drive to Jaco seemed to go on and on. The hubby was actually laughing a good bit of the time and telling me to relax, that it would be OK.

I can't tell you how thankful I was to finally arrive at our timeshare. We got unpacked and then came down to the pool to enjoy a drink from the pool bar.

FINALLY THAT CUP OF COFFEE

The next morning, we got to enjoy a cup of Costa Rica Tarrazu, Whole Bean, Fresh Roasted Coffee before we made our way down the road to try a canopy tour. I must say that I was up for anything and probably would have put a canopy tour on my bucket list if I had one. My only challenge, as we made our way up the mountain to the take-off point, was that I had shoulder surgery and didn't have a lot of strength in that left shoulder.

I made the first run by myself and remember hollering, "oh my god, oh my god" as I flew from one tree to the next. After a brief consultation at the first stop, one of our young guides opted to accompany me through the rest of the trip. At least, I was rather comforted to actually take in the views of the valleys, trees, and mountains as I made like spider woman with my guide.

TIME OUT FOR ANOTHER CUP

For me, it is the smell of coffee brewing that brings back these memories. I was steeped in reliving my Costa Rican vacation this morning as I wrote this story. I got so carried away with it all, that I had to stop and go brew another cup with my other recent purchase, the Bella One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker in Turquoise. Oh, and most important! I grind it every morning ... the coffee beans that is ... using my Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder.

P.S. MEMORIES

I have been fortunate to have traveled throughout the world and enjoyed many coffees authentically. It is pretty cool that I can relive those fond memories through a cup of coffee. Fond memories of my time in the dark-roasted country of Costa Rica. Ah, coffee!! It's on my list of my favorite comfort foods ... OK, comfort beverages!

Talk about memories. You might know that for over 8 years, I was a Squidoo lensmaster. And, I was the Official Squidoo Comfort Foods Contributor! Did you know that? Well, you probably guessed it.

MY PHOTO JOURNAL OF COSTA RICA

Check out my photos from our visit to this fabulous country. As we traveled the winding roads through the mountains, on our way to Tabacon, we encountered many coatimundi. They would emerge from the grassy hillsides when they heard cars approaching. People! They weren't afraid of people because they knew the people had food.

As we made our way along this rough road, we came upon a hillside where these little furry creatures started to emerge.

We parked our rental car and decided to step out and take a closer look. They sure looked friendly!

Hello! Those are coatimundi ... hungry little buggers ... which are akin to raccoon. They reminded me of little monkeys. Oh, that's the ex's foot!

Ah, take a closer look at the little rascal. What a long snout and tale. Definitely, he wasn't very shy. Hungry though. Continuing on our journey, we came to our destination known for its hot springs and the spectacular view of Arenal Volcano.

We were sipping a cup of Costa Rican dark roasted coffee from our pool that gave us a nice visit of Arenal Volcano. It erupted the following week!


Do you enjoy your coffee as much as I do? Does it bring back memories of that country? How about Costa Rica? Been there yet?

TRY ANOTHER DARK ROAST FROM COSTA RICA! You may want to try another type of coffee from Costa Rica -- it too is a dark roast. Cafe Britt Costa Rica Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee comes from a different part of the country! It is blended with beans from different parts of the Central Valley.

Cuisinart Grind Central Coffee Grinder

Blondes that DIY love to grind their own coffee beans! I know a lot about using my coffee grinder. This morning, I just ground some beans for my morning coffee. You know, for a couple of years, I gave up the stuff, but found I was really missing it.

This is a product review of my morning grind. Ever tried the Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder? Well I have ... over and over again. It is my morning grind! I had to stop for a moment today, before I ground that next batch of coffee beans, to tell you about this great product. The first one that I used takes me back several years. The ex-husband got custody of that one! Luckily, the price is quite affordable, so I bought me another one.

THE SOUNDS OF LOVE

During our marriage, I got accustomed to hearing the whirring and grinding sounds of the Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder many mornings. The husband was usually the first to arise. He loved his coffee and loved to make it with freshly-ground coffee beans. We were both particular in that we didn't like to buy our coffee already ground. Heck, you never knew when those bags were prepared, or for that matter, what went into them.

Once I got divorced and was setting up my new digs, I knew I had to buy another one of these grinders pronto! It was with no hesitation that I got the same model. Check out my photos below for the proof!

HOW TO USE

It is so simple to use! You simply pour your coffee beans into the silver cup. Be sure not to fill it to the top! Insert the cup back into the base and turn to lock into place. I think my ex-husband didn't always lock it! Place the plastic domed lid on top. Press the top downwards to engage. I generally listen until the sounds of grinding get smoother. I will release and then press downwards for a brief couple of seconds.

FRESH GROUND COFFEE BEANS

Once my coffee beans have been finely ground, I will usually leave them in the cup and cover them with the furnished brown plastic lid. If I am switching off between my two favorite coffees, Starbucks Dark French Roast, Ground Coffee, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3) and Coffee Bean Direct Costa Rican Tarrazu, Whole Bean Coffee, 5-Pound Bag, I will put the ground beans into a plastic covered bowl.

I brew my coffee in a Bella 13782 One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker, Turquoise! Check out my equipment in the product photos I have included. Can you smell something delicious brewing?

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CHECK OUT MY PRODUCT PHOTOS BELOW

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If you want to kick it up a notch, this would be the way to go! Maybe you don't have time to stop in the morning to start the pot. Set this up to automatically do your thing and wake you up to the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee!

Since I am a single gal, I don't have the need for a 12-cup. However, if you enjoy the aroma first thing in the morning, this is for you. Heck, it is better than an alarm clock!

Hello all you coffee lovers out there! Have you got one of these? Perhaps you use another brand?

Thanks for taking time to stop and smell the aroma. You know, it is important that you can depend upon something that really works when you want to grind it and produce something with really great fresh taste! I am a blonde that believes in doing it myself. No offense Starbucks; but I do bring your beans home!

Bella One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker

As a blonde gal that is pretty picky about her kitchen appliances, I must admit that it was love at first sight when I saw the Bella One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker in Turquoise! I actually think it is more of a teal color like one of the colors of our local Jacksonville Jaguars. I love that color so much that I painted my Florida Room in a variation hue.

I finally found a new coffee maker that has a lot of style! It is the Bella One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker in a pretty turquoise color. I actually think the color is a teal blue, but whatever color you call this, it is extremely stylish! Perhaps turquoise is not your color? Well, this coffee maker comes in other sharp colors of red, lime green, purple, and black.

I actually picked the model in this color because it reminds me of the Jacksonville Jaguars team colors. You know, I'm JaguarJulie right?

Back in January 2012, I stopped drinking coffee after some fifty years of drinking the stuff. Yep, all those years -- I actually started at the age of ten. They say it will stunt your growth, but I don't think it had that effect on me.

So, after I stopped drinking coffee, I donated my 8-cup glass carafe unit to the Goodwill. I honestly didn't think I'd ever be drinking the stuff again. But, fast forward to two plus years and I'm back on the stuff.

I can't tell you how many months I have been looking at a variety of models, including the Keurig. I honestly wasn't sure I wanted to go the route of the k-cups ... it seems so expensive!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS

1. First of all, you know I love the teal blue!
2. Secondly, I am mad about how it is a one scoop - one cup unit! I love the ability to make that ONE cup whenever I want. It always felt odd to try and make one cup in my 8-cup unit!
3. Thirdly, it comes with a filter grounds holder - that means no buying disposable filters!
4. It's a cute size that fits on my counter next to my bean grinder. It measures 10-1/2 inches tall by 8 inches across by 5-1/2 inches wide. The power cord is 24 inches.
5. Oh, did I mention it comes with an attractive dark gray tall ceramic mug?

WHAT KIND OF COFFEE

After a two year plus abstinence, I have returned to Starbucks! I actually picked up Starbucks Dark French Roast Whole Bean Coffee.

It's got to be Starbucks, you know? And, if I can't find Starbucks, I will go for Dark Costa Rican Tarrazu, Whole Bean Coffee which I grind each morning in my Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder.

P.S. Do you love that yellow and teal sunflower banner? I have color-coded it to match my unit. Plus it has beautiful sunflower blossoms from my flower garden. I love it!

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CHECK OUT MY PERSONAL PHOTOS

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What kind of coffee goes into my one cup maker? It has got to be Starbucks Dark French Roast Whole Bean Coffee! This is the actual kind that I am currently drinking. A roast that is a little dark, but oh so flavorful. Close your eyes and imagine you are in Paris, France! Ah, that's French Roast ... a darker, full-bodied flavor. And, it has to be whole beans so that you can grind your own when you need it.

How Do You Make Your Coffee?

1. A large pot of many cups.
2. A couple of cups.
3. One cup at a time!
4. I don't drink coffee.

So, what did you answer? How do you like my choice, particularly the color? Do you love your coffee? Have you seen this unit yet? What do you think of it? What kind of maker do you use?