Dunkin’s much-loved, bedrock Massachusetts loyalty program is about to go through a major remodel. In an email dispatched to members last Saturday, the corporation announced a grand “Dunkin’ Rewards refresh”. Stakeholders should plan to drop additional dimes for their much-coveted free cup of joe, owing to the restructuring set to roll out in the coming month.

Last October, Dunkin’ Rewards elevated the point boundaries needed to claim complimentary food and beverages by as much as 450. Standby, loyal Dunkin' customers – here's a rundown of the soon-to-be in effect changes: Presently, for each dollar spent via the app, the system grants 10 points, and customers can interchange these points for various delicacies on the menu. A regular-sized iced coffee costs 500 points ($50 spent) and a free latte equates to 950 points. A humble doughnut needs you to spend $25 via the app. The math is a bit layered when you weave in Boosted Status, bargain deals, and tailored coupons.

To fetch a regular coffee for free, many Dunkin’ devotees will have to shell out $60 extra, and part with 100 more points (or $10) due to the new update. Along the same line, item-specific beverages such as lattes, or the Frozen Coffees, also escalate by 50 points. The points for bagels spike by 100, whereas breakfast sandwiches leap from a former 800 to 900 points. Regular Dunkin’ Rewards members desiring a punchier caffeine hit will find cold brew prices soaring from 500 to 950 points-a noteworthy $45 disparity.

The company spokesperson relayed to Food & Wine, "We consistently explore mechanisms to extend more diversity and value to Dunkin’ Rewards loyalists. With the revisions, members can now also exchange rewards for popular options such as the Shakin’ Espresso and Dunkalatte from our Specialty Coffee segment. Our endeavor in these updates is to offer a broader array of choices, tailored offers, and amplify value for our steadfast members."

For the regulars who hit at least a dozen visits per month, the Boosted Status, garnering an additional 12 points for every dollar spent, is conferred sooner. In the iced coffee example, you will have to spend $50 post achieving Boosted Status to savor a free drink.

Social media platforms buzzed with hypothesis on the impending changes this weekend. A contentious point among the online community was Dunkin’ introducing a one-year expiration limit on points from October 6. Until now, active users enjoyed no expiration clause.

On a brighter note, Dunkin’ is welcoming new entrants like cold foam add-ons for 150 points in their existing program. Also on the new menu are bakery items for 400 points, and treats like à la carte bacon for 500 points. The points for the Bites & Bagel range also plummeted by 100. The firm pledges to tailor deals according to customers’ order history, such as a $3 breakfast combo and BOGO sales on wraps.

Dunkin' isn't solitary in their recent retrenchments. Wendy's endeavored “dynamic pricing” early last year, and the internet was set ablaze by whispers of McDonald's $18 Big Mac, further tiring buyers grappling with skyrocketing grocery prices. Food & Wine has been tracking "shrinkflation" since 2022 when companies started minimizing package sizes covertly to combat rising costs and inflation.

As such changes have not been widely favored by budget-conscious consumers, it won't be a shock if Dunkin’s new alterations are received similarly. Pro tip for those hoarding points for a free cold brew: Consider trading them in now, lest the Dunkin’ Rewards refresh starts to feel more like a Rewards recession.