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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Dunkin’ Donuts revamps tea lineup as it takes on Starbucks

Manager Kim Rolli restocks racks of donuts at a Boston branch of Dunkin' Donuts, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005. The 55-year-old franchise chain is trying to hold onto its core customers while winning over some of the Starbucks crowd. (LISA POOLE / AP)
By Joseph Pisani Associated Press

NEW YORK – Dunkin’ Donuts, which is better known for its coffee, is revamping its hot tea lineup as it seeks to better compete with rivals like Starbucks.

The chain got rid of the hot teas it had offered, which were original, green or decaf. It has replaced them with what it calls Bold Breakfast black tea, Harmony Leaf green tea, Chamomile Fields, Hibiscus Kiss and Cool Mint.

Starbucks Corp. boosted its tea offerings four years ago when it bought Teavana. It currently sells the brand’s teas in its coffee shops.

The hot tea overhaul at Dunkin’ comes as it has sought to offer higher-end coffee drinks, such as cold brew coffee. The chain, owned by Canton, Massachusetts-based Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., says the new teas are available nationwide.