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‘Give me Dunkin’ or give me death’: Readers react to RFK Jr.’s Dunkin’ remarks
More than 770 readers weighed in after the health secretary questioned whether sugary coffee drinks are safe for teens.
After Robert F. Kennedy Jr. singled out sugary iced coffee drinks at Dunkin’ during a recent rally in Texas, Boston.com asked readers whether they agreed with the health secretary’s criticism. The response was nearly evenly split.
“We’re going to ask Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, ‘Show us the safety data that show that it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it,’” Kennedy told the crowd. “I don’t think they’re gonna be able to do it.”
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Kennedy’s remarks came from a Feb. 26 “Eat Real Food” rally in Austin, Texas, where he touted the Trump administration’s efforts to improve the nation’s food supply. Kennedy’s sharp words against Dunkin’ were first reported by The Boston Globe.
More than 770 readers who weighed in on our informal poll: 51% said they agreed with Kennedy’s remarks, while 49% said they disagreed.
Do you agree with RFK Jr.'s remarks on Dunkin'?
Yes, I do!
51%
Nope.
49%
Some readers said the focus on high-sugar drinks — particularly for younger customers — is overdue.
“There is no way loaded sugar drinks are good for anyone,” wrote C.S. of Georgetown. “Kids are growing and healthy growth is imperative to a healthy future life. Why shouldn’t the mega food industry be challenged?”
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Others said they supported Kennedy’s broader point about nutrition but criticized state leaders for turning the issue political after Maura Healey responded to the debate online with a meme defending Dunkin’.
“Healy is completely irresponsible for politicizing this,” wrote Kris of Wakefield. “Why would she not want to join the fight for better food and health in this state!”
But many readers pushed back on Kennedy’s remarks, arguing that government officials should not target a specific company — especially one so closely tied to New England culture.
“We all need a little sugar in our lives,” reader Mike wrote. “We have enough bitterness in our politicians.”
Others were more blunt in their defense of the brand.
“He has no business sticking his nose in Dunkin,” wrote Milton of Tyngsborough, while Gene D. from Maine put it even more simply: “Give me Dunkin or give me death!”
Below, readers share their thoughts on RFK Jr.’s remarks toward Dunkin’.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Do you agree with RFK Jr.’s remarks on Dunkin’?
Yes, I do!
“I am not a fan of RFK, Jr. and I do agree with him on this. The amount of sugar in those drinks is insane, and frankly any time I go to pick up a coffee, there are tweens and teens hanging out and ordering large drinks. They don’t realize the calories and sugar in them and these chains need to be more transparent.” — Stephanie M., Lynnfield
“I love Dunkin and that it is local. But Dunkins, MaryLou’s, Starbucks, etc. have drinks (and food) that are absolutely gross from a health perspective. The amount of sugar and caffeine in the drinks is wild, not to mention the food coloring and more. Should we ban them? NO way. But we do need to make sure that people are aware of the impacts. Public health is about educating the public as much as we can around the dangers of these issues. We still have free choice, but education leads to better signage, understanding, and options.” — Steve, Brookline
“Healthy food and drink should be something we can all agree on. We are a very unhealthy society due to our diet. Everyone knows that things need to change for the better. People get upset simply because this administration says it, no matter what it is. People would be all for health if it was a [Democratic-led] administration. Enough is enough. Let’s put emotions aside and use common sense.” — Jose, Boston
“I believe the government shouldn’t dictate decisions on what we eat/put in our bodies, I do believe a spotlight could be put on some of the ingredients going into these products. Go ahead and drink a Coolatta with 150 grams of sugar in it, but keep this in mind when you ask the government to reduce the cost of insulin.” — Bill C., South Shore
“This is not an attack on Dunkin, this is an attack on over-sugared foods. In a country where health issues like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and insulin resistance run rampant, Gov. Healey needs to think twice about inserting herself into this argument.” — Abe S., Hyde Park
“I am a middle school teacher. I see kids walking into school each morning with drinks that equal 5-6 cups of coffee and a bag of chips and gummy worms for breakfast. It can’t be good for their brains and developing bodies.” — Will W., Wellesley
“I agree with RFK Jr. because some, not all, of the drinks on the menu at the fast casual coffee chains are absurdly over-served with sugar which isn’t healthy for anyone, young or old.” — Brad, Hyannis
“His war on ultraprocessed food is about the only thing I agree with RFK Jr. on. But it seems increasingly clear that large quantities of processed sugar is not healthy and linked to the epidemic of metabolic disease in this country. Not to mention many other chronic conditions. So yes, we should focus on cleaning up the food supply for the health of our people.” — J.B., Boston
“I don’t agree with his take on vaccines, but his focus on nutrition and holding accountable the companies who profit from pushing this unhealthy over priced garbage is right on the money.” — David, Worcester
Nope
“Dunkin provides their nutritional information on their website. While some of their products are very unhealthy to consume on a regular basis, the government should not dictate what people should be allowed to consume unless Dunkin is providing a product that is toxic and harmful to the public. People should be allowed to enjoy them in moderation if they so desire. Requiring a federal mandate for food establishments to advertise calorie information next to the menu items would be a reasonable compromise rather than banning the sale of the items.” — Anonymous reader, Winthrop
“Will there be any guarantees that another company won’t incorporate itself to supply iced, sugary beverages to this same demographic market? How about targeting ‘Big Gulp’ or ‘Slushies’ at Cumberland Farms and 7-Eleven stores? Why does he allow supermarkets to stock large bags of bulk candy? Where does JFK, Jr. stop with his Big Brother approach to sugar? Educate the parents to halt the funds that their kids use to buy at these places.” — Charles T., Miami, Florida (formerly of Stoughton)
“He is not a medical doctor and should be removed from office. He has no basis for the blanket statements he makes about coffee, sugar, Tylenol, and vaccines.” — Taysley, Salisbury
“It is not the federal government’s role to single out businesses and tell them what to do outside of the realm of specific federal laws or adopted regulations. RFK is right about sugar and the majority of Americans already know that. Attacking a business functioning within all laws and regulations accomplished nothing except PR.” — Stephen M., North Andover
“I don’t think iced drinks with lots of flavoring are healthy and I don’t think teens should be drinking any form of coffee — but to each their own. You can name 300 things teens have access to that are not healthy. I don’t want the government regulating my diet.” — Billy W., Chicopee
“Is he going after Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew and all the corporate crap that’s out there? No, of course not. This is a way to try and stick it to Massachusetts. No love lost from RFK Jr. towards this state.” — Paula W., Wendell
“This is not the government’s job to legislate how much sweets people eat. Parents need to teach their kids healthy eating habits … We eat sweet treats on special occasions, even stopping at a Starbucks for a drink if we’re doing a road trip, but there’s no way anyone in our family would make it a part of our daily or even weekly routine.” — Monta, San Diego, California
“Dunkin offers other options. You can get drinks without sugar or use sugar free syrup or a sugar substitute. Also they have almond milk instead of cream. Consumer choice! DD is not responsible for people’s choices.” — Lisa H., Burlington, Vermont
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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