Here’s Why The Feds May Go After Your Dunkin', Starbucks In CT

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does not, apparently, run on Dunkin'.

At a rally last week in Texas, Kennedy questioned major coffee chains, saying he might pull certain ingredients if they're not proven safe.

According to USA Today, Kennedy said, “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.' I don’t think they’re gonna be able to do it.”

But Dunkin' has its defenders, especially in its home state of Massachusetts. Gov. Maura Healey quickly fired back at Kennedy, tweeting, "COME AND TAKE IT," with an image of a Dunkin' cup and a star above a link to Kennedy's comments.

Healey has shown her support for Dunkin' in the past. In 2024, she showed up at a St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston dressed in a "DunKings" tracksuit like those Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Tom Brady wore in the company's Super Bowl ad, MassLive reported.

There are over 400 Dunkin' locations in Connecticut. There are about 130 Starbucks stores in the state.

Kennedy has sought to reshape the American diet during his time in President Donald Trump's administration. New federal government dietary guidelines released in January show a heavy emphasis on protein and health fats while limiting grains.

A Health and Human Services statement on the new guidelines claims that that U.S. is facing "a national health emergency," linking chronic disease to diet and lifestyle.

"The new Guidelines deliver a clear, common-sense message to the American people: eat real food," the statement reads.