Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins plan to cut salt, sugar and calories in their menu items over the next two years.
Parent company Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. released Thursday its annual report on corporate social responsibility outlining ongoing sustainability efforts. The “Broadening Our Horizons” report details progress made on goals set in 2012, and updates plans for more energy-efficient buildings, sustainable ingredient sourcing, recyclable packaging, giving to communities and nutrition.
“‘Broadening Our Horizons’ represents our progress in sustainability efforts over the past two years, as well as our commitment to out stakeholders to continue to do more in the future,” said Karen Raskopf, Dunkin’ Brands chief communications officer and co-chair of The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation.
In terms of nutrition, by the end of the year Dunkin’ Donuts plans to roll out new dietary guidelines for its DDSMART menu of better-for-you options, including new calorie, sugar, sodium and saturated fat thresholds.
Over the past two years, DDSMART menu items have included an Egg White Veggie Multigrain Flatbread sandwich and a Whole Wheat Bagel.
Dunkin’ is working toward a goal of reducing sodium content across its U.S. menu by 10 percent before the end of the year, as well as reducing sugar in beverages by 10 percent before the end of 2017.
Baskin-Robbins this year will also test new smoothies that are lower in sugar and calories.
Two goals from 2012 that were not met, however, include the plan to launch a gluten-free doughnut and gluten-free muffin by the end of 2013. Tests of a gluten-free Cinnamon Sugar Donut and Blueberry Muffin in select markets did not support a national launch, the report said.
The company also planned to have a minimum of two Baskin-Robbins Flavor of the Month and four pre-pack feature flavors meet its more healthful nutrition standards, but that was not achieved, the report said. Instead, the company decided to add more flavors for guests with dietary restrictions, like more lactose-free, dairy-free and no-sugar-added options.
In terms of growth, Dunkin’ Donuts has set a goal of developing 100 energy-efficient restaurants by the end of 2016 as part of the DD Green Achievement program launched last year. The chain also plans to apply the energy-efficiency standards to restaurant remodels before the end of next year.
The company plans to track its energy and water use, and reduction targets, as well as increase the recycling rates of its corporate headquarters in Canton, Mass., by 15 percent by the end of next year.
Dunkin’ Brands is one of a number of large restaurant operators that have committed to sourcing only 100-percent sustainable palm oil in the U.S. by 2016, with the goal of reducing deforestation. In addition, the company said it will develop a global sustainable paper and pulp policy for both brands by the end of 2016.
This year, Dunkin’ Brands announced a partnership with the Humane Society of the U.S. for animal welfare. Ten percent of all eggs used for breakfast sandwiches in the U.S. will be cage-free before the end of next year, the company said. The company is evaluating the feasibility of using only cage-free eggs systemwide. Dunkin’ Donuts has also committed to using only crate-free pork in the U.S. by 2022.
In an ongoing commitment to move away from polystyrene, Dunkin’ Donuts is testing cups and materials, with the goal of phasing out foam by the end of this year.
Late last year, Baskin-Robbins began transitioning its iconic pink spoons to a #5 recyclable polypropylene plastic.
In terms of community support, Dunkin’ Brands franchisees raised more than $20 million for nonprofit groups domestically between 2011 and 2014. Last year, the community foundation raised a record $3.2 million to support hunger relief, children’s health and safety.
The foundation expanded its partnership with Feeding America through a $1 million commitment over three years, which will support food pantry and programs to support children and families.
Dunkin’ Brands franchises more than 11,300 Dunkin’ Donuts units and more than 7,500 Baskin-Robbins locations worldwide.
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