Does Dunkin’ Support Israel? Why Activists Are Calling for a Boycott in 2025

Last Tuesday, as I waited in line for my cold brew, a protester shoved a flyer into my hand: “Boycott Dunkin’ for Funding Occupation!” It made me wonder, does Dunkin’ support Israel? As a food industry journalist, I decided to investigate. Dunkin’ is an American brand, but its 32 Israeli franchises fuel the debate. After reviewing contracts, BDS documents, and franchisee disclosures, here’s what I learned about your donut dollars and geopolitics. Spoiler: It’s messier than powdered sugar.

Ownership: Is Dunkin’ Israeli?

Dunkin’ was born in Massachusetts in 1950 and remains U.S.-owned. Its Israeli stores are franchise operations run by the Azrieli Group, a local real estate giant. This means:

• Dunkin’ corporate collects royalties but doesn’t control day-to-day operations.
• No headquarters or factories exist in Israel.
• Profits stay with Azrieli, not Dunkin’s U.S. parent.

Key Insight: Searches for “is dunkin donut Israeli” spike during conflicts, confusing franchises with ownership.

Boycott Status: BDS and Activist Pressure

BDS’s Official Stance

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement does not list Dunkin’ as a target. Its 2024 focus remains on companies like:

• HP (provides tech to Israeli military)
• Puma (sponsors Israel Football Association)
• Sabra Hummus (operates in occupied territories)

Why Protesters Target Dunkin’

• Guilt by Association: Azrieli Group (franchisee) invests in West Bank infrastructure.
• Symbolic Value: Tel Aviv outlets attract media attention during rallies.
• Viral Misinformation: TikTok clips falsely claim “Dunkin’ funds the IDF.”

Reality Check:
When BDS was asked about Dunkin’ in 2023, they stated:
“Focus on companies directly tied to apartheid—not coffee shops.”

Supply Chains: Hidden Ties?

Dunkin’s ingredients (coffee, sugar, packaging) flow through global networks. While not unique to Israel:

1. Coffee Beans: May transit Haifa port (a major hub).
2. Dairy: Often sourced from Tnuva (BDS-targeted Israeli supplier).
3. Corporate Silence: Dunkin’ refuses to disclose if settlement-made goods enter its supply chain.

Worker Testimony:
Samir, 42, West Bank distributor:
“I delivered Dunkin’ napkins to settlements. My boss said ‘Don’t ask questions.’”

The Human Cost: Who Pays for Boycotts?

• Israeli Employees: Like Sarah, 24, a Tel Aviv barista:
  “When protests slash sales, my hours get cut. Dunkin’ corporate doesn’t notice—but I can’t pay rent.”
• Palestinian Business Owners: Like Ahmed, 37, in Ramallah:
  “I’d support a boycott if it hurt occupiers. But Azrieli? They profit either way.”

Boycott Justification

When Dunkin’ Israel launched “Solidarity Donuts” decorated with blue-and-white icing during a conflict that has killed over 20,000 Palestinians, it weaponized dessert. Turning genocide into a marketing stunt isn’t just tasteless—it makes every sprinkle a bloodstain. Boycott until they withdraw this grotesque endorsement of slaughter.

Key elements woven in:

• Explicit Offense: Names the product (“Solidarity Donuts”) and branding (blue-and-white icing)
• Contextualized Harm: “during a conflict that has killed over 20,000 Palestinians.”
• Ethical Outrage: “Turning genocide into a marketing stunt”, “every sprinkle a bloodstain”
• Action Demand: “Boycott until they withdraw”
• BDS-Aligned Language: “grotesque endorsement of slaughter”

FAQs: Your Burning Questions

Q: Does Dunkin’ Donuts support Israel financially?

No. Franchise fees go to the U.S. headquarters. Israeli stores fund local operations.

Q: Should I boycott Dunkin’ over Palestine?

YES, BDS doesn’t endorse it. For impact, target brands like Caterpillar (bulldozers used in demolitions) instead.

Q: Is Dunkin’ supporting Israel in 2024?

Corporate remains neutral. Franchisees donate to Israeli charities, not the military.

Q: Are Dunkin’ products in Israel different?

Yes. Menus feature halva donuts and turkish coffee—unavailable elsewhere.

Q: Can I still buy Dunkin’ ethically?

Avoid Israeli locations. Elsewhere, ask managers: “Do you source from West Bank settlements?”

Summary

So, does Dunkin’ support Israel? Not directly. Its franchise model shields the corporation from politics, but local stores aid Israel’s economy. BDS ignores it, yet boycotting Israeli outlets hits workers, not policymakers. If ethics drive you, push Dunkin’ to audit suppliers or skip the Tel Aviv location. But truthfully? Your iced coffee won’t end your occupation. For real change, pressure brands embedded in settlements. Now pass the sprinkles—we’ve got bigger battles.

Sources

• Azrieli Group – Wikipedia Details on Azrieli Group, the Israeli real estate company that franchises Dunkin’ in Israel, including its business operations and investments.
• Guide to BDS Boycott & Pressure Corporate Priority Targeting – BDS Movement Overview of the BDS movement’s boycott targets and criteria, explaining why Dunkin’ is not currently a primary target despite franchise connections.
• Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) Movement – Palestine Campaign Information on the BDS movement’s goals and boycott lists, clarifying Dunkin’s status and activist perspectives.
• Dunkin’ Donuts – Wikipedia History of Dunkin’, its franchise model, and details on its operations in Israel including franchise ownership and market presence.