Dunkin’s latest ad has set off a storm online. On July 29, the chain released a 35-second TikTok clip to promote its new Golden Hour Refresher, and viewers were quick to notice one odd line. Actor Gavin Casalegno lounges by a pool with the drink in hand and says “This tan comes from genetics. I just got my color analysis back. Golden summer, literally.” He even crowns himself the “King of Summer.”
Almost as soon as the video went live, questions appeared on TikTok and Reddit. Hundreds of comments asked why a donut and coffee brand was talking about DNA. One TikTok user asked “What does a drink have to do with genetics?” and another called the whole script “word salad.” On Reddit’s r/Fauxmoi forum, people joked that Dunkin’ must have used artificial intelligence to write the lines.
The timing didn’t help. Just days earlier, American Eagle ran an ad with Sydney Sweeney joking about genes versus jeans. In that spot, Sweeney says “Genes are passed down from parents. My jeans are blue.” Critics argued that both ads lean into ideas of genetic superiority tied to fair skin and light eyes. Seeing two big brands back to back using the same play on words made many viewers wonder if there was more behind the marketing.
Still, a few fans defended Dunkin’. Some pointed out that color analysis is a popular beauty trend right now, where you pick colors that suit your skin tone. They said the line was meant as a fun nod to that idea and to Casalegno’s role in The Summer I Turned Pretty. A TikTok supporter wrote “It is just a summer ad. Nothing to do with eugenics.”
So far, neither Dunkin’ nor Gavin Casalegno has said a word. The TikTok post has racked up over a million views, with likes still outnumbering dislikes but critical comments growing by the hour.
Marketing experts say this is a reminder that one small phrase can spark a huge reaction online. Color analysis may seem harmless in a beauty setting, but tying it to a drink—and to genetics—opened the door to questions about what brands really mean when they borrow trends.
From here, Dunkin’ will have to decide whether to leave the ad up, tweak its script, or issue a statement. Either way, this summer spot has already become one of the most talked-about campaigns of the season and a clear example of how fast social media moves when viewers smell something off.
Also read:
