Ben Affleck’s Surprising Starbucks Moment: Unpacking the Coffee Habits of Hollywood’s Beloved Star

Ben Affleck, the acclaimed actor and director known for his roles in films like Gone Girl and Argo, recently made headlines for a rather unexpected beverage choice. On Wednesday, March 22, the 50-year-old Oscar-winner, famously synonymous with his unwavering loyalty to Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts), was spotted enjoying a frozen drink from its direct rival, Starbucks. This rare sighting occurred during a casual stroll through the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, where he was accompanied by his youngest son, Samuel, 11, marking a momentary deviation from his well-documented coffee routine.

The father-son duo seemed to be relishing their refreshing beverages as they navigated the sunny California sidewalks. For many fans and media outlets, witnessing Ben Affleck with a Starbucks cup in hand was akin to seeing an iconic symbol momentarily step out of character. His association with Dunkin’ isn’t just a preference; it’s become a significant part of his public persona, deeply rooted in his Bostonian upbringing and celebrated through countless paparazzi shots and even a memorable Super Bowl commercial.

A Casual Outing with Son Samuel

During their leisurely walk, Ben Affleck appeared relaxed and engaged, at one point taking a phone call. His attire reflected the casual nature of the outing: a stylish blue sweater layered under a practical, puffy gray jacket, complemented by a pair of black pants. Adding a touch of urban cool, he completed his look with a classic pair of Nike Air Jordans. This particular footwear choice held an interesting synergy with his professional life, as it comes just ahead of the release of his highly anticipated sneaker biopic, Air, which chronicles the remarkable story of Nike’s pursuit of Michael Jordan.

Samuel, keeping pace with his father, was dressed in what appeared to be a basketball uniform, paired with vibrant red sneakers, suggesting they might have just come from or were heading to a sporting activity. While Ben enjoyed his Starbucks frappuccino, Samuel also seemed to have had a similar beverage, though his cup appeared empty in the captured photographs, indicating he had likely finished his drink earlier in their stroll. These public appearances with his children offer a glimpse into Affleck’s life as a devoted father, often seen balancing his demanding Hollywood career with family time.

Ben Affleck: The Unofficial King of Dunkin’

For years, Ben Affleck has been the quintessential face of Dunkin’, a brand deeply entrenched in the culture of his native Boston. His deep-seated affection for the coffee and donut chain is not merely a preference; it’s a celebrated aspect of his identity that resonates with millions. Paparazzi have frequently captured him clutching distinctive orange and pink cups, stocking up on various Dunkin’ offerings, from his regular iced coffee to an assortment of snacks. This consistent public display of brand loyalty transformed him into an unofficial, beloved spokesperson for the brand, turning his everyday coffee runs into viral internet moments.

His affinity for Dunkin’ reached its zenith when he starred in a memorable Super Bowl commercial for the chain in early 2023. The ad, which quickly became a fan favorite, saw Affleck humorously surprising unsuspecting customers by working the drive-thru window at a Dunkin’ location. The commercial played on his well-known passion for the brand, culminating in a delightful cameo from his wife, Grammy-winning superstar Jennifer Lopez, who playfully “caught” him working his secret shift. The ad was a resounding success, praised for its self-aware humor and Affleck’s charming performance, further cementing his status as Dunkin’s most famous devotee.

Unveiling Ben’s Go-To Dunkin’ Order

Following the tremendous buzz generated by his Super Bowl commercial, Ben Affleck offered fans a rare peek into his personal coffee preferences. In a February interview with Peoplemagazine, he candidly revealed his go-to Dunkin’ order, proving that even Hollywood’s biggest stars often keep it simple. “It’s not all that exciting, really,” he confessed to the outlet. “It’s just iced coffee, milk, and two sugars, sometimes Splenda.”

This straightforward order only added to his “everyman” appeal, demonstrating a lack of pretension despite his celebrity status. He even admitted to a slight deviation, occasionally opting for almond milk, though he jovially added, “[if you really want to know, sometimes I forget.” This self-deprecating honesty further endeared him to the public, reinforcing the image of a grounded celebrity who appreciates the simple pleasures of a reliable iced coffee, much like countless other Americans.

A Brief Foray into Starbucks Territory

While his devotion to Dunkin’ is undeniable, it’s not entirely unprecedented to see Ben Affleck venturing into Starbucks territory. Despite the current public surprise, keen observers of celebrity happenings have noted his sporadic visits to the coffee giant on a few previous occasions. Notably, he has been photographed getting coffee from Starbucks alongside his wife, Jennifer Lopez, suggesting that these visits might be influenced by her preferences or simply a spontaneous choice during their shared outings.

His specific Starbucks order remains less publicized than his Dunkin’ staple. However, observations from past sightings suggest a consistent pattern: when he does choose Starbucks, he seems to gravitate towards their frozen beverage options, much like the frappuccino he was seen enjoying during his recent walk with Samuel. This preference for chilled, blended drinks might indicate a taste for something different or a specific craving, offering a nuanced view of his overall coffee habits that extend beyond his primary loyalty to Dunkin’. These infrequent Starbucks visits serve as a reminder that even celebrities with strong brand associations can, on occasion, indulge in alternatives, proving that convenience and variety sometimes outweigh long-standing allegiances.

The Cultural Significance of Coffee Choices

Ben Affleck’s coffee choices, whether his steadfast Dunkin’ loyalty or his occasional Starbucks detours, transcend mere personal preference; they’ve become a fascinating aspect of modern celebrity culture. In an era where every public appearance is scrutinized and shared across social media, even the simplest acts like buying a coffee can ignite widespread discussion. Affleck’s “Dunkin’ guy” persona taps into a sense of relatability, connecting him with the working-class roots and everyday routines of many Americans, especially those in the Northeast.

This recent Starbucks sighting, therefore, becomes more than just a picture; it’s a moment of playful subversion, a brief departure from an established narrative that has delighted fans and fueled endless memes. It highlights the delicate balance celebrities strike between maintaining an authentic public image and enjoying personal freedom. Ultimately, whether it’s an iced coffee from Dunkin’ or a frappuccino from Starbucks, Ben Affleck continues to keep the public engaged, proving that even the most mundane celebrity moments can capture the imagination and spark a conversation across the internet.