Do Dunkin lemonade refreshers have caffeine?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition facts, all Dunkin' Refreshers contain caffeine, even when prepared with lemonade. This is because the flavored fruit concentrate, not the beverage base, contains green tea extract, the source of the caffeine. This often comes as a surprise to customers who assume a lemonade-based drink is caffeine-free.

Quick Summary

Dunkin' lemonade refreshers are caffeinated because the flavored fruit concentrate contains green tea extract. The caffeine content varies by size, with a small containing around 66mg and a large up to 132mg.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: The caffeine in Dunkin's lemonade refreshers comes from green tea extract found in the flavored fruit concentrate, not the lemonade itself.
Consistent Caffeine: The presence of green tea extract means all Refreshers, regardless of whether they are made with water, lemonade, or coconut milk, contain caffeine.
Variable Content by Size: The caffeine content scales with the drink size, ranging from approximately 66 mg in a small to 132 mg in a large.
Less Than Coffee: A medium refresher's 99mg of caffeine is significantly less than a medium hot coffee from Dunkin', which has around 210mg.
Caffeine-Free Alternatives: For a zero-caffeine option, consider a frozen Coolatta, hot chocolate, or herbal tea instead of a Refresher.
Check Ingredients: If avoiding caffeine is a priority, it is best to verify the ingredients of any menu item, as hidden caffeine can be present in flavor concentrates.

The Surprising Source of Caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers

For many, a lemonade refresher from Dunkin' might seem like a safe, caffeine-free alternative to coffee. The refreshing, fruity flavors lead many to believe they are consuming a juice-based drink. However, the reality is that all Dunkin' Refreshers, including those made with lemonade, contain a significant amount of caffeine. The reason for this lies in the core ingredients used to create the drink's signature flavors.

Why Lemonade Refreshers Are Caffeinated

The key to understanding the caffeine content is recognizing that it doesn't come from the lemonade itself, but from the flavored base concentrate. The flavored concentrate, which is used to create the different Refresher flavors like Strawberry Dragonfruit and Peach Passion Fruit, is made with green tea extract.

Green Tea Extract: The primary source of caffeine in these drinks is the green tea extract blended into the fruit-flavored concentrate.
Consistency Across Drinks: This means that regardless of whether you choose lemonade, coconut milk, or green tea as your liquid base, the refresher will still have caffeine from the concentrate.
Purposeful Addition: The caffeine, along with added B vitamins, is intended to provide an energizing boost, positioning the Refreshers as an alternative to coffee for those who prefer fruity flavors.

Caffeine Content by Size

The amount of caffeine in a Dunkin' Refresher is consistent with other caffeinated beverages and increases with the drink's size. While this provides a milder boost than a regular coffee, it's still an important factor for anyone monitoring their caffeine intake.

Small Refresher (16 oz): Contains approximately 66 mg of caffeine.
Medium Refresher (24 oz): Contains around 99 mg of caffeine.
Large Refresher (32 oz): Contains about 132 mg of caffeine.

Comparison to Other Caffeinated Beverages

To put the caffeine content of a Dunkin' Refresher into perspective, it helps to compare it to other common beverages. This comparison can help consumers decide if a Refresher is the right choice for their caffeine needs.


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Content	Notes
Medium Dunkin' Refresher	99 mg	A moderate energy boost, similar to a standard cup of coffee.
Medium Dunkin' Hot Coffee	~210 mg	A much higher caffeine dose for a stronger kick.
8 oz Green Tea	30-50 mg	Less than a small refresher, providing a gentle lift.
12 oz Cola	~34 mg	A lighter dose of caffeine than a small refresher.
Energy Drink (250 ml)	~80 mg	Can contain a higher or lower caffeine amount, depending on the brand and size.

Alternatives to Caffeinated Refreshers

For those seeking a truly caffeine-free option at Dunkin', there are other choices available. These alternatives allow customers to enjoy a refreshing drink without the stimulant effects of caffeine.

Frozen Coolattas: Flavors like Strawberry or Blue Raspberry Coolattas are generally caffeine-free.
Hot Chocolate: A classic and comforting option with no caffeine.
Herbal Teas: Dunkin' offers various herbal and chamomile teas that do not contain caffeine.
Plain Lemonade: You can order the lemonade on its own, without the flavored concentrate, for a caffeine-free beverage.

Navigating Your Dunkin' Order

Being aware of the hidden caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers is crucial for those sensitive to caffeine or trying to limit their intake. When placing an order, understanding the components of the drink ensures you get exactly what you're looking for. The flavored concentrate is the consistent source of caffeine, meaning that adding lemonade to the mix does not make it caffeine-free. For a guaranteed caffeine-free experience, a frozen Coolatta or herbal tea is a better option.

Conclusion: Your Caffeinated Refresher Awaits

Ultimately, the fruity and flavorful Dunkin' lemonade refreshers do contain caffeine, derived from the green tea extract in the fruit concentrate. The caffeine content varies by size, and while it's less than a standard cup of coffee, it is certainly not zero. This information is particularly important for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or are trying to avoid it for health reasons. Knowing the source and quantity of caffeine in your drink allows you to make an informed choice and enjoy your Dunkin' order exactly as you intend. For more detailed nutritional information on Dunkin's menu, you can visit their official Allergen and Ingredient Guide online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dunkin's lemonade refreshers are caffeinated because the fruit-flavored concentrate contains green tea extract, a natural source of caffeine. This means that the caffeine is present in the flavor base itself, not the liquid base like lemonade or water.

The caffeine content varies by size. A small (16 oz) has approximately 66 mg, a medium (24 oz) contains about 99 mg, and a large (32 oz) has around 132 mg.

No, because the caffeine is in the pre-made flavored concentrate, it is not possible to order a caffeine-free refresher by swapping the base liquid. For a non-caffeinated option, you would need to choose a different drink entirely.

The caffeine in the flavored refresher concentrate comes from green tea extract. This is a natural, albeit potent, source of caffeine that is added during the manufacturing process.

Yes, all varieties of Dunkin' Refreshers contain caffeine due to the green tea extract in their flavored concentrate. This applies to all flavors, regardless of whether they are mixed with green tea, lemonade, or coconut milk.

Yes, frozen Coolattas at Dunkin', such as the Strawberry or Vanilla Bean flavors, are generally caffeine-free. They are a safe alternative for those looking to avoid caffeine.

A medium Dunkin' Refresher has about 99 mg of caffeine, while a medium hot coffee from Dunkin' has a significantly higher amount, around 210 mg. Refreshers provide a milder energy boost compared to coffee.

While it depends on the location and what they have on hand, you can sometimes order a plain lemonade to avoid the caffeinated concentrate. However, this will not have the fruit flavors of a Refresher.