Do Dunkin' Refreshers Give You Energy?

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Made with an 'energizing green tea base' and B vitamins, Dunkin' Refreshers are designed to give you a noticeable boost. But while they provide an energy lift, the caffeine content is significantly lower than a cup of regular coffee.

Quick Summary

Dunkin' Refreshers deliver a mild energy boost using green tea extract and B vitamins. The amount of caffeine is modest compared to traditional coffee drinks, with the concentration varying by drink size. They are also high in sugar, which can contribute to a short-term energy spike. Alternatives include ordering with water or lemonade instead of green tea.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: Dunkin' Refreshers get their energy boost primarily from green tea extract, not coffee.
Moderate Caffeine Levels: A medium refresher has about 99 mg of caffeine, less than a typical cup of coffee but more than most sodas.
High Sugar Content: A significant portion of the energy comes from a large amount of added sugar, which can cause a rapid spike and subsequent crash.
B Vitamin Benefits: The drinks are fortified with B vitamins, which assist the body in converting food to energy but do not provide a direct energy boost themselves.
Milder Alternative: They are a good choice for people seeking a less intense energy boost compared to coffee or traditional energy drinks.

Dunkin' Refreshers are a popular, vibrant, and fruity alternative to coffee for those seeking a midday pick-me-up. But beyond their refreshing taste, customers often wonder exactly how much energy they provide and what causes that feeling. The energy in these drinks comes from two main ingredients: green tea extract and B vitamins.

The Role of Green Tea and Caffeine

All Dunkin' Refreshers contain green tea extract, a natural source of caffeine. The concentration of caffeine depends on the size of the drink. A small (16 oz) contains approximately 66 mg of caffeine, a medium (24 oz) has about 99 mg, and a large (32 oz) packs around 132 mg. This is notably less potent per ounce than Dunkin's signature hot or iced coffee, which offers a more substantial caffeine punch.

Green tea-derived caffeine provides a different kind of lift than coffee. It is often described as a more stable, less jittery energy boost. The green tea base can be customized with water, lemonade, or other liquids, but swapping out the green tea will alter or remove the caffeine. Some of the caffeine is also present in the fruit concentrate itself.

The Impact of B Vitamins

In addition to caffeine, Dunkin' Refreshers are fortified with B vitamins, specifically B3 (Niacinamide), B5 (D-Calcium Pantothenate), B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), and B12 (Cyanocobalamin). While B vitamins don't provide energy themselves, they are crucial for metabolic functioning, which helps your body convert food into usable energy. Including these in the drink offers a modest contribution to overall wellness and energy release.

Sugar Content: The Other Energy Factor

One often-overlooked factor in the energy equation is the sugar content. Dunkin' Refreshers, like many flavored beverages, contain a significant amount of added sugar.

Sugar content by size (varies by flavor):
- Small: Around 20-30 grams
- Medium: Approximately 28-56 grams
- Large: Can exceed 50 grams

This high sugar content contributes to a rapid, but often short-lived, energy spike followed by a potential crash. For those sensitive to sugar highs and crashes, this can be a more significant factor in their perceived energy boost than the caffeine itself.

Dunkin' Refreshers vs. Other Caffeinated Drinks

To better understand the energy provided by Dunkin' Refreshers, it's helpful to compare their caffeine and energy profile to other popular beverages. The comparison below provides a snapshot of how a medium (24 oz) Refresher stacks up against other options.

Comparison Table: Caffeine & Sugar


Beverage	Medium Size	Caffeine (approx. mg)	Sugar (approx. grams)
Dunkin' Refresher	24 oz	99	28-56
Hot Coffee	14 oz (hot)	210	<1 (black)
Typical Energy Drink	24 oz	144	50+
Soda (e.g., Coke)	12 oz (can)	32-42	39
Green Tea (Brewed)	8 oz	30-50	<1 (unsweetened)

The Verdict: A Mild, Sweet Energy Boost

So, do Dunkin' Refreshers give you energy? Yes, but it's a more moderate and complex boost than a standard coffee or energy drink. The caffeine from the green tea is a steady, gentle source of energy, while the high sugar content provides a more immediate, but less stable, spike. This combination makes them a great option for a light pick-me-up, especially for those who dislike the taste of coffee or want to avoid the intense jitters some high-caffeine drinks can cause. However, the high sugar and calorie count should be considered, as any potential health benefits from the green tea and B vitamins can be overshadowed. For a lower-sugar version, some customers choose to order with water instead of lemonade or ask for less concentrate. The energy is there, but so is the sweetness.

Conclusion: Understanding the Refresher's Power

In conclusion, the energy delivered by a Dunkin' Refresher comes from a dual source: the natural caffeine from green tea extract and the rapid, sugar-fueled spike. This makes it a distinct experience from the more potent and consistent energy of black coffee. The inclusion of B vitamins aids metabolic processes, but the significant sugar content is the primary driver of the quick rush. While less intense than energy drinks, it provides a sufficient buzz for those seeking a milder lift. Ultimately, a Dunkin' Refresher offers a customizable and flavorful way to get an energy boost, but understanding its components—caffeine, sugar, and vitamins—is key to managing your energy levels effectively. Dunkin' also offers a variety of other drinks, including coffee and teas, for comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine content depends on the size. A small has about 66 mg, a medium has 99 mg, and a large contains approximately 132 mg, all derived from green tea extract.

Yes, Dunkin' Refreshers are high in added sugar. The exact amount varies by flavor and size, but a medium can contain over 50 grams of sugar, contributing significantly to its energy properties.

No, because the caffeinated green tea extract is in the fruit concentrate itself, there is no way to make a completely caffeine-free refresher. However, you can reduce the caffeine by swapping the green tea base with lemonade or water.

The energy from a Refresher is less potent and more gentle than coffee. A medium Refresher has about half the caffeine of a medium hot coffee, and the energy release from green tea is often described as more sustained and less jittery.

According to Dunkin', their Refreshers are made without artificial colors or flavors. They use natural ingredients like fruit concentrates and green tea extract.

B vitamins, such as B3, B5, B6, and B12, are included to help with metabolic functions. This means they assist your body in breaking down food for energy, but they do not provide energy directly.

The energy boost is not typically long-lasting. While the caffeine from green tea provides a mild, sustained lift, the high sugar content can cause a quick energy spike followed by a crash as your blood sugar levels return to normal.