Do Dunkin' refreshers have a lot of caffeine?

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite their fruity appearance, Dunkin' Refreshers are not caffeine-free, with a medium serving containing about 99 milligrams of caffeine. For many, the colorful and sweet flavor profile of these drinks can be deceiving, as they are formulated with a green tea base that provides a moderate energy boost. Knowing the caffeine levels in Dunkin' Refreshers is crucial for those managing their daily intake, especially as they are also high in sugar.

Quick Summary

Dunkin' Refreshers are caffeinated drinks made with a green tea base and flavored fruit concentrate. The caffeine content, while lower than many Dunkin' coffee options, is still significant and varies by size, with a large containing up to 132 mg. These drinks are also notably high in sugar, which is an important consideration for health-conscious consumers. Customization options exist to help reduce both the caffeine and sugar levels.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: Dunkin' Refreshers contain caffeine from a green tea extract base.
Caffeine Level by Size: A small Refresher has around 66 mg of caffeine, a medium has 99 mg, and a large has 132 mg.
High Sugar Content: The drinks' fruit concentrates, particularly those with lemonade, contribute to a high sugar and carbohydrate count, potentially causing blood sugar spikes.
Lower Caffeine Than Coffee: While caffeinated, Refreshers contain less caffeine than many of Dunkin's regular hot coffees and cold brews.
Healthier Customization Options: Consumers can request a water or lemonade base to modify the caffeine level, or ask for less syrup to reduce sugar intake.
B Vitamins for Energy: The drinks are also advertised as containing B vitamins, which assist in metabolism and energy release.
Moderate Caffeine is Best: Moderate caffeine intake is generally safe for healthy adults, but overconsumption can lead to negative side effects like anxiety and sleep disruption.
Nutritional Transparency: Dunkin' provides nutritional information on its website, allowing for conscious choices.

Dunkin' Refresher Caffeine Levels and Nutritional Breakdown

Dunkin' Refreshers are a popular, fruity option for those seeking a sweet treat and an energy lift. While they may seem like a simple juice drink, they are a significant source of caffeine due to their green tea base. The caffeine amount increases with the size of the beverage, so a small will offer a milder kick than a large. The addition of B vitamins is also noted as contributing to their 'energizing' properties.

The caffeine content, though present, is notably lower than many of Dunkin's traditional coffee offerings. For comparison, a medium hot coffee contains significantly more caffeine than a medium Refresher. However, the Refreshers' high sugar content can be a major nutritional consideration. The flavored fruit concentrates, particularly in options with lemonade, are loaded with sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes. For example, a medium Mango Pineapple Refresher has about 29 grams of added sugar.

How Dunkin' Refresher Caffeine Stacks Up

When considering your daily caffeine consumption, it's helpful to see how a Dunkin' Refresher compares to other common beverages. A healthy adult can generally consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without adverse effects, but individual tolerance varies widely. For those who are sensitive to caffeine or have underlying health conditions, a Refresher's caffeine content might be higher than expected.

Small Refresher: Contains approximately 66 mg of caffeine, comparable to a single shot of espresso.
Medium Refresher: Contains approximately 99 mg of caffeine, around the same or slightly more than a standard cup of hot drip coffee.
Large Refresher: Contains approximately 132 mg of caffeine.

In addition to the caffeine, the high sugar and carb load is a significant factor to consider for anyone on a specific nutrition diet. The sugar and carbs can lead to a blood sugar spike, and excess sugar intake can be stored as fat once the body's glycogen stores are full. However, Dunkin' does offer alternatives that can help reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, such as ordering unsweetened iced tea or swapping the green tea base for lemonade or coconut milk.

Comparison of Dunkin' Drinks


Beverage	Medium Size (approx.)	Caffeine Content (mg)	Sugar Content (approx.)	Nutritional Notes
Refresher	24 oz	99 mg	~29-56g	Contains caffeine from green tea extract, high in sugar.
Hot Coffee	14 oz	210 mg	Varies	Significantly more caffeine than a Refresher; sugar can be controlled.
Cold Brew	Varies	Up to 347 mg (large)	Can be low/no sugar if ordered black.	Very high caffeine, but sugar is optional.
Sparkd' Energy	24 oz	144 mg	Not specified	Higher caffeine than Refreshers, source is guarana.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Caffeine for Nutrition Diets

Caffeine consumption is not without its pros and cons, especially within a controlled nutrition diet. On the positive side, caffeine can enhance athletic performance and improve alertness and focus in moderate doses. However, excessive intake can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, and jitteriness, which are all undesirable for a balanced diet and overall well-being. For individuals with specific health concerns like heart conditions, anxiety disorders, or pregnancy, it is especially important to monitor caffeine intake.

Making Healthier Choices at Dunkin'

For those who want to enjoy the flavor of a Dunkin' drink without the high sugar and caffeine load, there are a few options. Opting for unsweetened iced green tea or black coffee is the most straightforward approach to reduce both calories and sugar significantly. Customizing a Refresher by asking for less flavored concentrate or a different liquid base can also be beneficial. For instance, substituting the green tea base with water for less caffeine, or requesting a lemonade base for a potentially different flavor profile and caffeine level, is possible. Being mindful of these choices allows for more informed decisions regarding nutrition. Dunkin's website provides a nutrition PDF for detailed information on their offerings, which can help in pre-planning a healthier order.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dunkin' Refreshers do have a considerable amount of caffeine, derived from a green tea base, despite their sweet and fruity taste. While the caffeine content is lower than many of Dunkin's coffee offerings, it is still significant and should be factored into your total daily intake, especially if you consume other caffeinated beverages. Furthermore, the high sugar content is a major nutritional drawback, and opting for modifications like a water base or less syrup is recommended for a healthier diet. Ultimately, being an informed consumer by understanding both the caffeine and sugar levels allows you to enjoy these treats in a way that aligns with your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small (16-ounce) Dunkin' Refresher contains approximately 66 milligrams of caffeine, sourced from green tea extract.

No, a Dunkin' Refresher generally has less caffeine than a cup of Dunkin's hot drip coffee. For example, a medium Refresher has about 99 mg of caffeine, while a medium hot coffee has around 210 mg.

The standard Refreshers contain significant amounts of sugar from the flavored concentrates. For a lower-sugar option, you can request less syrup or consider unsweetened iced tea as an alternative.

The caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers comes from a combination of brewed green tea and green tea extract found in the flavored concentrates.

Yes, you can request that the green tea base be swapped for lemonade, coconut milk, or water to significantly reduce or eliminate the caffeine content.

Compared to many coffee drinks, especially those ordered without added sugar, Refreshers are often higher in sugar and carbohydrates, though lower in caffeine than a typical hot or cold brew coffee.

Healthier alternatives include unsweetened iced green or black tea, or a black cold brew coffee, as these contain significantly less sugar and fewer calories.