Dunkin' Refreshers and the Added Sugar Question
When seeking a quick pick-me-up that differs from coffee, Dunkin' Refreshers can seem like a light and fruity alternative. However, examining the ingredients reveals significant added sugar, an important consideration for anyone watching their sugar intake. Although Dunkin' Refreshers contain green tea and B vitamins, their flavor comes from a concentrated mix that includes sugar as a main ingredient. This makes them a sweet treat rather than a health drink, despite the presence of green tea.
The Role of Concentrates and Sweeteners
The sugar content is determined by the flavored concentrates used to create each Refresher. These are pre-sweetened mixes combined with green tea, lemonade, or coconut milk, not simply fresh fruit juices. A medium Mango Pineapple Refresher has 29 grams of added sugar, which accounts for 58% of the daily value. Golden Hour Refreshers made with lemonade can have up to 56 grams of sugar in a medium size. This demonstrates that lemonade-based Refreshers are often sweeter than those made with green tea.
- Flavor concentrates: Water and sugar are the first two ingredients in the concentrates, confirming sweetness as a main component.
- Base liquid: The sugar count is affected by the base chosen. Lemonade adds extra sugar, while choosing green tea can slightly lower the total.
- Hidden sugar: Unlike unsweetened tea or plain coffee, the sugar in a Refresher is built into the base.
Comparing Sugar Content: Refresher vs. Other Drinks
To better understand the sugar content of a Dunkin' Refresher, it helps to compare it to other common beverages. Although it is perceived as a healthier choice than soda, the sugar levels can be surprisingly high, even comparable in certain cases.
| Beverage (Medium Size) | Approximate Added Sugar | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' Refresher (Green Tea Base) | 28-29 grams | The base flavor concentrate is pre-sweetened. |
| Dunkin' Refresher (Lemonade Base) | 56 grams | Lemonade significantly increases the overall sugar content. |
| Can of Coca-Cola (12 oz) | 39 grams | This popular soda contains a high amount of added sugar. |
| Medium Hot Chocolate (Dunkin') | 45 grams | Another Dunkin' item with a high sugar count. |
| Unsweetened Iced Green Tea (Dunkin') | 0 grams | A genuinely sugar-free option, with no added sweeteners. |
This comparison table clearly shows that Dunkin' Refreshers are not a low-sugar option, especially those made with lemonade. The added sugar can easily exceed a significant portion of a person's recommended daily intake.
Health Implications of High Sugar Intake
Consuming large amounts of added sugar is linked to health problems. Regularly consuming sugary beverages like Refreshers can be a concern for people trying to control their blood sugar or weight.
- Blood sugar spikes: The high carbohydrate and sugar content can cause a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, particularly relevant for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Energy storage: Excess sugar that isn't immediately used for energy is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. The body converts excess glucose into fat once those stores are full.
- Empty calories: The high sugar content adds empty calories with minimal nutritional value, even though Refreshers contain green tea and B vitamins.
How to Order a Lower-Sugar Refresher
If you want a Refresher while minimizing sugar intake, a few ordering adjustments can help. However, removing the pre-sweetened concentrate is not possible.
- Request more green tea: Ask for less concentrate and more green tea to dilute the sweetness. Consistency may vary, though this request can be made in-store.
- Order a smaller size: A small refresher has less sugar than a medium or large, so downsizing is an easy way to reduce intake.
- Choose the tea base: Always choose the green tea base rather than the lemonade base, as the latter significantly increases sugar content.
- Explore other options: Consider unsweetened iced green tea, black coffee, or Americano for a truly low-sugar or sugar-free drink. These can be flavored with a sugar-free shot if desired.
Conclusion
Yes, Dunkin' Refreshers do have added sugar, and in a substantial amount. The sweetness is a core component of the pre-mixed flavor concentrates, not just an optional add-in. Although a Refresher may seem like a healthier alternative to soda, some flavors and sizes can contain similar or higher amounts of sugar. It is important for those watching their sugar consumption to know this and consider customizing their order or choosing a different, truly unsweetened beverage from the menu.
For more information on the health impacts of high sugar consumption, refer to the American Heart Association recommendations on added sugars.
