The Surprising Source of Caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers
Many customers are drawn to the vibrant colors and fruity flavors of Dunkin's Refreshers, assuming they are caffeine-free alternatives to coffee. However, all Refreshers, including the popular strawberry lemonade variety, contain caffeine. The source is not added coffee, but rather green tea extract, which is an ingredient in the flavored concentrate used to make the drink. This means that no matter what liquid—be it water, lemonade, or coconut milk—the concentrate is mixed with, the drink will have a caffeine kick.
How the Caffeine is Included
The flavored concentrates are pre-made and include green tea extract as a key component. When a barista prepares a Strawberry Lemonade Refresher, they combine this strawberry-dragonfruit flavored concentrate with lemonade. The green tea extract in the concentrate is what delivers the caffeine, providing a subtle but notable energy boost alongside the B vitamins also present in the drink. This hidden caffeine can be a surprise for those who choose a Refresher believing they are avoiding stimulants later in the day.
Caffeine Content by Size
The amount of caffeine in a Dunkin' Refresher is dependent on the size of the beverage. The larger the cup, the more concentrate is used, and consequently, the higher the caffeine content.
- Small (16 oz): 66mg of caffeine
- Medium (24 oz): 99mg of caffeine
- Large (32 oz): 132mg of caffeine
It's worth noting that while these amounts are lower than a traditional Dunkin' coffee, they are not insignificant. A large Refresher contains about the same amount of caffeine as a double shot of espresso. For individuals sensitive to caffeine or those who consume other caffeinated beverages throughout the day, this can add up quickly.
Refresher vs. Coffee vs. Other Drinks: A Caffeine Comparison
To put the caffeine content of a Strawberry Lemonade Refresher into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular beverages. As the data below shows, Refreshers fall squarely between soda and a standard cup of coffee in terms of caffeine intensity.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Approximate Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' Strawberry Lemonade Refresher (Medium) | 24 oz | 99 mg |
| Dunkin' Iced Coffee (Medium) | 24 oz | 247 mg |
| Dunkin' Iced Tea (Medium) | 24 oz | 79 mg |
| Coke | 12 oz | 34 mg |
| Energy Drink (typical) | 16 oz | 72-80 mg |
Caffeine Alternatives and Considerations
For those who prefer to avoid caffeine, Dunkin' does offer alternatives. Their Coolattas, like the strawberry or vanilla bean flavors, are typically caffeine-free. Regular hot chocolate is another option, though it's important to be aware of the high sugar content in these drinks. Ultimately, ordering a plain lemonade or a decaffeinated tea is the only way to ensure a completely caffeine-free experience when ordering a fruity drink.
A Deeper Look at the Ingredients
The strawberry-dragonfruit flavored concentrate is what makes the Refreshers caffeinated. A quick glance at the ingredients list on the official Dunkin' website or nutrition information reveals the presence of green tea extract. This is a key detail that can be missed by a customer simply looking at the menu and assuming the beverage is nothing more than juice and flavor. It's the combination of the fruit concentrate and the lemonade that creates the final flavor profile, all while hiding a low-to-moderate amount of caffeine.
Conclusion
In short, the answer to the question "Do Dunkin' strawberry lemonade refreshers have caffeine?" is an unequivocal yes. The caffeine comes from green tea extract found in the flavored concentrate, not from any added coffee. The caffeine content varies by size, with a large providing as much as 132mg. While this is less than a standard Dunkin' iced coffee, it is not a caffeine-free beverage. For anyone seeking a genuinely non-caffeinated option, it's best to explore other parts of the Dunkin' menu, such as Coolattas or plain lemonade.
