Yes, Dunkin's New Refreshers Contain Caffeine
Yes, the new Dunkin' refreshers do contain caffeine. While they might appear similar to fruit juices or smoothies, their energizing properties come from a green tea extract that is included in the flavored base concentrate. This means that regardless of whether you order a refresher with water, lemonade, or coconut milk, it will still contain a moderate amount of caffeine. The specific amount of caffeine depends on the size of the drink ordered.
The Source of Caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers
Unlike espresso-based drinks, the caffeine in a Dunkin' Refresher comes from green tea extract. This is a deliberate choice by Dunkin' to provide a non-coffee alternative for customers seeking a mild energy boost. The concentrated flavor bases for each refresher flavor contain this green tea extract, ensuring that every sip delivers a consistent, natural source of caffeine. Additionally, many of the refreshers are fortified with B vitamins, further contributing to the "energizing" effect Dunkin' describes.
Caffeine Content by Drink Size
The caffeine level in Dunkin' Refreshers is directly proportional to the size of the beverage you purchase. The larger the size, the more of the concentrated base is used, leading to a higher caffeine total. This consistency allows consumers to choose their desired level of energy boost.
- Small Refresher: Approximately 66 mg of caffeine.
- Medium Refresher: Approximately 99 mg of caffeine.
- Large Refresher: Approximately 132 mg of caffeine.
Can You Order a Caffeine-Free Dunkin' Refresher?
Unfortunately, because the green tea extract is an integral part of the flavored base concentrate, there is no way to order a 100% caffeine-free Refresher. Even if you ask for it to be made with water or lemonade instead of the standard green tea liquid, the concentrate itself still has caffeine. For customers who need to avoid caffeine completely, Dunkin' offers several alternatives. Options like the various Coolatta flavors (except for those mixed with caffeinated bases) or hot chocolates are completely free of caffeine. You can also opt for decaf coffee, though it does contain trace amounts of caffeine.
Comparison Table: Dunkin' Refresher vs. Other Drinks
To put the caffeine content of a Dunkin' Refresher into perspective, here's how a medium size (99 mg) stacks up against other popular beverages:
| Beverage | Medium Size (approx. 24 oz) | Caffeine Content (approx. mg) | Comparison to Medium Refresher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' Refresher | 24 oz | 99 mg | Baseline |
| Dunkin' Hot Coffee | 14 oz | 210 mg | Significantly more caffeine |
| Standard Cup of Drip Coffee | 8 oz | ~95-140 mg | Comparable to slightly more |
| Energy Drink | 16 oz (typical) | ~72-80 mg per serving | Often less, depending on brand |
| Green Tea (Brewed) | 8 oz (typical) | ~30-50 mg | Less caffeine |
| Cola | 12 oz can | ~32-42 mg | Significantly less caffeine |
Tips for Managing Caffeine Intake
For those watching their caffeine consumption, it's important to factor in all sources, including Refreshers. A healthy adult can typically consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without adverse effects, but consuming multiple Refreshers in addition to coffee or energy drinks could push you over this limit. Opting for a small size can help manage your intake, and exploring other menu items if you need a non-caffeinated option is always a good idea.
Conclusion
In summary, all Dunkin' Refreshers, both new and old, contain caffeine from a green tea extract found in their fruit-flavored concentrate. This makes them an energizing, flavorful option for those who want a milder buzz than coffee, but they are not a caffeine-free alternative. By understanding the caffeine content per size and comparing it to other drinks, consumers can make informed choices about their beverage consumption while still enjoying the delicious flavors Dunkin' offers.
Lists
Refreshers that contain caffeine:
- Golden Hour Refresher
- Blueberry Breeze Refresher
- Sabrina's Strawberry Dream Refresher
- Pink Spritz Refresher
- Raspberry Watermelon Refresher
Caffeine-free alternatives at Dunkin':
- Coolattas (most flavors)
- Hot Chocolate
- Select herbal teas
- Decaf coffee (contains trace caffeine)
- Plain water or milk
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do all Dunkin' Refreshers, including the new ones, have caffeine? A: Yes, all Dunkin' Refreshers contain caffeine, as it is derived from a green tea extract present in the concentrated flavor base used for every drink.
Q: How much caffeine is in a small Dunkin' Refresher? A: A small Dunkin' Refresher contains approximately 66 milligrams of caffeine.
Q: Can you order a Dunkin' Refresher without any caffeine? A: No, you cannot order a completely caffeine-free Refresher because the green tea extract is in the flavored concentrate itself, not just the liquid mixer.
Q: How does the caffeine in a Refresher compare to a cup of coffee? A: A medium Refresher (99 mg) has less caffeine than a medium hot coffee from Dunkin' (210 mg) but is comparable to or slightly more caffeinated than a standard 8 oz cup of drip coffee.
Q: What is the source of caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers? A: The caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers comes from a green tea extract included in the pre-made fruit-flavored concentrate.
Q: What are some caffeine-free options at Dunkin'? A: Caffeine-free options include most Coolatta flavors, hot chocolate, and some herbal teas.
Q: Is it okay to drink multiple Dunkin' Refreshers in a day? A: As long as your total daily caffeine intake stays below the recommended limit of 400 mg for most healthy adults, drinking multiple Refreshers should be fine. However, it's wise to consider all caffeine sources throughout the day.
