Does the Blackberry Refresher have caffeine? The surprising source of your energy boost
Many people opt for a Refresher when they want a fruity, hydrating beverage without the heavy, roasted flavor of coffee. However, the misconception that these drinks are completely caffeine-free is a common one. For any blackberry-flavored Refresher offered by Starbucks, the caffeine content is a direct result of one key ingredient: green coffee extract. This natural source provides a mild stimulant effect that differentiates Refreshers from simple fruit juices or sodas.
How green coffee extract provides the caffeine
The green coffee extract used in Refreshers is made from unroasted arabica coffee beans. Unlike traditional coffee, which gets its deep flavor and aroma from the roasting process, green coffee beans are simply processed to extract their key compounds, including a lower, more controlled dose of caffeine and chlorogenic acid. When this extract is added to the fruit-juice based concentrate that forms the base of the Refresher, it provides the energy boost without altering the intended fruity flavor profile.
This process is the reason why a Refresher tastes nothing like coffee but still offers a perceptible stimulant effect. The amount of caffeine is carefully regulated by Starbucks to ensure consistency across their product line, so regardless of whether you choose the Summer-Berry or a different flavor, the caffeine content per size remains the same.
Blackberry Refreshers compared: Caffeine content by size
To put the caffeine content into perspective, it helps to look at the numbers. The stimulant effect of a Refresher is noticeable but far less potent than that of a standard brewed coffee. For example, a Grande (16 oz) Refresher typically contains around 50mg of caffeine, whereas the same size Pike Place Roast can contain over 300mg.
| Drink Size (oz) | Blackberry Refresher Caffeine (mg) | Brewed Coffee Caffeine (mg) | Espresso Shot Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall (12) | 35-45 | ~235 | 75 |
| Grande (16) | 45-55 | ~330 | 75 |
| Venti (24) | 70-85 | ~415 | 150 |
What if you want a caffeine-free blackberry drink?
If you are sensitive to caffeine or simply prefer a stimulant-free beverage, there are a couple of alternatives. Since Starbucks' Refreshers all contain green coffee extract, ordering a "Refresher" of any flavor is not an option. However, baristas can sometimes create a custom order that mimics the taste of a blackberry Refresher using caffeine-free components, such as a combination of juices and syrups. For a reliable, zero-caffeine option, a simple cup of herbal tea with a splash of blackberry syrup is a safe bet. There are also numerous copycat recipes online that explain how to make a blackberry refresher at home using fruit and other ingredients, omitting the green coffee extract entirely.
Discontinued blackberry refreshers and their caffeine
It's important to note that Starbucks often features limited-time Refresher flavors, including blackberry variants. The Blackberry Sage Refresher was available for a limited period in early 2025, while the Summer-Berry Refresher returned to the menu in mid-2025. Each of these flavored Refreshers, while on the menu, contained the same amount of caffeine per size as the other Refresher flavors, sourced from the same green coffee extract. The specific flavor does not impact the caffeine content of a Refresher. Starbucks has been streamlining its menu to introduce new innovations, which sometimes leads to the discontinuation of certain items. If a blackberry Refresher is not currently available, the caffeine information pertains to its active availability.
Conclusion
In short, the Blackberry Refresher does contain caffeine, though its mild stimulant properties come from green coffee extract, not traditional roasted coffee. A Grande size has about 50mg of caffeine, which is substantially less than a standard brewed coffee. This makes Refreshers a good option for those seeking a less intense energy lift with a fruity taste. For a completely caffeine-free option, you will need to choose a different beverage or create a custom order without the Refresher base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids drink a Blackberry Refresher? It is generally not recommended for children to consume caffeinated beverages. The caffeine content in Refreshers, while lower than coffee, is still present and can have a more pronounced effect on smaller bodies. For a child-friendly alternative, consider a fruit-based juice or a herbal tea.
Is the Blackberry Refresher more or less caffeinated than coffee? The Blackberry Refresher is significantly less caffeinated than a standard cup of brewed coffee from Starbucks. A Grande Refresher has approximately 50mg of caffeine, while a Grande brewed coffee can have over 300mg.
What is green coffee extract? Green coffee extract is made from unroasted coffee beans. The unroasted beans contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid and a lower level of caffeine compared to their roasted counterparts. Starbucks uses this extract to provide a subtle energy boost to its Refreshers without a roasted coffee flavor.
Is the caffeine content the same for all Refresher flavors? Yes, the amount of caffeine is consistent across all Refresher flavors for each specific size. The flavor additives do not change the caffeine amount provided by the green coffee extract in the base.
Do all Refreshers have caffeine? Yes, all standard Starbucks Refreshers beverages contain caffeine because they are made with the Refreshers base, which includes green coffee extract. There is no fully caffeine-free version of a standard Refresher available on the menu.
How can I order a caffeine-free blackberry drink at Starbucks? To get a caffeine-free blackberry-flavored beverage, you can ask for a custom drink. Options include a sparkling water with blackberry syrup, or a caffeine-free herbal tea with added blackberry flavor. This avoids the Refresher base and its green coffee extract.
Do the blackberry-flavored pearls have caffeine? No, the raspberry-flavored pearls included in the Summer-Berry Refresher do not contain caffeine. The caffeine is in the liquid base of the beverage, not the fruit inclusions.
How does a Refresher's caffeine compare to a soda? A Grande Refresher (approx. 50mg caffeine) is roughly comparable to the caffeine content in some standard sodas. For instance, a 12oz can of Coke contains about 34mg of caffeine, while a Diet Coke has around 46mg. This places a Refresher in a similar moderate caffeine range to many soft drinks.
