The Pink Spritz Refresher, a popular limited-time offering from Dunkin', has been a subject of curiosity for many customers, especially regarding its caffeine content. Unlike a simple fruit juice or soda, this drink is not caffeine-free. The key to understanding its energizing properties lies in its base ingredients.
The Source of Caffeine in Dunkin' Refreshers
All Dunkin' Refreshers, including the Pink Spritz, contain caffeine because they are made with green tea extract. This gives the drinks a natural energy boost without the stronger taste and intensity associated with coffee. In addition to green tea, Dunkin' also adds B vitamins to its Refresher concentrates to further enhance their energizing effect. The Pink Spritz uses a Tropical Guava flavor concentrate, which is mixed with sparkling water to create its signature fruity and fizzy texture.
Caffeine Content by Size
The amount of caffeine in a Pink Spritz Refresher is directly correlated with its size. As with all Refreshers on the menu, Dunkin' provides clear caffeine measurements for each cup.
- Small (16 oz.): Contains approximately 66 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.
- Medium (24 oz.): Contains approximately 99 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.
- Large (32 oz.): Contains approximately 132 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.
Comparing the Pink Spritz to Other Caffeinated Beverages
While the Pink Spritz contains a notable amount of caffeine, its content is generally lower than that of many other popular coffee shop drinks. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking a lighter afternoon pick-me-up rather than a strong morning jolt.
| Beverage | Typical Caffeine Content (Medium/Equivalent Size) | Primary Caffeine Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' Pink Spritz (Medium) | ~99 mg | Green Tea Extract |
| Dunkin' Hot Coffee (Medium) | ~210 mg | Brewed Coffee Beans |
| Dunkin' Iced Coffee (Medium) | ~297 mg | Brewed Coffee Beans |
| Standard Green Tea (8 oz.) | 30–50 mg | Brewed Green Tea Leaves |
| Standard Soda (12 oz.) | 32–42 mg | Cola Syrup/Additives |
This comparison table illustrates that a medium Pink Spritz has significantly less caffeine than a Dunkin' coffee, but more than a standard can of soda or a small cup of green tea.
Customizing Your Pink Spritz to Adjust Caffeine Levels
One of the popular menu hacks for Dunkin' Refreshers is customizing the base to control the caffeine level. While the standard Pink Spritz uses a blend of the Tropical Guava concentrate and sparkling water, the concentrate itself contains green tea extract. To completely remove caffeine, customers must request the drink with a non-caffeinated base and ensure the flavored concentrate used is also caffeine-free, which may not be possible with the standard Refresher mix.
To lower the caffeine content, you can ask your barista to use a non-caffeinated base like lemonade instead of the standard green tea base. However, since the flavor concentrate also contains some green tea extract, the drink may still have a small residual amount of caffeine. Opting for a plain sparkling water base will also provide a fizzy, fruit-forward taste but will only remove the caffeine from the brewed green tea portion, not the concentrate.
Conclusion
In summary, the Dunkin Pink Spritz refresher is a lightly caffeinated drink, getting its energy boost from green tea extract and added B vitamins. A medium size contains approximately 99mg of caffeine, which is a moderate amount, especially when compared to Dunkin's stronger coffee options. While it's possible to alter the drink's caffeine level by requesting a non-green tea base, customers should be aware that a small amount of caffeine may still be present in the flavor concentrate. This drink provides a refreshing and flavorful pick-me-up for those who prefer a less intense energy boost. You can find more information on their official seasonal menu at news.dunkindonuts.com.
