Does the Lime Refresher Have Caffeine? Your Answer Revealed

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

While standard fresh lime juice contains no caffeine, popular commercial versions like the former Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher were specifically formulated to include it. This might come as a surprise to those who assume a fruity drink is caffeine-free, but the answer to 'Does the lime refresher have caffeine?' is a nuanced one that depends on the specific product.

Quick Summary

The original Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher contained caffeine from green coffee extract, although the product is now discontinued in most regions. The exact caffeine level varied by size, and the extract provided a clean energy boost without a coffee flavor. Alternatives now exist for both caffeinated and caffeine-free lime-flavored drinks.

Key Points

Caffeine is Added: Lime juice itself is naturally caffeine-free, but commercial 'lime refreshers' often contain added caffeine from sources like green coffee extract.
Source is Green Coffee Extract: The caffeine in many popular refreshers, including the discontinued Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher, comes from unroasted green coffee beans.
Mild Caffeine Kick: Green coffee extract provides a moderate caffeine boost without the typical coffee flavor, making the drink taste purely fruity.
Discontinued Product: The original Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher was discontinued, though similar caffeinated and non-caffeinated options exist from various brands.
Homemade is Caffeine-Free: For a guaranteed caffeine-free lime drink, prepare a homemade version using fresh lime juice, water, and sweetener.
Read the Label: Always check the product label for caffeine information, as the presence of caffeine is brand-specific.
Caffeine Levels Vary: The caffeine content can differ significantly between commercial brands and drink sizes, so be mindful of your intake.

Unpacking the Caffeine in the Famous Lime Refresher

For years, the Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher was a popular choice for a light, fruity pick-me-up. Many customers were surprised to learn that this zesty beverage was not caffeine-free. The energy boost came from green coffee extract, derived from unroasted coffee beans. Unlike traditional coffee, this extract has a mild, almost undetectable flavor, allowing the vibrant lime notes to shine through while still delivering a moderate dose of caffeine.

The Source of the Boost: Green Coffee Extract

Green coffee beans are simply unroasted coffee beans. When roasted, coffee beans develop the rich, dark flavors and aromas we associate with coffee. The roasting process also changes the chemical composition, but the unroasted green beans still contain a significant amount of caffeine. By using an extract from these green beans, companies like Starbucks can add caffeine to their products without altering the flavor profile with a coffee taste. This innovation is key to the Refreshers line, which was designed to offer a different kind of energy boost than a traditional coffee or espresso drink. The caffeine content in these drinks is significantly lower than a standard brewed coffee, making them a gentler option for those sensitive to high levels of caffeine.

Discontinuation and Modern Alternatives

The beloved Cool Lime Refresher was eventually discontinued, much to the dismay of its fans who even started petitions to bring it back. However, the concept of a caffeinated lime beverage has persisted through other products and is still available in certain regions for limited times. Several brands have stepped in to fill the void with their own versions of caffeinated or non-caffeinated lime drinks. From sparkling waters to energy drinks, the market offers a wide range of choices for lime flavor enthusiasts.

Comparing Caffeinated Lime Refreshments


Product	Caffeine Source	Caffeine (mg) per 16oz	Typical Availability
Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher	Green Coffee Extract	~45-55 mg	Discontinued / Limited availability
TenziNG Lime & Mint	Green Coffee	~80 mg (250ml can)	Widely available online
Madrinas Charged Refresher	All-Natural Caffeine	~190 mg (16oz)	Widely available online
Panera Cherry Lime Fresca	N/A	Non-caffeinated (herbal tea base)	Selected Locations
Homemade Lime Refresher	Optional (Green Tea Extract)	Varies	DIY at home

Making Your Own Caffeine-Free Lime Refresher

For those who prefer to avoid caffeine or are looking for a more natural, sugar-free alternative, a homemade lime refresher is an excellent option. Since pure lime juice contains no caffeine, a simple blend of fresh lime juice, water, and natural sweeteners can create a delicious and refreshing drink. Many copycat recipes for the Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher rely on a combination of mint, cucumber, lime juice, and a little sweetener. By leaving out the green coffee extract, you can enjoy a flavorful, thirst-quenching beverage without the stimulating effects of caffeine. For an added layer of flavor, some recipes suggest infusing water with mint and cucumber slices for 15-20 minutes. For a caffeine-free boost, you can even add a shot of electrolytes or a pinch of vitamin-rich powder to your homemade mixture. This offers a healthy, customizable option that puts you in control of the ingredients and nutritional content.

Conclusion: A Matter of Brand, Not Fruit

In conclusion, the simple answer to 'Does the lime refresher have caffeine?' is not always straightforward. While the lime fruit itself is caffeine-free, many commercial 'refresher' products featuring lime as a primary flavor are formulated to include caffeine, most commonly from green coffee extract. Consumers should always check the label, especially for popular brands like Starbucks or Madrinas, which clearly state the presence of caffeine. For those who want the zesty taste of lime without the stimulant, a homemade recipe or certain non-caffeinated options provide the perfect solution. The key is to be an informed consumer and understand that the inclusion of caffeine is a brand-specific decision, not an inherent property of the citrus flavor itself. This knowledge empowers individuals to choose the drink that best fits their dietary needs and preferences. For those wanting a reliable energy lift, the caffeinated lime refresher delivers; for those seeking a pure, unadulterated fruit drink, a different approach is necessary. For those sensitive to caffeine, knowing the source is crucial, as the green coffee extract can still affect some individuals. A healthy adult can typically consume up to 400mg of caffeine daily, but individual tolerances vary. The important takeaway is to distinguish between the natural fruit and the brand-added ingredients.

Citations

Inside Halton. "Back in the limelight: Starbucks brings back fan-favourite for a limited time." Inside Halton, August 8, 2024.
Lifeboost Coffee. "How Much Caffeine Is in Starbucks Refreshers?" Lifeboost Coffee, September 19, 2025.
Madrinas. "Charged Refresher." Madrinas, Accessed October 18, 2025.
Mom makes dinner. "Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher." Mom makes dinner, April 11, 2023.
Reddit. "ISO Starbucks Cool Lime refresher recipe: r/MimicRecipes." Reddit, December 29, 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Cool Lime Refresher was discontinued by Starbucks in most regions, though it has made limited-time returns in some areas like Canada. It has been largely replaced by other refresher flavors.

Green coffee extract is a substance derived from unroasted, raw coffee beans. It contains caffeine but lacks the roasted flavor associated with traditional coffee, making it ideal for adding a mild stimulant to fruity drinks without altering the taste.

Yes, all standard Starbucks Refreshers are caffeinated. The caffeine is added via green coffee extract, and the amount varies by the size of the drink.

The caffeine content varied by size, but a Grande (16 oz) Refreshers typically contained between 45 and 55 mg of caffeine.

Yes, a homemade lime refresher using fresh lime juice, water, and other fruit is naturally caffeine-free. You can add your own source of caffeine or other energizing ingredients if desired.

The specific reasons for the discontinuation have not been officially detailed, but it is common for major food and beverage chains to rotate menu items. It was eventually replaced by newer flavors like the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher.

There are many alternatives available, ranging from other Starbucks Refreshers like Mango Dragonfruit and Strawberry Açaí, to other brands' caffeinated lime energy drinks, and simple homemade limeade recipes.