Does the Passion Fruit Refresher Have Caffeine?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Starbucks' nutritional information, their Refresher beverages, including the former Pineapple Passionfruit variety, do contain caffeine. This often surprises many consumers who mistake the fruity, vibrant drinks for being entirely caffeine-free alternatives to coffee.

Quick Summary

This article explains that Starbucks Refreshers, including those with passion fruit flavoring, contain a moderate amount of caffeine sourced from green coffee extract. It details the caffeine content per size and compares it to other popular drinks, offering important considerations for those monitoring their caffeine intake.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: The passion fruit refresher contains caffeine derived from green coffee extract, not from roasted coffee.
Caffeine Amount: A Grande (16 oz) Starbucks Refresher typically has around 45–55 mg of caffeine, a moderate amount compared to coffee.
Size Variation: The caffeine content increases with the beverage size, from 35–45 mg in a Tall to 90–110 mg in a Trenta.
Not Caffeine-Free: Despite its fruity flavor, the drink is not a caffeine-free option, as the caffeine is part of the base mixture.
Consideration for Children: Due to the caffeine content, these drinks are not recommended as a caffeine-free choice for children.
Comparison: A Refresher has significantly less caffeine than brewed coffee but more than a hot chocolate.
Caffeine-Free Alternative: For a similar, caffeine-free experience, a Passion Tango herbal tea can be ordered.

Yes, The Passion Fruit Refresher Contains Caffeine

Contrary to a common misconception, the passion fruit-flavored Refreshers from Starbucks do contain caffeine. This applies to both the ready-to-drink canned versions and the in-store Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher, which was a version of the popular beverage. The caffeine is not added separately but is a key ingredient within the refresher base itself.

The Source of Caffeine: Green Coffee Extract

The caffeine in Starbucks Refreshers comes from an unexpected source: green coffee extract. Green coffee beans are simply unroasted coffee beans. Roasting is the process that develops coffee's rich, dark flavor, but it also alters the chemical composition. By using unroasted beans, the extract provides the caffeine boost without imparting a strong, roasted coffee flavor to the fruity drink. The extract is essentially a concentrated form of caffeine derived from coffee seeds, allowing Starbucks to create a fruity beverage that offers a mild energy lift.

Caffeine Content by Size

The amount of caffeine in a Starbucks Refresher, including the passion fruit varieties, is not consistent across all sizes and is significantly lower than a standard brewed coffee. For context, a Grande (16 oz) size of a Starbucks Refresher typically contains approximately 45–55 milligrams of caffeine. This compares to a much higher caffeine content in a brewed coffee of the same size, which can be over 300 milligrams. The total caffeine content for a Refresher depends on the serving size:

Tall (12 oz): 35–45 mg
Grande (16 oz): 45–55 mg
Venti (24 oz): 70–85 mg
Trenta (30 oz): 90–110 mg

These values can vary slightly depending on the exact flavor and whether the drink is made with additional ingredients like coconut milk or lemonade. It is important to note that you cannot order a Refresher without the caffeine, as it is mixed into the base syrup.

Refreshers vs. Other Starbucks Drinks

To put the caffeine level of a Refresher in perspective, it is useful to compare it with other popular Starbucks beverages. While the amount is low compared to coffee, it is still a notable quantity for individuals sensitive to caffeine or for parents ordering for children.

Comparison of Caffeine Content in Starbucks Beverages (Grande - 16 oz)


Beverage Category	Example Drink	Approximate Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Refreshers	Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher	45–55 mg	Made with green coffee extract.
Brewed Coffee	Pike Place Roast	315–390 mg	Much higher caffeine content.
Espresso-based	Latte/Cappuccino	~150 mg	Still significantly more caffeinated.
Teas (Iced)	Iced Matcha Tea Latte	~65 mg	Comparable to a Refresher.
Chocolate	Hot Chocolate	~25 mg	Less caffeine than a Refresher.
Energy Drinks	Iced Energy (Venti)	180–205 mg	Significantly higher than a Refresher.

What to Consider When Ordering a Refresher

If you are sensitive to caffeine or are ordering for someone who should avoid it, it is crucial to understand that Refreshers are not a caffeine-free option. While the amount is not as high as a cup of coffee, it can still have an impact. The fruity flavors can mask the presence of caffeine, leading to uninformed decisions. For a truly caffeine-free option, other drinks on the Starbucks menu are a better choice, such as some herbal teas, juices, or crème-based Frappuccinos. If you are looking for a hydrating beverage with a flavor profile similar to a Refresher but without the caffeine, you can ask for a passion tango iced tea with water and a sweetener, which is caffeine-free.

The Rise of Low-Caffeine Drinks

The popularity of drinks like the Passion Fruit Refresher highlights a broader trend in the beverage market towards low-caffeine options that still offer a slight energy boost. Many consumers want an alternative to high-octane coffee and energy drinks that provides a refreshing taste without the intense jolt. Green coffee extract has become a key ingredient in many such products, allowing manufacturers to control the caffeine level while retaining a mild and neutral flavor profile. This allows for a wider range of beverage types, including sparkling juices and fruit-flavored drinks, to contain caffeine without tasting like coffee. This trend caters to a diverse audience, from casual sippers to those who are sensitive to higher levels of caffeine.

Conclusion

In summary, any variety of Starbucks Refresher, including past and present flavors featuring passion fruit, contains caffeine. The energy boost comes from green coffee extract, an ingredient in the base syrup. While the caffeine content is considerably lower than that of standard coffee, it is not negligible, particularly for those sensitive to stimulants. Consumers should always be mindful of the ingredients in their drinks and consider a genuinely caffeine-free alternative if they need to avoid it completely.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/much-caffeine-really-favorite-starbucks-133000242.html

https://mindovermunch.com/recipes/drinks/cold-drinks/starbucks-pineapple-passionfruit-refresher/

https://cornercoffeestore.com/how-much-caffeine-in-starbucks-refreshers/

https://www.pepsicoproductfacts.com/Home/product?gtin=00012000046513

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7968726/starbucks-paradise-drink-and-pineapple-passionfruit-refresher/

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine in Starbucks Refreshers, including the passion fruit variety, comes from a natural green coffee extract. This extract is derived from unroasted coffee beans and provides a caffeine boost without imparting a strong coffee flavor.

No, you cannot order a standard Starbucks Refresher without caffeine. The green coffee extract is an essential ingredient premixed into the base syrup used to create the drink.

The amount of caffeine is moderate, typically 45–55 mg in a Grande size. It is significantly less than a standard brewed coffee but enough to affect those sensitive to caffeine.

A Refresher has considerably less caffeine than most traditional energy drinks. For example, a Grande Refresher has around 45–55 mg, whereas a Venti Iced Energy drink from Starbucks can have over 200 mg.

Because it contains caffeine, the passion fruit refresher is not the best choice for children, especially young kids and toddlers. Parents should consider truly caffeine-free options from the menu.

Yes, all standard Starbucks Refresher flavors, including the Mango Dragonfruit and Strawberry Açaí, contain green coffee extract and are therefore caffeinated.

A great caffeine-free alternative is the Passion Tango Herbal Tea, which offers a similar fruity flavor profile. It can be customized with water or lemonade for a refreshing, stimulant-free beverage.