The Surprising Source of Caffeine
Unlike traditional coffee or espresso drinks, the caffeine in the Sabrina strawberry Daydream refresher does not come from coffee beans. The caffeinated kick is derived from green tea extract, which is included in the pre-made fruit concentrate that forms the beverage's base. For customers trying to manage their caffeine intake, this is an important distinction, as the seemingly harmless fruit-and-cream-flavored drink has a stimulating effect. While the amount is significantly less than a large drip coffee, it is enough to keep many people awake, as social media posts from surprised customers have shown. This makes it crucial to be aware of the ingredients, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or are purchasing a drink for a child.
Caffeine Content Breakdown by Size
For those who enjoyed the limited-time refresher and want to be aware of their intake, the caffeine content varies depending on the size of the drink ordered. Dunkin' employees and menu information have previously broken down the caffeine amounts for their refresher line, providing a clear reference point for consumers.
- Small Refresher: Contains approximately 66mg of caffeine.
- Medium Refresher: Contains approximately 99mg of caffeine.
- Large Refresher: Contains approximately 132mg of caffeine.
What is the Sabrina Strawberry Daydream Refresher?
Released as a special summer offering in 2025 in collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, this drink gained a lot of attention. It is described as delivering "the nostalgic taste of strawberries and cream" in a rich yet light sip. The core ingredients include sweet strawberry flavor, creamy oat milk, and a generous layer of velvety cold foam on top. Its combination of fruity sweetness and creamy texture made it a popular treat during its limited run. For those who missed it, the oat milk and cold foam are the primary differences from Dunkin's standard Refreshers lineup, offering a distinctly different mouthfeel and flavor profile.
Comparison Table: Daydream Refresher vs. Dunkin' Coffee
To put the caffeine level into perspective, here is a comparison between a medium Sabrina strawberry Daydream refresher and a typical medium Dunkin' iced coffee.
| Feature | Medium Sabrina Strawberry Daydream Refresher | Medium Dunkin' Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine (Approx.) | ~99mg | ~224mg [Based on Dunkin' website data] |
| Caffeine Source | Green tea extract | Coffee beans |
| Primary Ingredients | Strawberry concentrate, oat milk, cold foam | Coffee, ice, milk/creamer/sugar (optional) |
| Flavor Profile | Creamy, sweet strawberries and cream | Strong, roasted coffee flavor |
| Caffeine Impact | Moderate energy boost, less than coffee | Significant energy boost, standard coffee strength |
Ordering a Caffeine-Free Alternative
Since the green tea extract is pre-mixed into the base concentrate, it is not possible to order the Sabrina strawberry Daydream refresher completely without caffeine. The base is a foundational ingredient, and removing it would fundamentally change the drink's taste and nature. However, for customers seeking a caffeine-free option, there are alternatives. A barista can create a custom, caffeine-free strawberry-flavored beverage using different ingredients like strawberry puree, milk, and ice. For a flavor profile similar to the Daydream refresher, one could request a custom order of oat milk mixed with strawberry flavor swirls and topped with cold foam, bypassing the caffeinated concentrate entirely. This provides a safe option for those who are caffeine-sensitive or prefer a decaffeinated treat.
Was This Drink Still Available?
As of summer 2025, Sabrina's Strawberry Daydream Refresher was released as a limited-time offering. Limited edition drinks like this are often available for a few months before being replaced by new seasonal items. If you are reading this article after its initial summer release, the likelihood of finding it on the menu is very low. This is a common practice for fast-food and coffee chains to generate buzz and keep their menu fresh. Those who enjoyed the drink during its availability will have to wait and see if Dunkin' brings it back for a future season, or they can try to recreate a similar taste with a custom order as described above.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on the Daydream Refresher
The short answer to "Does the Sabrina strawberry Daydream refresher have caffeine in it?" is a definitive yes. The caffeine comes not from coffee, but from a green tea extract blended into the fruit concentrate that serves as the base. With a medium containing approximately 99mg of caffeine, it's a moderately caffeinated drink, not a caffeine-free one. The drink itself was a limited-time summer 2025 special and was created by mixing the strawberry concentrate with oat milk and cold foam to create a strawberries-and-cream flavor. To avoid the caffeine, customers can ask for a custom drink creation using other ingredients, as the base concentrate cannot be served without its green tea extract. Therefore, it's important to know what's in your cup before you daydream with a sip.
For more details about the limited-edition release, you can review the official Dunkin' newsroom announcement.
