Dunkin' Refresher Calorie Breakdown by Flavor and Size
Dunkin' Refreshers are a popular menu item made with a green tea extract base, B vitamins, and flavored concentrates. The calorie count is almost entirely determined by the fruit concentrate and the size of your drink, as the green tea base itself is naturally low in calories. The key takeaway is that while these are lower-calorie than many specialty coffee drinks, they still contain a significant amount of added sugar.
Strawberry Dragonfruit Green Tea Refresher
This popular flavor offers a tropical and fruity taste. The calorie information varies significantly depending on the size you choose.
- Small: 80 calories
- Medium: 130 calories
- Large: 170 calories
Most of these calories come directly from the sugar in the flavored concentrate. A medium, for instance, contains 29 grams of sugar.
Mango Pineapple Green Tea Refresher
With a similarly sweet and tropical profile, the Mango Pineapple Refresher offers comparable calorie counts to its Strawberry Dragonfruit counterpart.
- Small: 90 calories
- Medium: 130 calories
- Large: 170 calories
Like the other flavors, the calorie content is driven by the sugar. A large size contains 39 grams of sugar.
Customizing Your Refresher for Fewer Calories
If you are mindful of your sugar and calorie intake, there are a few simple ways to modify your Dunkin' Refresher order.
- Order with Water Instead of Green Tea: In some locations, you can ask for your refresher concentrate to be mixed with plain water or sparkling water instead of the caffeinated green tea base. This can drastically reduce calories and sugar, particularly in international markets where unsweetened options are explicitly listed.
- Request Less Concentrate: The flavored concentrate is the source of nearly all the calories and sugar. Asking for 'less concentrate' can lower the sugar content, though the drink's flavor will be less intense.
- Choose a Smaller Size: This is the most straightforward method. A small refresher has far fewer calories and sugar than a large, providing the same flavor in a more controlled portion.
- Add Unsweetened Flavor Shots: While the refresher concentrate itself is sweetened, you can add unsweetened flavor shots like blueberry, coconut, or vanilla to other low-calorie beverages for a flavor boost without the extra calories.
Nutritional Comparison: Green Tea Refreshers vs. Other Drinks
Comparing the nutritional data of Dunkin's Refreshers can help you make more informed decisions. The following table contrasts the medium-sized green tea refreshers with other popular Dunkin' beverages.
| Drink (Medium) | Calories | Total Sugars | Caffeine (mg) | Main Calorie Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher | 130 | 29g | ~99mg | Added Sugar |
| Mango Pineapple Refresher | 130 | 29g | ~99mg | Added Sugar |
| Iced Coffee w/ Cream & Sugar | 190 | N/A | High | Cream, Sugar |
| Iced Green Tea (Unsweetened) | 5 | 0g | N/A | N/A |
| Glazed Donut | 240 | N/A | 0mg | Dough, Sugar |
As the table shows, a green tea refresher has a moderate calorie count compared to other sugary drinks and treats on the menu, but it's significantly higher in sugar than an unsweetened green tea. Most of the calories in the refreshers are from added sugars, while an iced coffee with cream and sugar contains calories from both sugar and fat.
Caffeine Content in Green Tea Refreshers
All Dunkin' Refreshers are made with a green tea base and contain green tea extract, which provides a boost of caffeine. The amount of caffeine is less than a typical iced coffee of the same size but is still enough to provide an energy lift.
- Small: ~66mg of caffeine
- Medium: ~99mg of caffeine
- Large: ~132mg of caffeine
This caffeine content is a key feature of the refreshers, but those looking to avoid caffeine entirely should opt for a different beverage. The caffeine comes from the green tea extract, not the flavoring concentrate.
Conclusion
To determine how many calories are in a Dunkin' refresher with green tea, you need to consider both the flavor and size. A medium contains 130 calories, with other sizes and flavors having slightly different counts. While often seen as a lighter option, the high added sugar content means it's not a truly low-calorie drink. Customizing your order by choosing water as a base or opting for a smaller size can help manage your sugar and calorie intake.
Tips for a Lighter Dunkin' Refresher
- Ask for half the concentrate to reduce the sugar and calories while keeping some flavor.
- Try a customized alternative by adding unsweetened flavor shots to a plain, unsweetened iced green tea.
- Opt for the smallest size to enjoy the taste with minimal caloric impact.
- Consider a plain iced tea with a zero-calorie sweetener if you just want the green tea and caffeine kick.
- Explore other zero-calorie beverage options on the Dunkin' menu, like black coffee or espresso.
For more detailed nutritional information, you can always visit the official Dunkin' website.
