Dunkin' Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher Calorie Breakdown
The Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher from Dunkin' is popular for a fruity, caffeinated beverage. The calorie count depends on the size. Each increase in size also means more sugar. These refreshers primarily contain a flavored concentrate, green tea, and ice. Although Dunkin' promotes the drink as having B vitamins and energy from green tea, its high sugar content is important for anyone watching their intake.
Calorie and Sugar Content by Size
The calories in the standard Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher go up with each size. This is mainly due to the sugar from the fruit concentrate. It's important to know the difference between this and the Strawberry Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher, which has many more calories from the lemonade base.
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Small Refresher: This size has 80 calories and 18 grams of sugar. It's the best option for those who want the flavor with the least impact on their daily intake. The caffeine is about 66 mg.
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Medium Refresher: The medium size contains 130 calories and 27 grams of sugar. This is a big increase from the small, almost doubling the sugar. It contains about 99 mg of caffeine, similar to a regular cup of coffee.
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Large Refresher: The largest size has 170 calories and 37 grams of sugar. This sugar intake is nearing the daily limits for many people. The caffeine level rises to 132 mg.
Comparison of Standard vs. Lemonade Refresher
For a comparison, consider how lemonade changes the nutritional profile. This is important for those who like the lemonade version but watch their calorie and sugar intake.
| Feature | Standard Refresher (Medium) | Lemonade Refresher (Medium) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal | 230 kcal |
| Total Sugars | 27g | 54g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29g | 56g |
| Caffeine | ~99 mg | ~99 mg |
As the table shows, swapping the green tea base for lemonade nearly doubles the calories and sugar in a medium drink. This is key when ordering.
How to Reduce Calories and Sugar
If you love the flavor but want a healthier option, you can customize your order to lower the sugar and calories. These changes can make a big difference without changing the taste.
- Order a smaller size: Choosing a small over a medium or large is the simplest way to reduce both calories and sugar.
- Ask for fewer pumps of concentrate: Refreshers use a fruit concentrate. Requesting fewer pumps reduces the sugar and calories.
- Use the green tea base: Always choose the standard green tea base and avoid the lemonade version to prevent a big sugar increase.
- Add a splash of diet lemonade: If you want some citrus, ask for a splash of diet lemonade instead of the full-sugar version.
- Opt for unsweetened iced green tea: The lowest-calorie and sugar-free choice is plain iced green tea. Add your own sweetener or a sugar-free flavor shot if available. You can also add fresh fruit from home for a natural flavor boost.
Conclusion
The number of calories in a Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher from Dunkin' varies with size, from 80 calories (small) to 170 (large). The high sugar content from the fruit concentrate causes this. To reduce calories and sugar, avoid the lemonade version, which nearly doubles the calories. Choosing your size and customizing your order can help you enjoy this drink while meeting your health goals. The refresher is best as a treat rather than a daily beverage, especially in larger sizes.
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Disclaimer: Always check Dunkin's official nutrition information for the latest values, as recipes and menu items can change.
How to make a DIY Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher
For those who want to control their ingredients and nutrition, making a homemade version is a good choice. Here is an easy recipe that captures the flavor with less sugar and calories:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooled brewed green tea
- 1/4 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup frozen or fresh dragonfruit
- Ice
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener to taste
- Optional: Splash of coconut milk for creaminess
Instructions:
- Put the green tea, strawberries, dragonfruit, and your sweetener in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the mixture over the ice.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier texture, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh fruit and enjoy your homemade refresher!
This recipe offers the taste of the fruit without the extra sugar of the fast-food version, making it a refreshing and healthy treat.
