How many calories does a Dunkin' refresher have?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a medium Dunkin' Refresher averages around 130 calories, but the exact number can vary significantly by flavor and size. This guide breaks down exactly how many calories does a Dunkin' refresher have and offers key insights for making a smarter drink choice.

Quick Summary

Dunkin' refresher calories vary by size and flavor, with a small containing around 80 calories and a large up to 170. These drinks contain sugar and caffeine from green tea, impacting overall nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The number of calories in a Dunkin' Refresher depends on the size and flavor, with a medium typically containing around 130 calories.
High Sugar Content: A significant portion of the calories in refreshers comes from added sugar, which can impact blood sugar levels.
Caffeine from Green Tea: All refreshers contain caffeine sourced from a green tea extract base, with levels increasing with the drink's size.
Not Low-Calorie: Compared to unsweetened tea or coffee, refreshers are not a low-calorie drink option.
Customization for Health: For a lighter option, you can order a smaller size or ask for less flavor base to reduce calories and sugar.
Lighter Alternatives: Unsweetened iced green tea or a black coffee are significantly lower-calorie alternatives available on the menu.

Dunkin' Refresher Calories by Size and Flavor

For those watching their caloric intake, understanding the nutritional information for Dunkin's popular Refreshers is essential. These drinks, made with a flavored fruit concentrate and green tea, are marketed as a lighter, fruity option, but their calorie and sugar content can be substantial. The calorie count is directly tied to the drink's size and the flavor you choose, as both the sugar content and concentration of the flavor base can differ.

Core Flavors: Calorie and Sugar Breakdown

While Dunkin' often rotates its flavor offerings, the staple Strawberry Dragonfruit and Mango Pineapple refreshers provide a clear picture of the typical calorie range. All Refreshers derive their energy from sugar, containing no fat and minimal protein.

For context, consider the standard nutritional facts for a single medium serving:

Strawberry Dragonfruit: Approximately 130 calories and 27g of sugar.
Mango Pineapple: Around 130 calories with 29g of sugar.

The sugar content in a medium refresher is noteworthy; health experts point out that the 27-29 grams of sugar is a significant portion of a person's recommended daily intake. It is this added sugar, not fat, that is responsible for the calorie count in these beverages.

Green Tea Base and Caffeine

Every Dunkin' Refresher contains green tea extract, which is the source of its caffeine content. The caffeine amount scales with the drink size, providing a mild to moderate energy boost. A small refresher has about 66mg of caffeine, while a medium provides around 99mg. This is a consideration for anyone who is sensitive to caffeine or is consuming other caffeinated products during the day.

Refresher vs. Other Dunkin' Drinks: A Comparison

To put the calories of a Refresher into perspective, it's helpful to compare them to other popular items on the Dunkin' menu. While not the highest-calorie item, they aren't the lowest either, especially when considering the amount of sugar they contain relative to their size.

Dunkin' Drink Nutritional Comparison (Medium Size)


Drink	Calories	Sugar (g)	Key Nutritional Insight
Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher	130	27	Moderate calorie count, all from sugar.
Iced Coffee (Unsweetened)	~5	0	Very low calorie, base for healthy customization.
Hot Coffee with Cream & Sugar	~190	Varies	A bit higher in calories and fat than refreshers.
Pumpkin Spice Latte (iced)	358	40	Significantly higher in both calories and sugar.
Frozen Coffee with Caramel Swirl	1120	High	One of the most calorically dense options.

This table highlights that while a Refresher is a lighter choice compared to a frozen coffee, it still packs a significant sugar punch compared to a basic iced coffee.

Customizing Your Dunkin' Refresher for Lower Calories

For those seeking a healthier version of their favorite Refresher, there are several modifications you can make to reduce calories and sugar. Many people opt for customizing their drinks to align with their dietary goals.

Customization tips for a lighter Refresher:

Order a Smaller Size: Choosing a small instead of a medium instantly reduces your calorie and sugar intake. For instance, a small Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher has 80 calories compared to 130 in a medium.
Ask for Light Base: Request less of the flavored concentrate to reduce the sugar content, asking the barista to "go light" on the mix.
Add Coconut Milk (Temporarily Offered): Dunkin' has offered a Coconut Refresher series in the past. While this may increase calories slightly, it was an option for a different flavor profile. Note that the coconut milk versions generally have more calories than the standard green tea based options.
Opt for Unsweetened Tea: For a true low-calorie and low-sugar alternative, order an unsweetened iced green tea with a splash of fruit juice or a sugar-free flavor shot instead of the Refresher base.

The Bottom Line on Dunkin' Refresher Calories

While refreshing and flavorful, Dunkin' refreshers are not a low-calorie or low-sugar beverage option, with all their calories coming directly from added sugar. A medium size contains over 100 calories and close to 30 grams of sugar, which can contribute significantly to daily sugar limits. Individuals monitoring their blood sugar or aiming for a lower-calorie diet should consider these factors and explore customization options or alternative menu items.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive nutritional information, it is always best to consult Dunkin's official resource Dunkin' Nutrition and Allergen Information.

Conclusion

Dunkin' refreshers are a sweet, caffeinated treat with a calorie count that places them in the mid-range of the menu's beverages. They are certainly less calorically dense than the super-sweet frozen drinks, but much higher in sugar than basic coffee or unsweetened tea options. By being mindful of your size and flavor choice, and considering simple customizations like reducing the flavor base, you can better manage your intake of calories and sugar while still enjoying a tasty beverage from Dunkin'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to highly sugary or cream-based frozen drinks, refreshers are a lighter option. However, with a medium containing around 130 calories, they are not a low-calorie beverage, especially when all the energy comes from sugar.

A medium-sized Dunkin' Refresher, such as the Mango Pineapple flavor, contains approximately 29 grams of sugar. This is a considerable amount and contributes to the drink's total calorie count.

Yes, Dunkin' refreshers have caffeine. They are made with a green tea base, providing an energy boost. A medium refresher typically contains around 99mg of caffeine.

A small-sized refresher is the lowest calorie option. The Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher in a small size contains approximately 80 calories.

To reduce calories, order a smaller size or request less of the flavored concentrate. Opting for an unsweetened iced tea with a flavor shot is a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative.

Dunkin' Refreshers typically contain a brewed green tea base, a flavored fruit concentrate with sugar, and often include added B vitamins for energy.

Refreshers are significantly lower in calories than Dunkin's Frozen Coffees. For example, a medium Refresher has about 130 calories, while a medium Frozen Coffee with Caramel Swirl can have over 1,100 calories.