How much caffeine is in a Dutch energy drink?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a healthy adult can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. For those who frequent Dutch Bros, their signature "Dutch energy drink" is the Rebel, which comes in various forms and sizes, with its caffeine content varying depending on the specific serving. Understanding the caffeine levels in these drinks is crucial for managing your daily intake and avoiding potential side effects.

Quick Summary

This guide details the caffeine content of Dutch Bros' Rebel energy drinks, comparing it to other popular caffeinated beverages and explaining how the amount can vary by serving size and preparation. It provides important context on safe caffeine consumption limits.

Key Points

Canned vs. In-Store Rebels: A canned Dutch Bros Blue Rebel contains a moderate 80 mg of caffeine, while the caffeine in made-to-order Rebels increases with size.
Varying Caffeine Levels by Size: The caffeine content in in-store Rebels ranges from 80 mg (small) to 160 mg (large), with medium falling in between at 114 mg.
Comparison with Competitors: A large Dutch Bros Rebel (160 mg) has the same caffeine as a 16-ounce Monster or Rockstar, but significantly less than drinks like Bang (300 mg).
Customization Increases Caffeine: Adding shots of espresso to a Rebel dramatically increases its total caffeine content, turning it into a very high-caffeine beverage.
Consider Sugar Content: Many flavored Rebels have high sugar levels from syrups and toppings, which can lead to a sugar crash. Sugar-free options are available for those monitoring their sugar intake.
FDA Guidelines: The FDA recommends a daily caffeine intake of no more than 400 mg for healthy adults, and it is important to track total consumption from all sources.

The Dutch Bros Rebel: A Closer Look at Caffeine Content

Dutch Bros is well-known for its wide selection of customizable beverages, including its proprietary energy drink, the Rebel. The Rebel comes in several varieties, including a pre-packaged can known as the Blue Rebel and the made-in-store Rebel that is mixed with various syrups. The caffeine content serves as the primary energy source in these drinks, much like it does in other commercial energy beverages.

Caffeine in the Canned Blue Rebel

For those who prefer a grab-and-go option, the Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink is available in an 8.4-ounce can. This canned version contains 80 mg of caffeine, a moderate amount that is comparable to other similar-sized energy drinks on the market, such as Red Bull. The 8.4-ounce can provides a specific caffeine dose, offering predictability for customers monitoring their intake.

Caffeine in In-Store Rebels

When ordering a Rebel from a Dutch Bros shop, the caffeine content is determined by the specific serving size. The base for these mixed drinks is the same Rebel energy blend found in the cans, and a standard small size typically contains the same 80 mg of caffeine. However, the caffeine amount increases with the size of the drink. Former Dutch Bros employees have confirmed that the caffeine content scales with volume.

Caffeine Breakdown by In-Store Rebel Size

Small (16 oz): Contains 80 mg of caffeine.
Medium (24 oz): Contains approximately 114 mg of caffeine.
Large (32 oz): Contains approximately 160 mg of caffeine.

This variation means that a large Rebel contains twice the caffeine of a small one, a crucial detail for consumers to be aware of. Unlike the uniform 80 mg in the canned version, the made-to-order drink offers more potent options.

Customization and Potential for Higher Caffeine

Dutch Bros is famous for its customizable drinks, and the Rebel is no exception. While the Rebel energy blend provides the base caffeine, additional shots of espresso can be added to any drink, including a Rebel. This practice can significantly increase the total caffeine content, potentially bringing it into the high-caffeine category alongside drinks like the infamous Dutch Bros ER-911, which contains six shots of espresso. Customers should be mindful that extra additions can drastically alter the final caffeine level.

Comparison of Dutch Bros Rebel vs. Other Popular Caffeinated Drinks

To put the caffeine content of a Dutch Bros Rebel into perspective, it helps to compare it with other common energy drinks and coffee beverages. This table provides a side-by-side view of the caffeine levels per standard serving size.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Dutch Bros Rebel (Canned)	8.4 oz	80	Pre-packaged for consistency
Dutch Bros Rebel (Large)	32 oz	160	Doubled from the small size
Red Bull	8.4 oz	80	Directly comparable to the canned Blue Rebel
Monster Energy	16 oz	160	Contains the same caffeine as a large Rebel
Bang Energy	16 oz	300	A very high-caffeine option
Brewed Coffee	8 oz	95	A standard cup is a bit more caffeinated than a small Rebel
Starbucks Coffee	16 oz (Grande)	315–390	Varies significantly depending on brew

As the table shows, a Dutch Bros Rebel falls into a moderate caffeine category when compared to some of the most potent energy drinks available. However, a large Rebel is equivalent in caffeine to a standard 16-ounce can of Monster or Rockstar.

Potential Health Considerations of Rebel Consumption

While consuming a Dutch Bros Rebel in moderation is generally considered safe for healthy adults, several factors should be considered, especially regarding the total caffeine and sugar intake. Excessive consumption of energy drinks has been linked to side effects such as insomnia, increased heart rate, headaches, and anxiety.

Additionally, many Rebel drinks prepared at a Dutch Bros location can be loaded with sugar from flavored syrups and other toppings like 'soft top' or drizzles. This high sugar content can lead to a quick energy spike followed by a crash, and regular intake can contribute to weight gain. Customers concerned about sugar should opt for the sugar-free Rebel base and specify their preferred sugar-free flavors.

Conclusion

In summary, the caffeine content in a Dutch energy drink, specifically the Dutch Bros Rebel, varies from 80 mg in an 8.4-ounce canned Blue Rebel to 160 mg in a large (32 oz) made-to-order Rebel. This moderate caffeine level positions it similarly to Red Bull but significantly lower than high-potency energy drinks like Bang or Reign. However, the customizable nature of Dutch Bros drinks means the caffeine and sugar content can increase substantially with added espresso shots or sugary syrups. For those monitoring their caffeine or sugar intake, understanding these variations is key to making an informed choice. Ultimately, enjoying a Dutch Bros Rebel in moderation is a safe option for a flavorful energy boost.

Here is an authoritative source on caffeine: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. A large (32 oz) Dutch Bros Rebel has about 160 mg of caffeine, which is comparable to some brewed coffees, but a standard 8 oz cup of brewed coffee has slightly more caffeine than a small (16 oz) Rebel.

A small (16 oz) Dutch Bros Rebel contains 80 mg of caffeine, the same amount found in the pre-packaged Blue Rebel cans.

The Blue Rebel can uses the same base energy blend as the in-store Rebel, but the in-store drinks can have higher caffeine levels depending on the size and any additional espresso shots.

A large (32 oz) Dutch Bros Rebel contains approximately 160 mg of caffeine, which is double the amount found in the smaller sizes.

Adding syrups and flavors to a Rebel does not change the amount of caffeine. However, adding extra shots of espresso will increase the caffeine content significantly.

Yes, Dutch Bros offers sugar-free Rebel energy drinks. Customers can choose a sugar-free Rebel base and customize it with sugar-free flavors.

An 8.4 oz canned Dutch Bros Blue Rebel has 80 mg of caffeine, which is almost identical to the 80 mg found in a similar-sized can of Red Bull.