Understanding the Dutch Bros Rebel Caffeine Content
When considering how much caffeine is in a Rebel coffee, it's crucial to first clarify what a Rebel is. A Rebel is not a traditional coffee drink but rather a signature energy drink created by Dutch Bros. It is the base for their flavored, energy-infused beverages and is available in iced, blended, and can forms. The caffeine content is not uniform across all these options but instead changes depending on the size and preparation method.
The most common starting point for Dutch Bros' Rebel drinks is their 8.4-ounce Blue Rebel energy drink can, which contains 80 mg of caffeine. This is often the base for a small iced Rebel. However, Dutch Bros prepares their larger in-store Rebels using larger cans or a concentrate, which proportionally increases the caffeine. The caffeine per serving is not a flat number but a calculation tied directly to the drink size and format.
Iced Rebel Caffeine Breakdown by Size
For iced Rebel drinks made in-store, the caffeine content is determined by the size of the cup. A small iced Rebel contains the same amount of caffeine as the standard 8.4-ounce can. Medium and large sizes contain proportionally more caffeine, delivered through larger cans or the Rebel concentrate.
- Small Iced Rebel: 80mg
- Medium Iced Rebel: 114mg
- Large Iced Rebel: 160mg
It's also possible to increase the caffeine further. A former Dutch Bros employee on Reddit mentioned that additional Rebel shots (concentrate) can be added, each containing roughly 10mg of caffeine. This customization allows customers to fine-tune their energy boost.
Blended Rebel Caffeine Breakdown by Size
The blended Rebel drinks follow a similar pattern but have slightly different caffeine amounts due to the preparation method. During the blending process, the Rebel concentrate is mixed with water and flavoring, which can slightly alter the per-ounce caffeine amount.
- Small Blended Rebel: ~80mg
- Medium Blended Rebel: ~120mg
- Large Blended Rebel: ~160mg
Rebel vs. Coffee: A Comparative Look
Many people confuse a Rebel with a coffee drink, but their caffeine content and ingredients are quite different. Dutch Bros' traditional coffee-based drinks often have varying levels of caffeine depending on the number of espresso shots. In contrast, the Rebel's caffeine is from its specific energy drink formula, which includes other ingredients like taurine and B vitamins.
| Feature | Rebel Energy Drink | Standard Brewed Coffee | Dutch Bros Espresso Drinks | Dutch Bros 9-1-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Source | Proprietary energy drink formula (Rebel Concentrate or Can) | Brewed coffee beans | Espresso shots | 6 shots of espresso |
| Small (8-12 oz) Caffeine | 80mg | ~95mg (8oz serving) | Varies, e.g., 95mg (Small Mocha) | N/A |
| Large (16-32 oz) Caffeine | 160mg (16oz) | Up to 320mg+ (large serving) | Varies, e.g., 190mg (Large Mocha) | ~384mg (6 shots) |
| Key Ingredients | Carbonated water, sugar, taurine, B vitamins, caffeine | Water, coffee beans | Milk, espresso, flavoring | Espresso, milk, flavoring |
| Availability | Iced, blended, canned | Hot, iced | Hot, iced | Hot, iced, blended |
| User Consideration | Alternative for non-coffee drinkers seeking an energy boost | Standard morning caffeine boost | Espresso-based coffee drink | Extremely high caffeine option |
As the table shows, a large Rebel has a substantial amount of caffeine, but it is not the most potent drink available at Dutch Bros. The infamous ER-911, with six shots of espresso, contains significantly more caffeine.
How to Verify Caffeine Content
For the most accurate information, particularly for drinks with custom additions, it's best to consult the Dutch Bros nutrition guide on their official website or ask a broista directly. Due to changes in sourcing and ingredients, especially with concentrate vs. cans, the exact values can vary slightly. However, the general ranges by size remain consistent.
Conclusion
While the Dutch Bros Rebel is a caffeinated drink, it is not a traditional coffee product. The amount of caffeine in a Rebel varies by size, with a standard canned version containing 80mg. In-store Rebels, both iced and blended, contain more caffeine in larger sizes, maxing out at 160mg for a large. Compared to some of Dutch Bros' potent espresso-based drinks like the 9-1-1, a Rebel is a moderate-to-high caffeine option. Always check the official nutritional information or ask your broista for the most current data, especially when adding extra shots for a customized energy boost. For further information, visit the official Dutch Bros website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much caffeine is in a small iced Rebel from Dutch Bros?
A: A small iced Rebel from Dutch Bros contains 80 mg of caffeine. This is equivalent to the caffeine content in one of their standard 8.4-ounce Blue Rebel cans.
Q: What is the caffeine content of a large blended Rebel?
A: A large blended Rebel contains approximately 160 mg of caffeine, which is on par with the caffeine in a large iced Rebel.
Q: Is Rebel coffee a real coffee?
A: No, the Dutch Bros Rebel is not a coffee drink. It is an energy drink that serves as the base for many of Dutch Bros' flavored energy drink concoctions.
Q: How much caffeine is in an extra Rebel shot?
A: According to information from former Dutch Bros employees, a single additional Rebel shot (concentrate) contains roughly 10 mg of caffeine. This customization allows customers to fine-tune their energy boost.
Q: How does Rebel caffeine compare to a regular coffee?
A: The caffeine in a Rebel is generally comparable to or less than a standard cup of brewed coffee, especially when considering Dutch Bros' espresso-based drinks. A large Rebel has 160mg, while a large Dutch Bros Double Torture coffee has 190mg.
Q: Does a sugar-free Rebel have the same amount of caffeine?
A: Yes, the sugar-free Rebel energy drink contains the same amount of caffeine as the regular version in a similar size.
Q: What is the highest caffeine drink at Dutch Bros?
A: The highest caffeine drink on the Dutch Bros menu is the 9-1-1, which features six shots of espresso and contains significantly more caffeine than any Rebel drink, at roughly 384mg.
