Nutrition Diet: How much caffeine is in Dunkin Donuts?

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

For those monitoring their intake on a nutrition diet, it is important to know that a medium brewed coffee from Dunkin' contains approximately 210 mg of caffeine. Understanding how much caffeine is in Dunkin Donuts? beverages is key for managing your daily consumption and making informed choices to support your wellness goals.

Quick Summary

This article details the caffeine content across Dunkin's popular beverage menu, including brewed coffee, cold brew, and espresso drinks. It provides a comparative analysis of different drink sizes and types, offers guidance on healthy consumption, and explores the potential health implications of excessive caffeine intake for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Know the numbers: A medium brewed coffee from Dunkin' has 210 mg of caffeine, while a medium Cold Brew has 260 mg, and a medium Energy Cold Brew has a very high 378 mg.
Size matters: Caffeine content scales significantly with drink size. A large iced coffee can contain nearly 400 mg of caffeine, close to the 400 mg daily limit recommended by the FDA.
Be mindful of specialty drinks: Espresso-based drinks like macchiatos and americanos contain more caffeine than lattes. Refreshers and teas also contain caffeine, so check the content.
Practice moderation: Stick to smaller sizes, especially when consuming multiple beverages per day, to manage overall caffeine intake.
Hydrate and customize: Remember to drink plenty of water alongside your coffee. Opt for decaf options or customize your drink to reduce calories and caffeine.
Track your total intake: The 400 mg daily caffeine limit is a general guide. Individuals have varying sensitivities, so be aware of how much you are consuming from all sources, including energy drinks and tea.

For many, a daily coffee from Dunkin' is a morning ritual. However, when managing a nutrition-focused diet, the caffeine content of your favorite beverage can be a significant factor. Unlike a homemade cup where you control the grounds and brewing time, the amount of caffeine in a Dunkin' drink varies considerably based on the type of beverage, the size, and the preparation method. Knowing these values is the first step toward balancing your caffeine fix with your health goals.

Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Caffeine Breakdown

The caffeine levels at Dunkin' can range from moderate to very high. For most healthy adults, the FDA recommends limiting daily caffeine intake to 400 mg. A single large beverage can put you close to or even over this limit, making it crucial to understand the specifics.

Brewed Coffee and Iced Coffee

The classic brewed coffee is a staple, but its caffeine levels scale up significantly with size. A small brewed coffee has about 150 mg of caffeine, while a medium contains 210 mg. The larger 20 oz. and 24 oz. sizes can contain 270 mg and 330 mg, respectively. Iced coffee typically has slightly higher caffeine per volume due to its brewing process. A large iced coffee, for instance, can contain up to 398 mg of caffeine, nearly hitting the daily recommended maximum for some.

Cold Brew and Energy Cold Brew

Cold brew is steeped for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, highly caffeinated concentrate. A medium (14 oz.) cold brew at Dunkin' contains about 260 mg of caffeine. The "Energy Cold Brew" ups the ante by adding an extra shot of espresso, bringing the caffeine count in a medium to a very potent 378 mg.

Espresso-Based Drinks

Espresso-based drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and americanos are made with one or more shots of espresso. A single shot of Dunkin' espresso contains 75 mg of caffeine. A medium macchiato, which contains multiple shots, has around 284 mg, while a medium latte is lower at 166 mg. This variation is important for those controlling their caffeine dose.

Other Caffeinated Offerings: Refreshers and Tea

Don't overlook other menu items. A small (16 oz.) Dunkin' Refresher contains about 96 mg of caffeine, while a large has 192 mg. In comparison, a black tea has significantly less, with an 8 oz. cup containing around 65-105 mg, depending on the steep time.

How to Incorporate Dunkin' into a Healthy Nutrition Diet

Here are some practical tips for enjoying your Dunkin' favorites while adhering to your nutritional guidelines:

Moderation is key: Be mindful of your total daily intake. Having a medium brewed coffee in the morning and a large cold brew in the afternoon could put you well over the 400 mg limit.
Prioritize smaller sizes: Choosing a small over a large can significantly reduce your caffeine consumption and associated jitteriness or sleep disruption.
Be mindful of extras: Specialty drinks often contain high amounts of sugar and calories in addition to caffeine. Customizing your order with unsweetened alternatives or sugar-free syrups can make a big difference.
Don't forget water: Drinking water alongside your caffeinated beverage can help you stay hydrated, as caffeine can act as a diuretic.
Consider decaf: Dunkin' offers decaf options for both brewed coffee and espresso drinks, which have only trace amounts of caffeine. This is a great way to enjoy the flavor without the stimulant effects.

Comparison of Dunkin' Caffeine by Drink Type (Medium Size)


Drink Type	Medium Size (approx.)	Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Brewed Coffee	14 oz.	210 mg	Standard hot coffee
Iced Coffee	24 oz.	297 mg	Standard iced coffee
Cold Brew	14 oz.	260 mg	Smooth, concentrated brew
Energy Cold Brew	14 oz.	378 mg	Extra espresso shot
Latte	14 oz.	166 mg	Espresso with steamed milk
Macchiato	14 oz.	284 mg	Espresso with steamed milk (more shots)
Americano	14 oz.	284 mg	Espresso and hot water
Refresher	144 mg	144 mg	Based on a medium size

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices at Dunkin'

Navigating the caffeine content of popular coffee shop menus is a key part of maintaining a mindful nutrition diet. The significant variation in caffeine levels at Dunkin' means that a single visit can lead to a moderate energy boost or a powerful jolt that impacts sleep and anxiety. By paying attention to drink types and sizes and using the guidelines above, you can confidently integrate your Dunkin' run into a healthy lifestyle without negative consequences. For complete nutritional information, always consult Dunkin's official website or their provided nutrition guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most caffeinated drink is the Energy Cold Brew. A medium size contains 378 mg of caffeine, which is close to the FDA's recommended daily limit of 400 mg for most healthy adults.

Overall, Dunkin's drinks tend to be slightly lower in caffeine compared to comparable sizes at Starbucks. For example, a medium Dunkin' brewed coffee has 210 mg, while a comparable 16 oz. Starbucks brewed coffee has around 315-390 mg.

Yes, Dunkin' offers both brewed decaf coffee and decaf espresso. These options contain only trace amounts of caffeine, making them suitable for those who are sensitive or want to limit their intake.

Excessive caffeine consumption, especially above 400 mg daily, can lead to side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, increased heart rate, and digestive issues. It's important to monitor your intake and be aware of your body's sensitivity.

You can reduce the caffeine in your drink by ordering a smaller size, choosing a decaf option, or opting for a lower-caffeine beverage like tea or a Refresher. Being mindful of the extras, like espresso shots, is also key.

While lower in caffeine than their espresso and cold brew drinks, Dunkin' Refreshers still contain a notable amount. A medium Refresher has 144 mg of caffeine, a considerable amount for a fruity beverage.

A macchiato typically contains more espresso shots and less milk than a latte. Since the espresso provides the caffeine, the drink with more shots will have a higher caffeine content.