Nutrition Facts: How many calories are in one refresher?

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Starbucks' official nutrition data, a Grande Strawberry Açaí Refresher contains 90 calories, with almost all coming from sugar. Understanding exactly how many calories are in one refresher is crucial for managing your sugar intake, as these popular beverages can be surprisingly high in sweeteners.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a refresher drink varies significantly based on brand, size, and added ingredients like lemonade versus a water base. A typical small or medium refresher ranges from 80 to 130 calories, but a large can contain over 200, with most of the energy derived from added sugars.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a refresher differs significantly by brand, size, and added ingredients, like switching a base from water to lemonade.
High Sugar Content: Most of the calories in branded refreshers come from added sugars, posing health risks like weight gain and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Starbucks vs. Dunkin': Starbucks Grande refreshers with a water base generally have around 90-100 calories, while Dunkin's small size is typically 80 calories.
Lemonade Adds Calories: Opting for a lemonade base in a refresher can increase the calorie count by 50% or more compared to a water base.
Healthier Swaps: To reduce sugar, order a smaller size, request a water base, ask for light sweetener, or choose naturally flavored alternatives like fruit-infused water or unsweetened tea.
Customization is Key: You can significantly lower the calories and sugar by customizing your drink, such as asking for a water base instead of lemonade or using sugar-free syrups.

The Calorie Confusion: Not All Refreshers Are Created Equal

When asking, 'how many calories are in one refresher?', it's important to understand that there is no single answer. The term 'refresher' refers to a category of fruit-flavored, often lightly caffeinated, beverages sold by various coffee and fast-food chains, with Starbucks and Dunkin' being the most popular. The calorie count depends on three main factors: the brand, the size, and the specific base used (e.g., water or lemonade).

Starbucks Refreshers Calorie Breakdown

Starbucks refreshers are well-documented, with a wide range of options that can significantly alter the final calorie count. For example, a standard Grande (16 fl oz) Strawberry Açaí Refresher has a modest calorie count, but adding lemonade or opting for a larger size drives the total upward.

Standard Refreshers (Grande, 16 fl oz):
- Strawberry Açaí Refresher: 90 calories
- Mango Dragonfruit Refresher: 90 calories
- Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher: 100 calories
Lemonade-Based Refreshers (Grande, 16 fl oz):
- Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refresher: 140 calories
- Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher: 140 calories
Larger Sizes:
- A Venti (24 fl oz) Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refresher contains 200 calories.
- A Trenta (30 fl oz) Strawberry Açaí Refresher contains 190 calories.

Dunkin' Refreshers Calorie Breakdown

Dunkin' offers its own line of refreshers, which also vary in calorie content depending on the size and added ingredients. While often a slightly lower-calorie option in smaller sizes, the sugar content remains a key consideration.

Original Refreshers (Small, Medium, Large):
- Small Strawberry Dragonfruit: 80 calories
- Medium Strawberry Dragonfruit: 130 calories
- Large Strawberry Dragonfruit: 170 calories
Coconut Milk Refreshers:
- These contain more calories than the standard versions, with a small ranging from 110-120 and a large up to 230 calories, depending on the flavor.

The Impact of Hidden Sugars and Liquid Calories

The primary nutritional concern with most refreshers is their high added sugar content. In a medium Dunkin' refresher, for instance, nearly all 130 calories come from sugar, with around 27 grams of added sugar. The CDC and Harvard School of Public Health highlight that sugary drinks are a leading source of added sugars in the American diet, contributing significantly to weight gain and chronic health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. A key issue with liquid calories is that the body doesn't register them in the same way as calories from solid food, meaning they don't produce the same feeling of fullness. This can lead to consuming more total calories throughout the day.

Choosing and Customizing Healthier Refresher Options

For those who love the taste of refreshers but want a healthier choice, customization is key. Many coffee shops offer modifications that can drastically reduce the sugar and calorie count. Furthermore, homemade versions provide complete control over ingredients.

Here are some tips for enjoying a healthier refresher:

Request a water base instead of the pre-mixed, sweetened base or lemonade.
Order a smaller size to automatically reduce your intake of both calories and sugar.
Ask for light sweetener or for the drink to be made without added syrups.
Choose unsweetened tea as a base and add your own fresh fruit slices for natural flavor.
Consider kombucha for a fizzy, probiotic-rich alternative that offers a lower sugar option.

Comparison Table: Common Refresher Calories


Brand	Flavor	Size	Calories	Sugar (approx.)
Starbucks	Strawberry Açaí Refresher	Grande (16 fl oz)	90	21g
Starbucks	Strawberry Açaí Lemonade	Grande (16 fl oz)	140	~32g
Starbucks	Mango Dragonfruit Refresher	Grande (16 fl oz)	90	19g
Dunkin'	Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher	Small	80	18g
Dunkin'	Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher	Medium	130	27g
Dunkin'	Pink Strawberry Coconut Refresher	Medium	~170-180	30g

Conclusion

The calorie count for 'one refresher' is not a single value but depends entirely on the brand, size, and formulation. While many refreshers, particularly those from Starbucks and Dunkin', have a moderate calorie count on their own, the significant amount of added sugar is the primary nutritional concern. These liquid calories contribute to health risks like weight gain and diabetes. By making smart customizations, such as opting for a water base or smaller size, or by choosing a naturally flavored alternative like infused water or unsweetened tea, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage without the high sugar load. For more information on reducing sugary drink consumption, consult resources like the CDC's Rethink Your Drink campaign.

Homemade Raspberry Lemonade Refresher (Lower Calorie Alternative): For a delicious, low-sugar option, try making a homemade version. Combine 1 cup of fresh lemon juice with 2 cups of coconut water, a handful of freeze-dried raspberries, and your choice of low-calorie sweetener. Blend until smooth for a personalized, healthier treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Grande (16 fl oz) Starbucks refresher, like the Strawberry Açaí, contains around 90 to 100 calories, with most of that energy coming from added sugars. However, adding lemonade or ordering a larger size will increase the total calorie count significantly.

In their smallest sizes, Dunkin' refreshers are slightly lower in calories (around 80 calories for a small). However, the calorie count increases with size and if a coconut milk base is added, with a medium reaching 130 calories.

The primary source of calories in most branded refreshers is added sugar from the fruit juice concentrates and syrups used to create the flavor. These liquid calories offer little to no nutritional value beyond a quick energy boost.

Yes, you can make a refresher healthier by asking for a water base instead of a sweetened one or lemonade, requesting less or no added syrup, and choosing a smaller size. You can also make your own at home using fruit and natural sweeteners.

Due to their high added sugar content, refreshers are not the best choice for weight loss if consumed regularly. Liquid calories from sugary drinks do not satiate as effectively as solid food, which can contribute to overall higher calorie intake. Opting for unsweetened beverages is a better strategy for weight management.

Healthy alternatives include making your own fruit-infused water, unsweetened iced tea, or kombucha. These options offer flavor and hydration with significantly less or no added sugar.

High consumption of added sugars is linked to a range of health issues, including weight gain, obesity, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. The rapid absorption of sugar from drinks can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes.