Do Dunkin Refreshers Have Caffeine? (Levels Compared)

Refreshers are the perfect pick-me-up in the middle of a hot day, but have you ever wondered do Dunkin Refreshers have caffeine? 

Impressed by their taste and ability to boost our mood, we dived into the ingredients list of each. Read along to find out what we discovered.

Topics Explored

1. What Are Dunkin Refreshers?
2. What Is In The Dunkin Refresher?
3. Do Dunkin Refreshers Have Caffeine?
4. Caffeine Levels Compared
5. More Questions

Dunkin’s Refreshers are a new addition to their menu. They were introduced in the summer of 2020, almost a decade after their competitor Starbucks.

The refreshers were announced as a bright, fresh, and exciting product to lift customers’ moods during the long pandemic months. They are now available at most Dunkin’ locations across the country.

What is in the Dunkin Refresher?

The base of a Dunkin’ Refresher consists of iced green tea, fruit concentrate, and B vitamin. Green tea is the source of caffeine in the refreshers. 

The fruit concentrate is derived from water, sugar, natural flavors, and green tea extract. The type of fruit concentrate included in the refresher depends on the flavor choice.

So, Do Dunkin Refreshers Have Caffeine?

Yes, all Refreshers at Dunkin’ have caffeine. The caffeine comes majorly from the brewed green tea. However, the green tea extract is a more concentrated version of the tea, which means it packs a good punch of caffeine. ⁽¹⁾

Since these two ingredients are part of the drink’s base, there’s no option for a caffeine-free refresher.

Caffeine in Dunkin’ Refresher

Dunkin’ Refreshers pack the same amount of caffeine as brewed coffee or a shot of espresso.

Below you’ll find the caffeine amount in each size, although Dunkin’ discloses that the given caffeine amounts can vary depending on the brewing procedure and type of tea.

• Small (16 oz): 66 mg
• Medium (24 oz): 99 mg
• Large (32 oz): 132 mg

Dunkin’ Refreshers vs. Starbucks Refreshers Caffeine

At first glance, Starbucks Refreshers seem to contain half the caffeine of the Dunkin’ version. However, that’s due to the difference in volume. When compared in fluid oz, Starbucks refreshers are only 30% less caffeinated.

Starbucks Refreshers are less caffeinated mainly because they use green coffee extract, not green tea extract.

Caffeine in Dunkin Refreshers Compared to Other Drinks

Thinking of swapping your afternoon coffee order for a refresher in order to cut your caffeine intake? Then it’s good to know how the refreshers compare to your regular order. 

1. Dunkin’ Brewed Coffee

How Caffeinated Is It?

Compared to a Refresher, Dunkin’ brewed coffee contains 4.5 times more caffeine per fluid oz. The brewed coffee at Dunkin’ has one of the highest caffeine levels per fluid oz.

The reason behind the high caffeine content is in the brewing process, which lasts longer, so more caffeine gets released from the beans.

2. Iced Coffee

How Caffeinated Is It?

Compared to Dunkin’ Refresher, iced coffee at Dunkin contains 4 times more caffeine per fluid oz. However, iced coffee is essentially brewed coffee, so a high caffeine amount is expected. 

The slight decrease in caffeine comes from the inclusion of ice which dilutes the coffee and lessens the potency.

3. Cold Brew

How Caffeinated Is It?

Compared to Dunkin’ Refreshers, cold brew contains 2.5 to 3 times more caffeine per fluid oz.

The cold brew preparation takes between 12 and 18 hours of soaking the coffee beans, so the method naturally yields more caffeine.

4. Classic Cappuccino/ Latte

How Caffeinated Is It?

Unlike other coffees on the list, the cappuccino and latte at Dunkin’ contain one shot of espresso and steamed milk, which makes them less caffeinated.

When compared to a Refresher, lattes and cappuccinos contain 3 times more caffeine per fluid oz.

5. Iced Macchiato

How Caffeinated Is It?

A large iced macchiato at Dunkin’ almost hits the daily recommended amount of caffeine intake. It uses more espresso, which contributes to the high caffeine content even with the addition of milk and ice.

Compared to Dunkin’ Refreshers, iced macchiato contains 3.5 times more caffeine per fluid oz.

6. Iced Green Tea

How Caffeinated Is It?

Dunkin’s iced green tea is the most similar drink to the refreshers. Unlike the refreshers, the iced green tea doesn’t contain green tea extract, so it’s naturally less caffeinated.

Iced green tea contains 1.5 times less caffeine per fluid oz compared to a Dunkin’ Refresher.

7. Chai Latte

How Caffeinated Is It?

Chai latte is made with black tea, which has a higher caffeine content than green tea used in the refreshers.

Compared to a Dunkin’ Refresher, chai latte contains twice the caffeine per fluid oz.

8. Frozen Coffee

How Caffeinated Is It?

Frozen coffee might seem like an excellent idea for refreshment, but beware, as it’s packed with caffeine. It’s Dunkin’s drink with the highest caffeine levels per fluid oz. ⁽²⁾

Frozen coffee contains 5 times more caffeine per fluid oz when compared to a Refresher!

9. Americano

How Caffeinated Is It?

The Americano is a concoction of hot water and at least 2 shots of espresso. This drink is often deemed not caffeine-rich since the taste is not as pungent.

Surprisingly, the Americano has 3.5 times more caffeine per fluid oz than the Refreshers.

10. Iced Sweet Tea

How Caffeinated Is It?

Compared to Dunkin’ Refresher, iced sweet tea at Dunkin contains 1.5 times less caffeine per fluid oz.

Iced sweet tea at Dunkin’ is made using black tea, the most caffeine-packed teas. So how is it less caffeinated? The refreshers have the added green tea extract, which boosts the caffeine content. 

11. Dunkin’ Espresso

How Caffeinated Is It?

Dunkin’s espresso is more caffeinated than other brands. For comparison, an espresso shot at Starbucks has approximately 90 mg of caffeine, while the Dunkin’ one has 116 mg.

Compared to Dunkin’ Refresher, the espresso contains 15 times more caffeine per fluid oz.

Summary

Like many of you, we wondered do Dunkin’ Refreshers have caffeine and came to a clear answer. Although they contain less caffeine than most coffees, the refreshers are caffeinated. 

They’re still a good option to swap your iced coffee with, just watch your caffeine intake!

More Questions

Do Dunkin’ Coconut Refreshers have caffeine?

Yes, all Dunkin’ Refreshers have caffeine. They’re made with brewed green tea, green tea extract, and fruit concentrate. 

The combination of green tea and green tea extract resulted in refreshers having 66 to 132 mg of caffeine, depending on the size. Dunkin’ Refreshers are more caffeinated than the Starbucks version.

YOU MAY LIKE: 6 Types of Dunkin Coconut Refreshers

Does the Mango Pineapple Refresher at Dunkin have caffeine?

The Mango Pineapple Refresher at Dunkin’ contains 66 mg of caffeine for a small size, 99 mg for medium, and 132 mg for a large cup. ⁽³⁾

This Refresher is made using green tea, green tea extract, mango and pineapple flavored fruit concentrate, lemonade, or milk. It also contains some B vitamins for an added boost.

Do Dunkin Refreshers have more caffeine than coffee?

No, brewed coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, and espresso all contain more caffeine than the Dunkin’ Refreshers. Compared in fluid oz, espresso has 15 times more caffeine than a refresher, while cold brew has 2.5 times more caffeine. 

Iced coffee has 4 times the caffeine of a Refresher, while an iced macchiato is 3.5 times more caffeinated.