Quick Answer: Do Dunkin Refreshers Have Caffeine?
Yes, Dunkin Refreshers do indeed contain caffeine.
It comes from green tea extract, not coffee. You can expect a small to have about 65 mg of caffeine, a medium to have around 95 mg, and a large to have up to 130 mg. The amount actually varies a bit depending on the size of cup you choose, not the flavour.
But it’s not just the caffeine that counts – the amount of sugar also plays a big role in how that energy spike plays out – and then crashes.
If you’re keeping an eye on caffeine levels, pregnant, or just generally sensitive to stimulants, and you’re trying to avoid that pesky mid-afternoon energy crash, here’s what you really need to know.
What Goes Into Dunkin Refreshers?
So what’s in those Dunkin Refreshers? They’re basically iced drinks with a fruity twist, made from:
- Green tea extract (the source of caffeine)
- Fruit flavourings – the kind you find in syrups
- A fair amount of sugar
- Ice
- And you can choose to have them made with either green tea, lemonade or coconutmilk (some versions do have those options)
Important: Even if you choose lemonade or coconutmilk, your Dunkin Refresher will still have caffeine, since the green tea extract is part of the mix.
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What’s Green Tea Extract, and Why Do They Put It In Dunkin Refreshers?
Green tea extract is basically a concentrated mix of compounds that you get from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant – it’s the same one that’s used to make green and black tea.
Instead of brewing up a cup of tea, the manufacturer extracts and concentrates all the good stuff – including caffeine, as well as some plant antioxidants and small amounts of amino acids.
So when they add extract to the drink it’s like getting a controlled hit of caffeine – the kind that doesn’t change from day to day.
Why Do They Use Green Tea Extract?
There are a few good reasons why companies use extract instead of just brewing up the tea:
- So You Know Exactly How Much Caffeine You’re Getting
Extract lets them get caffeine levels just right every time – no matter where you buy it or where you go.
- It Doesn’t Change the Taste
Green tea has a bit of a grassy taste that can overpower the fruit flavours – the extract gets rid of that, so the fruit flavours get to shine.
- It’s Easier to Store and Transport
The extract is a lot easier to get into syrups and concentrates, which makes it a lot easier to mass-produce.
Does Green Tea Extract Do the Same Job as Brewed Tea?
Nope – not exactly.
- A standard cup of brewed green tea: that’s maybe 25 to 45mg of caffeine
- Extract-based green tea drinks: these can be a lot stronger
So a medium Dunkin Refresher might seem like it’s got more caffeine than a normal cup of tea.
Is Green Tea Extract Any Healthier Than Coffee?
It’s all about the context.
Green tea extract does contain antioxidants called catechins – but let’s not get too carried away. The truth is:
- Most sweetened green tea drinks don’t have a huge amount of catechins
- And if you’re drowning your drink in sugar, it’s probably not doing you any real favours
So while tea is the base, the drink starts to feel a lot like a sugary energy drink – not a traditional green tea at all.
Are You Worried About Green Tea Extract?
If you’re a healthy adult with a normal lifestyle, a moderate amount of caffeine isn’t going to kill you (the FDA says up to 400mg a day is fine).
However, some people have had liver issues when taking high doses of concentrated green tea extract from supplements. Don’t worry though, the amounts in commercial drinks are a whole lot lower.
The trouble with Refreshers isn’t so much the extract – it’s the overall caffeine and sugar content.
How Much Caffeine Is In Dunkin Refreshers?
According to Dunkin’s nutrition info, the amount of caffeine is more dependent on the size of the drink than the actual flavour.
Caffeine by Size
| Size | Approximate Caffeine | Comparable To |
| Small (16 oz) | ~65 mg | 1 espresso shot |
| Medium (24 oz) | ~95 mg | 8 oz brewed coffee |
| Large (32 oz) | ~125–130 mg | Moderate coffee |
For Context:
- 8 oz brewed coffee: ~95 mg
- 12 oz cola: ~35 mg
- 8 oz energy drink: 70–100 mg
A large Dunkin Refresher can contain more caffeine than some energy drinks.
You may like to know: Does Olipop Have Caffeine?
Sugar & Calories by Size
Caffeine gets the attention—but sugar drives the crash.
| Size | Caffeine | Sugar | Calories |
| Small | ~65 mg | ~27 g | ~130–150 |
| Medium | ~95 mg | ~39 g | ~180–200 |
| Large | ~125–130 mg | ~48 g | ~230–260 |
Values vary slightly by flavor and base.
To put this in perspective:
- 39 g sugar = about 10 teaspoons
- A medium Refresher has similar sugar to a can of soda
Why Dunkin Refreshers Pack a Caffeine Punch – Even When There’s No Coffee
The caffeine in Dunkin Refreshers comes from green tea extract, not from a cup of tea. To be more specific, green tea extract is made from the concentrated compounds found in Camellia sinensis. It’s this concentration that means you can get a decent kick of caffeine even in something as fruity as a lemonade Refresher.
The upshot is:
- Even lemonade versions still contain caffeine
- Coconut milk versions still have a boost
- They won’t taste like coffee, but they’re still going to get your nervous system buzzing
How That Caffeine in Your Refresher Affects Your Body
What Happens to Your Body Over Time
- Within 15-45 minutes: You start to feel more alert
- 1-2 hours in: That caffeine kicks in proper
- 3-5 hours after consumption: It starts to wear off
- And eventually: You might even get a dip in energy levels
Some people are more sensitive than others and might notice:
- Their heart starts racing
- They get a bit anxious
- They fidget around
- Or disrupt their sleep (especially if they have one too late in the day)
The Sugar + Caffeine Crash – What’s Really Going On
Caffeine gives your nervous system a bit of a wake-up call.
Sugar causes a big spike in blood glucose.
Together, they can cause a real rollercoaster effect:
- A rapid energy boost
- A big surge in insulin
- And then 1-3 hours later: A crash, and fatigue or irritability to follow
Lots of people blame the caffeine for the crash, but the blood sugar drop is often the real culprit here.
Caffeine Limits for Teens & Pregnant Women
The FDA Recommends
For healthy adults, the FDA reckons up to 400mg a day is fine.
If You’re Pregnant
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises keeping caffeine to around 200mg a day.
A large Dunkin Refresher packs in over half of that in a single serving.
For Teens
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that adolescents should limit caffeine to no more than about 100mg a day.
Which means:
- A medium Refresher is getting close to your limit
- A large might just tip you over
People often forget that Refreshers don’t taste like coffee – and so can underestimate just how much of a stimulant they contain.
How Dunkin Refreshers Compare to Starbucks Refreshers
| Drink | Small Caffeine | Medium | Large |
| Dunkin Refresher | ~65 mg | ~95 mg | ~125–130 mg |
| Starbucks Refresher | ~35–45 mg | ~45–70 mg | ~70–90 mg |
Starbucks uses green coffee extract instead of green tea extract.
In most sizes, Dunkin Refreshers contain more caffeine.
Do Dunkin Refreshers Cause an Energy Crash?
Theres a good chance they can – especially if :
- You drink them when your stomach is empty
- You’re the kind of person who gets a sugar rush followed by a crash
- You go for the larger size
- You’re sipping on one close to bedtime
How to Reduce the Crash
- Try going for a small size instead of the biggest one
- Pair it with some real food like eggs, nuts or yogurt to help slow it down
- Drink some water alongside it to help balance things out
- Don’t rely on Refreshers as your main energy boost – its just not a good strategy
If steady focus is what you’re after, black coffee or unsweetened tea is usually your best bet.
Who Should Be Careful?
You might want to watch out if you’re :
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- A teenager or younger
- Got anxiety issues
- Got some concerns with your heart rhythm
- Having trouble sleeping
People often underestimate the caffeine in Refreshers because they don’t taste strong, so be careful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Dunkin Refreshers have more caffeine than soda?
Yeah they do – even the small ones have just about double the caffeine of a standard cola.
- Can you get a caffeine-free Dunkin Refresher?
No way – the green tea extract in all the standard versions has caffeine in it.
- How long does the caffeine from a Refresher last?
Different people will get different effects, but generally its about 3 to 6 hours before it starts to wear off.
- Are Dunkin Refreshers stronger than Starbucks Refreshers?
Generally yeah, Dunkin’s have a bit more caffeine per size.
- Are Dunkin Refreshers safe during pregnancy?
Technically they can fit within the 200mg daily limit, but watch out if you’re on a larger size or you have trouble controlling your drinking.
- Are Dunkin Refreshers healthier than soda?
Nutritionally they’re about the same – lots of sugar and a bit more caffeine.
- Do Dunkin Refreshers contain artificial sweeteners?
Not in the standard versions – they use sugar instead.
- Do Dunkin Refreshers keep you awake?
Yeah they can, especially if you’re drinking a large one in the afternoon or evening.
- Does flavor change the caffeine amount?
No – its all about the size, not the flavor of your Refresher.
The Bottom Line
Yeah, Dunkin Refreshers do contain caffeine – a whole lot of it in fact. But for lots of people the real problem is the sugar – not the caffeine.
They’re okay as an occasional treat, but don’t rely on them as your daily energy boost. That’s not a good plan at all.
If you want steady energy, good sleep, and fewer crashes, try this instead : moderate caffeine timing, lower sugar intake and balanced meals with protein and fiber. That’ll do you a whole lot more good than any refresher.
