Shaken with ice and real pieces of fruit, Starbucks Refreshers have become a beloved choice for those looking for a non-coffee option at Starbucks. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: do they contain caffeine? As a proud barista and parent of a long-time Starbucks barista, I can confirm that this is a common inquiry that we receive almost daily. Today, I’ll reveal the truth about Starbucks Refreshers and their caffeine content.
Starbucks Refreshers Menu
- Strawberry Acai Refresher
- Strawberry Acai Lemonade
- Pink Drink (Strawberry Acai + Coconutmilk)
- Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
- Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade
- Dragon Drink (Mango Dragonfruit + Coconutmilk)
- Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher
- Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade
- Paradise Drink (Pineapple Passionfruit + Coconutmilk)
The Starbucks Refreshers menu offers a variety of lightly caffeinated fruit drinks.
Refreshers come in three flavors: strawberry acai, mango dragonfruit, and pineapple passionfruit. Each flavor can be combined with lemonade or coconut milk, or ordered plain, giving you a total of nine delicious options to choose from.
Do Starbucks Refreshers Have Caffeine?
Every single Starbucks Refresher beverage contains caffeine. According to Starbucks, a grande Refresher provides 45 to 55 milligrams of caffeine. To put this into perspective, a Starbucks iced coffee contains three times as much caffeine as a Refresher! Surprising, right?
See more : How Much Caffeine in a Starbucks Frappuccino Bottle? We Find Out For You
The caffeine in Refreshers comes from the three concentrated juice bases: strawberry acai, mango dragonfruit, and pineapple passionfruit. However, unlike coffee, the caffeine in Refreshers is not naturally occurring. It is added in a small amount. This means that you won’t experience the same intense caffeine jitters as you would with a strong cup of joe.
Source of Caffeine in Refreshers
The caffeine in Starbucks Refreshers comes from green coffee extract. But don’t worry, Refreshers don’t taste anything like coffee. The green coffee beans used in Refreshers are never roasted, which is what gives regular coffee its distinct flavor. Instead, Refreshers offer a fruity and refreshing taste with just a hint of caffeine.
How Much Caffeine is in a Starbucks Refresher
Specifically, handcrafted Starbucks Refreshers contain 2.9 to 3.4 milligrams of caffeine per fluid ounce. This means that a 16-ounce grande Strawberry Acai Refresher has at least 45 milligrams of caffeine, while a 24-ounce venti packs a minimum of 70 milligrams. It’s just the right amount to give you a well-deserved boost without overwhelming your senses.
- Caffeine Content by Drink Size:
- 12-ounce Tall: 35-45 mg
- 16-ounce Grande: 45-55 mg
- 24-ounce Venti: 70-85 mg
- 30-ounce Trenta: 90-110 mg
A 16-ounce grande Strawberry Acai Refresher has 45-55 mg of caffeine, which is the same as Pineapple Passionfruit and Mango Dragonfruit flavors.
Do All Flavors of Refreshers Have the Same Amount of Caffeine?
Yes, the caffeine content for all three flavors of Refreshers is identical. Whether you choose strawberry acai, mango dragonfruit, or pineapple passionfruit, you can expect the same amount of caffeine in each refreshing sip.
Do Regular, Lemonade, and Coconut Milk Refreshers Have the Same Amount of Caffeine?
Yes, the caffeine content remains the same regardless of how the concentrated juice base is combined. Whether you prefer plain, lemonade, or coconut milk as your Refresher mixer, you’ll still be getting the same level of caffeine. So go ahead and pick your favorite combination without worrying about any differences in caffeine content.
Can I Add More Caffeine to a Refresher?
See more : How Much Caffeine Is in a Starbucks Frappuccino?
As much as I would love to accommodate your caffeine cravings, Starbucks baristas cannot increase the amount of caffeine in Refreshers by adding more green coffee extract. However, if you’re looking for a little extra kick, there are a couple of options you can try:
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Order a Refresher with no or light ice: Decreasing the amount of ice will increase the amount of caffeinated juice and the other drink it’s mixed with (water, lemonade, or coconut milk). This will give you a bit more caffeine, though the barista will do their best to maintain the original drink ratio.
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Combine a Refresher with iced black tea or iced green tea: If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding iced black or green tea to your Refresher. This will give you an additional 15 milligrams of caffeine at most, bringing the total caffeine content to around 60 milligrams. Please note that fully replacing lemonade with iced tea can only be done by ordering in person.
Caffeine-Free Alternatives to Refreshers
If you’re in the mood for a cold, refreshing Starbucks drink that’s completely caffeine-free, I’ve got some great alternatives for you. Consider trying lemonade, Passion Tango iced tea, or a blended strawberry lemonade. Passion Tango tea, in particular, is an herbal iced tea that contains zero caffeine. It’s absolutely delightful when combined with lemonade. And for those craving a slushy-like sensation, a blended strawberry lemonade is the perfect choice.
Cheers to Your Favorite Starbucks Refreshers!
Now that you know the truth about Starbucks Refreshers and their caffeine content, you can confidently order your favorite fruity beverage. Whether you’re in need of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or simply want to treat yourself, Refreshers are there to satisfy your cravings without overwhelming you with caffeine. So head over to Chefwaynes-bigmamou and explore the exciting menu options available to you!
Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003
