The Dunkin’ coconut refresher is a tasty summertime drink made with coconut milk and fruit flavors. But how many calories are actually in one of these refreshing beverages? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Dunkin’ coconut refresher nutrition facts and calorie count so you can make an informed decision next time you’re craving a cool, coconut-flavored sip.
What Is the Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher?
The Dunkin’ coconut refresher is a non-coffee specialty beverage offered seasonally at Dunkin’ locations across the United States. It was first introduced to menus in the summer of 2021 as a way for customers to enjoy a lighter, fruit-flavored drink as an alternative to Dunkin’s signature iced coffee and frozen coffee offerings.
The base of the coconut refresher consists of coconut milk mixed with either peach, strawberry, or blueberry fruit flavors. Dunkin’ describes it as a “bright and refreshing” beverage that combines the creaminess of coconut milk with sweet fruity flavors for the ultimate summer treat.
Customers can order a small, medium, large or extra large coconut refresher, adjusted with added customizations like extra fruit flavor or sweetener. The default sweetness level is Regular Sweet, but you can also order it Unsweetened or Extra Sweet.
Coconut Refresher Flavor Options
Dunkin’ offers three delicious coconut refresher flavors:
– Peach Passionfruit
– Strawberry Dragonfruit
– Blueberry Pomegranate
Each flavor combines the rich, creamy coconut milk with a blend of sweet fruits and fruit flavors. Let’s take a closer look at what gives each Dunkin’ coconut refresher variety its signature taste:
Peach Passionfruit: This refresher has flavors of juicy peach paired with tropical passionfruit for a refreshing, fruity flavor combo.
Strawberry Dragonfruit: Sweet strawberry flavor meets tangy dragonfruit in this vibrant pink refresher.
Blueberry Pomegranate: A mixture of sweet blueberries and tart pomegranate makes this purple refresher extra berry-licious.
No matter which fruity flavor you choose, the Dunkin’ coconut refreshers offer a bright, summery flavor infusion to help beat the heat. The key is the combo of creamy coconut milk with punchy fruit flavors for the ultimate taste of the tropics.
Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher Nutrition Facts
When considering the calorie and nutrition count of Dunkin’s coconut refresher, it’s important to remember that the exact values can vary depending on the size ordered and any customizations added. We’ll take a look at the nutrition facts for an unmodified medium (24 fl oz) serving of each flavor to get an idea of the calorie count and other key nutrients.
Here are the basic nutrition facts for a medium Dunkin’ coconut refresher:
Peach Passionfruit Nutrition Facts (Medium 24 fl oz)
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 44g
- Includes 42g Added Sugars
- Protein: 3g
Strawberry Dragonfruit Nutrition Facts (Medium 24 fl oz)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 42g
- Includes 40g Added Sugars
- Protein: 3g
Blueberry Pomegranate Nutrition Facts (Medium 24 fl oz)
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 44g
- Includes 42g Added Sugars
- Protein: 3g
As you can see, the calorie count of a medium Dunkin’ coconut refresher ranges from 250 to 260 calories, depending on the flavor. The coconut milk base provides saturated fat, while the fruit flavors and added sugars account for the high carbohydrate content.
The beverage is low in protein and does not offer any dietary fiber. A significant portion of the calories come from added sugars (40-42g per medium serving).
How Many Calories in Other Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher Sizes?
Keep in mind that the nutrition information provided above is specifically for a medium 24 fl oz Dunkin’ coconut refresher. If you order a larger or smaller size, the calorie and nutrient counts will vary.
Here is an overview of the approximate calorie content in other standard sizes of the Dunkin’ coconut refreshers:
Small (16 fl oz)
- Calories: 170-180
Medium (24 fl oz)
- Calories: 250-260
Large (32 fl oz)
- Calories: 330-340
Extra Large (40 fl oz)
- Calories: 410-420
As expected, the calorie count scales up as you order a larger size coconut refresher. An extra large serving with 40 fl oz contains over 400 calories.
Some other factors that can alter the calorie count include:
- Requesting no added sugar (“unsweetened” option): subtracts about 100 calories
- Asking for extra fruit flavor: adds roughly 10-20 calories
- Adding extra liquid cane sugar: tacks on around 30 calories per teaspoon
- Using non-dairy milk substitutions, like oat or almond milk, may slightly change calorie content
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the calorie count of the Dunkin’ coconut refresher into context, it’s helpful to understand general daily calorie needs. The number of calories a person should consume each day varies based on many factors like age, sex, height, weight, activity level, and health status.
Here are some approximate daily calorie targets for adults:
Women
- Sedentary (little or no exercise): 2,000 calories
- Moderately Active (light exercise 3-5 days/week): 2,200-2,400 calories
- Active (exercise 6-7 days/week): 2,400-2,800 calories
Men
- Sedentary (little or no exercise): 2,400 calories
- Moderately Active (light exercise 3-5 days/week): 2,600-2,800 calories
- Active (exercise 6-7 days/week): 3,000-3,200 calories
Based on these estimates, a medium Dunkin’ coconut refresher providing 250-260 calories would account for about 13% of a sedentary woman’s total daily needs and around 10-11% for a sedentary man. For more active individuals, it would supply a lower percentage of their higher caloric intake.
Comparing Calories in a Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher to Other Drinks
To better evaluate the calorie content of the Dunkin’ coconut refresher, let’s compare it to some other popular beverage choices:
| Beverage (12 fl oz serving) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Dunkin’ Iced Coffee with Cream and Sugar | 140 |
| Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino | 200 |
| Pepsi | 150 |
| Orange Juice | 110 |
| Coca-Cola | 140 |
| Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee Coolatta with Cream | 370 |
A medium Dunkin’ coconut refresher generally has more calories than iced coffee, juice, or soda. It has a calorie count comparable to many bottled coffee drinks and significantly less than frozen blended beverages.
So while the coconut refresher has a relatively high calorie density, a small or medium portion can be worked into most healthy diets in moderation. Those limiting sugar or calories may want to order their coconut refresher “unsweetened” or gradually transition to less added sweetener over time.
Comparing Nutrients in Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher and Coconut Milk
Since coconut milk is the key ingredient in Dunkin’s coconut refreshers, let’s also see how the nutrients compare between the two:
Nutrition Facts for 1 Cup of Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- Calories: 445
- Total Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition Facts for 24 fl oz (3 Cups) Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher
- Calories: 250-260
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 44-46g
- Protein: 3g
The full-fat coconut milk contains nearly 5 times more calories and fat than an equal portion of the Dunkin’ beverage. However, the coconut refresher delivers far more carbohydrates, mostly from added sugars.
So while coconut milk itself is high in calories and fat, diluting it and mixing it with fruit flavors significantly reduces its calorie density in the Dunkin’ coconut refresher.
Tips for Enjoying Dunkin’s Coconut Refresher While Managing Calories
Here are some tips for delighting in Dunkin’s tasty coconut refresher while keeping calories in check:
- Stick to small or medium sizes instead of large or extra large.
- Request the “unsweetened” version.
- Ask for only half the usual pumps of fruit flavor syrup.
- Skip sugary additions like flavored swirls or toppings.
- Treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday drink.
- Balance it out by having a lighter calorie meal or snack later in the day.
- Substitute with an unsweetened iced coffee or cold brew some days.
- Split a larger size with a friend instead of drinking a whole serving yourself.
Being mindful about sizes, customizations, and frequency of indulging in the Dunkin’ coconut refresher can help enjoy its great taste while keeping your daily calorie intake on track.
Should You Drink Dunkin’s Coconut Refresher If You’re Diabetic?
For people with diabetes, monitoring carbohydrate intake is key for managing blood sugar levels. The carbohydrates in Dunkin’s coconut refresher come primarily from added sugars rather than beneficial sources like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
A medium refresher contains 44-46g net carbs, mostly from sugar. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), women should aim for 45-60g carbs per meal, while men should target 60-75g.
So a medium Dunkin’ coconut refresher alone would provide nearly an entire meal’s worth of carbs – and mostly empty ones at that. Consuming this amount of added sugar on a frequent basis is not ideal for diabetics needing to carefully regulate carb intake.
However, an occasional small-sized coconut refresher may be able to fit into an overall healthy diabetes diet when paired with a balanced meal containing healthy carb sources. Moderating portion sizes, limiting frequency, and requesting less added sweetener can all help reduce the drink’s impact on blood sugar.
It’s best for diabetics to discuss meal planning strategies including beverage choices with their doctor or registered dietitian to determine if and how items like the Dunkin’ coconut refresher can be incorporated into their individual diet plans. Careful carb counting is key.
Low-Calorie Customization Options
If you love the coconut refreshers at Dunkin’ but want to lighten up their calorie load, there are a few simple ways to customize your order:
Ask for Unsweetened
Skipping the added sugars is the simplest route to calorie savings. Ordering your refresher “unsweetened” eliminates roughly 100 calories for a medium size. You’ll still get the flavor from the fruit concentrate without all the added sugar calories.
Request Half the Normal Syrup
Cutting the fruit flavor syrup pumps in half reduces some of the excess sugars without completely removing the fruity taste. For example, asking for 4 pumps instead of 8 in a medium drink can save you around 50 calories.
Try Sugar-Free Syrups
Opting for sugar-free flavored syrups like caramel, hazelnut or vanilla allows you to add different flavors without extra calories. Be mindful that artificial sweeteners may cause digestive issues for some people.
Go for Skim Milk
The default coconut milk adds calories and saturated fat. Subbing in skim or low-fat dairy milk significantly slashes the fat and calorie content. The taste won’t be as creamy, but it’s a good low-cal swap.
Request Light Ice
Less ice means you’ll get more of the flavored refresher liquid for the same size cup. A good way to cut calories without sacrificing portion size.
Split a Large Refresher
Sharing a bigger size is an easy way to halve the calories while still enjoying a good portion. Splitting a large refresher with a friend makes for a more moderate caloric indulgence.
The Bottom Line
Overall, a Dunkin’ coconut refresher contains roughly 250-260 calories for a medium 24 fl oz serving, depending on the flavor. The total calorie content scales up for larger sizes topping 400 calories for an extra large.
While these fruit-flavored refreshers are high in added sugars, the creamy coconut milk base lends a dose of satiating fat. Moderate portion sizes consumed occasionally can fit into a balanced diet for most healthy individuals. Customizing with lower sugar add-ins or splitting servings allows limiting calories while still enjoying these crave-worthy cool treats.
So don’t sweat the occasional Dunkin’ run for a refreshing coconut sip – just stick to smaller sizes, lighter customizations and proper portion control to keep calories in check. With some mindful modifications, you can quench your thirst with this sweet coconut drink while meeting your nutritional needs.
