Starbucks cold brew (grande) has more caffeine than Dunkin Refresher (medium) on both counts: 205mg per 16 oz grande against 99mg per 24 oz medium, and about 13mg per fluid ounce against 4. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.
Starbucks cold brew (grande) vs Dunkin Refresher (medium): the numbers
| Starbucks cold brew (grande) | Dunkin Refresher (medium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 205mg per 16 oz grande | 99mg per 24 oz medium |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 12.8mg | 4.1mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.0 | 4.0 |
Sources: Starbucks cold brew (grande)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks cold brew (grande) caffeine guide against Starbucks menu data (source); Dunkin Refresher (medium)'s figure is verified in our Dunkin Refresher (medium) guide against Tasting Table / Dunkin figures (source).
The concentration gap is the striking part: Starbucks cold brew (grande) packs roughly 3 times the caffeine per ounce. Sipping speed matters at that density; a 16 oz grande finished in minutes hits differently than the same milligrams spread over a slow cup.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Dunkin Refresher (medium) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks cold brew (grande) when you actually need the bigger hit and know your tolerance. If you are stacking either with other caffeinated drinks through the day, run the math against the 400mg reference rather than guessing.
For context, the FDA cites 400mg of caffeine a day as an amount generally not associated with negative effects in healthy adults. Tolerance and health vary, so treat these numbers as information, not advice.
Related reading
- Starbucks cold brew (grande): the full caffeine guide
- Dunkin Refresher (medium): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does Starbucks cold brew (grande) or Dunkin Refresher (medium) have more caffeine? Starbucks cold brew (grande): 205mg per 16 oz grande versus 99mg per 24 oz medium for Dunkin Refresher (medium).
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks cold brew (grande), at about 12.8mg per fluid ounce versus 4.1mg for Dunkin Refresher (medium).
Comparing caffeine? The caffeine comparison tool puts hundreds of drinks side by side, and the caffeine curfew calculator can check your cutoff time for tonight.