The energy drink wars just got a new contender. Starting April 7, Starbucks is introducing new Energy Refreshers that boost the tea- and fruit-based drinks’ caffeine while adding B vitamins.
“We are proud to use natural ingredients,” said senior vice president of global product experience Dana Pellicano. “It’s innovation and flavor without compromise. We want to make sure we can give customers choices they feel good about.”
The “the ultimate energizing pick-me-up” drinks will be available in any flavor on Starbucks’ Refresher menu (see below) and are now fortified with B-vitamins and offered with water, lemonade, or coconut milk.
At roughly two to three times the caffeine of a standard Refresher, which typically contains between 45 and 55mg, the Energy Refresher is a notably more powerful option.
New to the permanent menu Energy Refreshers are:
- Mango Strawberry Energy Refresher: A mango and strawberry drink hand-shaken with ice and freeze-dried strawberries, boosted with 125mg of caffeine in a grande and fortified with B-vitamins.
- Mango Strawberry Lemonade Energy Refresher: A mango and strawberry blend balanced with lemonade, hand-shaken with ice and real freeze-dried strawberries, and boosted with 125mg of caffeine in a grande and B-vitamins.
- Mango Dream Energy Refresher: A blend of mango, strawberry, and coconut milk hand-shaken with ice and real freeze-dried strawberries, boosted with 125mg of caffeine in a grande and B-vitamins.
Unlike caffeine—which stimulates the nervous system—B-vitamins support the body’s natural energy production processes. They are commonly found in energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster, and are often marketed as a way to reduce fatigue and support mental clarity.
These latest additions build on the initial spring menu released March 3, which centered on lavender-infused drinks like the lavender cream oatmilk matcha and the lavender oatmilk latte.
