Does Pink Drink Have Caffeine? Benefits, Caffeine & Calories

ByVibha Sharma . ✅ Reviewed By Cheryl Mussatto Hours Updated
  • Evidence based
  • Fact checked
starbucks pink drink

What is a Pink Drink | Ingredients | Caffeine in Pink Drink | Calories | Taste and Flavor | Is it healthy | Pink Drink Without Caffeine | Popular variations | Alternatives

If you’re a Starbucks regular, you possibly know of the Pink Drink, a refreshing and colorful beverage. But does Pink Drink have caffeine? 

What is a Pink Drink?

The Pink Drink is a type of iced beverage that is made with a base of Strawberry Acai Refresher, coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries.

The drink is known for its bright pink color and fruity flavor. It incorporates a natural green coffee flavor for a mild caffeine boost. 

The exact origin of the Pink Drink is unclear. It is believed to have originated from Starbucks baristas. It was possibly created as a non-coffee option that was not too sweet. 

Starbucks Pink Drink

The Starbucks Pink Drink is a popular beverage choice for anyone looking for a refreshing, flavorful iced drink. It has an eye-catching pink hue, and its unique combination of flavors makes it a favorite among Starbucks customers. It is part of the Starbucks secret menu.

The Starbucks Pink drink is made with a strawberry acai base with green coffee extract for a natural energy boost. 

Ingredients of the Pink Drink

The Pink Drink is made with the following ingredients:

  1. Strawberry Acai Refresher: This is the base of the drink, and it is made with a blend of strawberry, acai, and green coffee extract.
  2. Coconut Milk: This is a dairy-free alternative that gives the drink its creamy and smooth texture.
  3. Freeze-dried Strawberries: These are added to the drink as a garnish, and they provide a sweet and fruity flavor that complements the strawberry acai base.
  4. Ice: The drink is served over ice to make it cold and refreshing.

Does Pink Drink have caffeine?

Yes, the Pink Drink contains caffeine. 

The Strawberry Acai Refresher, which is the base of the drink, contains green coffee extract, a source of caffeine. This extract is an unexpected ingredient that is added to the drink to provide a natural energy boost. Green coffee extract(GCE) is a healthier alternative to regular coffee. Some studies have even observed that GCE might promote a little weight loss [1]National Library of Medicine: The Use of Green Coffee Extract as a Weight Loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials.

However, the caffeine content of the Pink Drink can vary depending on the size and the specific ingredients used.

The caffeine content is still considerably lower than(nearly 1/3 of)  other drinks like Starbucks iced coffee or cold brews. 

How much caffeine does the pink drink have?

According to Starbucks, a grande (16 oz) Pink Drink contains around 45 mg of caffeine. This is significantly less than a cup of coffee, which typically contains 95 mg of caffeine or more.

The amount of caffeine in a Pink Drink can vary depending on the size of the drink and the recipe used.

Calories in a Pink Drink

The number of calories in a Pink Drink can vary depending on the size of the drink and the specific recipe used. 

However, in general, a grande (16 oz) Pink Drink contains around 140 calories. This is relatively low compared to other Starbucks beverages.

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Pink Drink Taste and Flavor

The Starbucks Pink Drink has become a star of the Starbucks menu since its introduction a few years ago. Its natural ingredients like strawberry acai refresher base, coconut milk, and green coffee, make Starbucks Pink Drink healthy as well (comparatively). 

This refreshing beverage is not only visually appealing with its pink color, but it also offers a delicious taste and flavor.

  • Taste: Made with a Strawberry Acai Refresher base, it has a sweet and tangy taste that is complemented by a creamy finish. The addition of coconut milk gives it a subtle nuttiness, while the freeze-dried strawberries add a burst of tartness.
  • Flavor: In addition to its sweet and creamy taste, the Pink Drink at Starbucks also has a subtle floral and fruity flavor profile. The Strawberry Acai Refresher base provides a bright and tangy note, while the addition of coconut milk adds a smooth and nutty undertone. The freeze-dried strawberries offer a tart and crunchy texture, and the hint of hibiscus adds a delicate floral aroma to the beverage. 

Is the Pink Drink Healthy?

The Pink Drink is not necessarily a healthy beverage, but it can be a good option for those who are looking for a non-coffee alternative at Starbucks. It is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants due to the acai berries [2]ScienceDirect: Acai Berries. It also contains coconut milk [3]ScienceDirect: Coconut Milk, which is a good source of healthy fats. 

However, the drink contains added sugar which can push up your calorie intake if you consume it regularly. 

Does the Pink Drink Give You Energy?

Caffeine is a stimulant that is known to boost alertness and energy levels [4]HARVARD T.H. Chan: Caffeine. The Pink Drink does contain caffeine, which can provide a natural energy boost. 

However, the amount of caffeine in the Pink Drink is relatively low compared to other popular energy drinks like Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Ginger Ale and coffee beverages. If you are looking for a significant energy boost, you may want to consider other options.

Can You Make a Pink Drink Without Caffeine?

If you want to enjoy a Pink Drink without caffeine, it is possible to make a decaf version of the drink. To do this, you can ask your barista to leave out the green coffee extract. This will remove the caffeine from the drink while still allowing you to enjoy the fruity flavor and pink color.

While the Starbucks Pink Drink may be the most popular version of the Pink Drink, there are other variations of the drink that you can try. Some popular variations include:

  • Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher with Coconut Milk: This variation uses the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher instead of the Strawberry Acai Refresher for a slightly different flavor.
  • Pink Drink with Lemonade: This variation adds lemonade to the Pink Drink to give it a tart and refreshing twist.
  • Pink Drink with Vanilla: This variation adds vanilla syrup to the Pink Drink to give it a sweet and creamy flavor.
  • Pink Drink with Raspberry: This variation adds raspberry syrup to the Pink Drink for a fruity and sweet taste.
  • Mango Dragonfruit Pink Drink: This variation uses the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher instead of the Strawberry Acai Refresher and adds coconut milk for a tropical twist.

Alternatives to Pink Drink

If you want a low-caffeine Pink Drink, you can ask for half the amount of the Strawberry Acai Refresher or order a decaf version of the drink. You can also ask for a custom drink with non-caffeinated ingredients, such as herbal teas or fruit juice.

There are other alternatives available to those looking for a refreshing and fruity drink without caffeine. For instance: 

  • Violet Drink, made with the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher and coconut milk, with blackberries added for a unique twist.
  • Dragon Drink, made with the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher and coconut milk.
  • Iced Pineapple Green Tea Infusion, made with Teavana Green Tea, Pineapple Ginger syrup, and coconut milk.
  • Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade made with Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Peach Syrup, and lemonade for a sweet and tart flavor.
  • Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, made with Starbucks Cold Brew coffee and vanilla sweet cream for a creamy and smooth taste.

Conclusion

The Pink Drink has become a fan favorite among coffee and tea drinkers alike, offering a refreshing and slightly caffeinated alternative to traditional coffee and tea drinks. While the drink does contain caffeine, the amount is relatively low, making it a good option for those who want a pick-me-up without consuming too much caffeine.

Overall, there are plenty of variations and alternatives to the Pink Drink, whether you want a caffeine-free option or a drink with a little extra kick. As always, it’s important to be mindful of your caffeine intake and make modifications to fit your dietary preferences and needs.

References

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