The Dutch Bros Rebel (Get ALL the details on this popular drink!)
Dutch Bros has a cult-like following for their Rebel energy drinks. Whether you’ve never tried one and are looking for answers, or if you love them and just have a few questions, I’ve got your answers.
(Related: What’s featured for Dutch Bros fall drinks!)
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The Dutch Bros Rebel launched in 2012 and is an energy drink exclusive to Dutch Bros. When first launching, Travis Boersma, co-founder of Dutch Bros. Coffee, said:
“We’re stoked to be adding a Dutch Bros.-exclusive energy drink to our product line-up. After hours of testing and tasting, we landed on a flavor profile that beats every other energy drink on the market, perfect for both our infused energy drink recipes and, most importantly, our fans’ enjoyment. We know our customers are going to love the taste of Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel as much as we do.”
And over ten years later, the Rebel has lived up to the hype. It’s one of Dutch Bros’ most popular drinks.
The drink is available in regular or sugar-free and you can order it iced or blended. Most often a Rebel is ordered with extra flavors added, but you can get it plain.
It’s usually referred to as just a “Rebel” but the official name is “Blue Rebel.”
Ingredients
A Rebel is made up mainly of carbonated water and sugar. If you go for the sugar-free option, sucralose is substituted for sugar.
The drinks do have helpful additions including vitamins B6 and B12.
The ingredients for a regular Dutch Bros’ Rebel are:
Carbonated water, sugar, dextrose, citric acid, taurine, natural & artificial flavors, D-glucuronolactone, sodium citrate, caramel color, caffeine, preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate), inositol, niacinamide, pyridoxine HCL, D-Calcium pantothenate, yellow 5, vitamin B12.
Nutrition facts for a Rebel for 12 ounces (355 mL):
Calories: 160.
- Total fat: 0
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Total carbohydrate: 39 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Vitamin B6: 7.1 mg
- Vitamin B12: 6.8 mcg
- Pantothenic acid: 7 mg
The ingredients for a sugar-free Dutch Bros’ Rebel are:
Carbonated water, citric acid, taurine, natural & artificial flavors, D-glucuronolactone, sodium citrate, caramel color, caffeine, sucralose, preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate), inositol, niacinamide, pyridoxine HCL, D-Calcium pantothenate, yellow 5, vitamin B12.
Nutrition facts for a Sugar-Free Rebel for 12 ounces (355 mL):
Calories 10.
- Total fat: 0
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Total carbohydrate: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Niacin: 28 mg
- Vitamin B6: 7.1 mg
- Vitamin B12: 6.8 mcg
- Pantothenic acid: 7 mg
How much sugar is in a Rebel?
In a plain 12-ounce Rebel with no ice added, there are 39 grams of carbs with 37 grams of added sugar. If you add a flavor, it will increase the sugar amount. For instance, in a small Electric Berry Rebel, there are 49 grams of total carbs with 47 grams of added sugar.
How many calories?
In a plain 12-ounce can of Rebel with no ice added, there are 160 calories. In a plain 12-ounce can of sugar-free Rebel, there are 10 calories.
Of course, if you add any flavor, that will increase the calorie count. For instance, a small Electric Berry Rebel has 190 calories.
Caffeine content
A 12-ounce can of Rebel contains 114 mg of caffeine. Two shots of espresso contains 128 mg of caffeine, so a Rebel’s caffeine content is similar to drinking a medium-sized latte or breve.
How to order a Rebel at Dutch Bros
To order a Rebel at Dutch Bros, you need to decide on the size, if you want it iced or blended, and the flavor.
For instance, you can order a small Iced Aftershock Rebel. Then you would receive a 12-ounce to-go cup full of ice and the Rebel energy drink along with the Aftershock flavor profile of strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and lime.
If you ordered the same thing but said “blended” instead of “iced,” you’d receive a drink that was blended with ice, similar to a slushie.
When ordering at Dutch Bros they will make your drink in a to-go cup, so they can add ice and do any modifications like flavors or blended. You do not receive a can of the energy drink unless that’s specifically what you ask for.
I also have an article with full details on how to order and all the flavor options at Dutch Bros.
Is a Rebel the same as a Red Bull?
A Dutch Bros Blue Rebel and a Red Bull are not the same but are similar. Both are energy drinks and both do have similar ingredients and tastes, but they are separate, different products.
What does a Rebel taste like?
When I first started drinking Rebels, I didn’t realize how much of the flavor came from the base Rebel energy drink versus the added flavors.
Without added flavor, the Rebel has a bright, slightly citrusy flavor. It’s similar to your standard energy drink you can get anywhere.
When you add one of the many flavors, the drink takes on that taste but you will still get hints of the “energy drink flavor” too.
Is a Rebel carbonated?
Yes, the iced Rebels are carbonated. The blended Rebels are not carbonated.
Can I add soft top or whipped cream?
Many people love adding soft top or whipped cream to their Rebels. Personally, I’m not a fan of adding it to the iced version, it’s delicious on a blended Rebel.
How to make a Rebel at home
To make a Rebel at home, start with an energy drink. If you live near a Dutch Bros, they will sell you cans of their drink. If not, purchase a Red Bull or similar.
Dutch Bros uses Torani syrups, and you can purchase those syrups on Amazon or at many grocery stores or even Marshall’s or TJ Maxx.
Figure out what syrups your favorite Rebel uses, then add them to the energy drink. For a 12-ounce or 24-ounce drink, add one ounce total of syrup. For a 32-ounce drink, add two ounces total of syrup.
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Why do the blended rebels have more calories than the iced rebels?
I’d reach out to Dutch Bros directly, but I’d assume it’s because the mix they use to make them blended, combined with the amount of ice they use, makes it have more calories.