It’s 1:30 on a Wednesday afternoon. The student next to you has a clear plastic cup with a blue windmill on the side filled with an exuberant neon-colored drink. It is sitting on top of the desk, and it leaves its iconic wet ring when picked up.
If that sounds familiar, you were most likely looking at a “Rebel” made by the drive-thru coffee and drink company, Dutch Bros. A rebel is a caffeinated and highly sugared beverage you can get either iced or blended in many varying flavors.
“Dutch Bros on Giuntoli [Lane] has been one of the best experiences of my life,” senior Camden Narwold, commenting on the opening of a Dutch Bros location in Arcata said.
“I was told I could get a sticker if I went, and I have never stopped going.”
Narwold’s opinion on Dutch Bros is rivaled by longtime AHS Agriculture teacher Kelly Miller. ”I can not stand that when they’re sitting on the table,” Miller said. “the kids leave them there and there are rings of water everywhere.”
Dutch Bros drinks are uber popular around Humboldt County and the rest of California. However, they may not be the healthiest drink to consume in an excessive amount. A large plain blended rebel has 102 grams of total sugar according to the Dutch Bros website. Although a “sugar-free” version is also available.
The American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 36 grams of added sugar per day for a healthy adult male and 25 grams for a woman.
Deep-rooted Dutch Bros Employee and former AHS student Masion Gibb does have some concern for the health of customers.
“Sometimes me or a co-worker will see someone come in 2-3 times during a four-hour shift,” Gibb said.
“Each time they will get a large blended rebel and each one has 160 mg of caffeine while the safe daily amount is 400 mg, that and the sugar is quite worrisome.”
Like most food and beverages, moderation is important. “Some students will get them every day.” Kelly Miller said. “But I think that as long moderation is involved, I think that is good.”
Even though Dutch Bros may not be very nutritious, they do plenty of good for the community and often send employees to college with scholarships. “They do a lot with charity,” Gibb said. “I am going to college for free because of them.”
