You're standing in a Dutch Bros line. The bass is thumping, the "broista" is more energetic than a toddler on a sugar rush, and you’re just trying to figure out if you have enough in your Venmo balance for a quick caffeine fix. Usually, people assume a "small" means "cheap." But at Dutch Bros, "small" is a relative term that depends entirely on whether you’re drinking something hot, iced, or blended with enough syrup to power a small city.
So, how much is a small Dutch Bros drink exactly?
Honestly, it’s not a flat rate. If you walk up and ask for a small black coffee, you’re looking at a completely different receipt than if you order a small Rebel energy drink with a "soft top" and extra drizzle. Generally speaking, in early 2026, a small drink at Dutch Bros will run you anywhere from $3.00 to $6.50.
That’s a big gap. Let’s break down why.
The Small Price Reality: It’s All About the Base
Prices at Dutch Bros aren’t just about the size of the cup; they are tiered by the complexity of what’s inside. If you're going for a "Dutch Classic"—think the Golden Eagle, Kicker, or Annihilator—you are paying for the espresso and the heavy hitters like half-and-half (breve).
- Classic Breves and Mochas: For a small, you're usually looking at $6.49.
- Classic Coffee (Lattes/Cold Brew): A standard small latte or plain cold brew is significantly cheaper, hovering around $3.50 to $4.95.
- The Energy Factor: A small Blue Rebel (their signature energy drink) typically starts around $5.90.
It’s kind of wild when you think about it. You could buy two small americanos for the price of one fancy Rebel. But nobody goes to Dutch Bros for "just coffee," do they? You go for the experience. The sticker shock usually happens when you start adding the "fun stuff." Want oat milk? That might be an extra buck. Want that creamy Soft Top? Add another $1.00.
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Why "Small" Doesn't Always Mean Small
Here is the part that trips everyone up: Dutch Bros has different "small" sizes depending on the temperature of your drink.
If you order a small hot drink, you are getting 12 ounces.
If you order a small iced or blended drink, you are getting 16 ounces.
Wait. 16 ounces? That’s literally a "Grande" at Starbucks. So, when you ask how much is a small Dutch Bros drink, you’re often paying for more volume than you’d get at other chains. This is why the $6.00 price tag on a small iced Golden Eagle feels a bit more justified—it’s actually a decent amount of liquid.
How Regional Pricing Changes Your Total
Dutch Bros is expanding faster than a sourdough starter in a warm kitchen. They just hit over 1,100 locations across 24 states. Because of this massive footprint, the price in a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, isn't going to be the same as a new shop in Los Angeles or a classic stand in Oregon.
Labor costs and "commodity volatility"—which is a fancy way of saying coffee beans got expensive—have forced prices up over the last year. In early 2026, we’ve seen management acknowledge that coffee costs are a major pressure. This means if you're in a high-cost-of-living area, you might see that "small" price tick up by another $0.25 or $0.50 compared to the national average.
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The Under $5 Club
Believe it or not, you can still escape Dutch Bros without spending a five-dollar bill. It just takes some strategy.
- The Kids’ Secret: You don’t have to be a child to order a "Kids’ Size." It’s a 10-ounce cup and usually costs around $3.55. It’s perfect if you just want a small Frost (their version of a milkshake) or a vanilla shake without the 500-calorie commitment.
- Tea and Soda: If you aren't a caffeine fiend, the teas and Dutch Sodas are the real budget hacks. A small tea can sometimes be found for under $3.00 depending on the location.
- The "Toasted" Cold Brew: Interestingly, some locations price the Toasted Cold Brew (which is hot) around $4.85 for a small.
Is the Small Rebel Actually a Good Deal?
The Rebel is the crown jewel of the Dutch Bros menu. It’s what keeps the college kids and night-shift workers coming back. But for a small, $5.90 is steep.
The reason? You’re paying for the proprietary energy blend. Unlike a latte, where the cost is mostly milk and a few cents of espresso beans, the Rebel is a branded product. When you add flavors like "Aftershock" (strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, lime) or "Electric Berry," you’re paying for the mixology.
Also, keep in mind that the "small" iced Rebel is 16 ounces. That’s a full pint of energy. If you’re looking for the best "bang for your buck" in terms of caffeine per dollar, the small Rebel actually beats out many of the espresso-based drinks.
Customization: The Price Killer
Here is a quick list of things that will quietly destroy your "small drink" budget:
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- Soft Top: ~$1.00
- Alternative Milks (Oat, Almond, Coconut): ~$0.50 - $1.00
- Extra Shots: ~$0.50 per shot
- Protein Milk: ~$1.00
If you take a $3.50 small latte and add oat milk, a shot of vanilla, and a soft top, you’ve suddenly turned a "cheap" drink into a $6.00 luxury. Honestly, the "broistas" are so friendly you might feel bad saying no to the add-ons, but those extras are where the profit margins live.
Why People Still Pay the "Dutch Tax"
Even with prices creeping up, Dutch Bros has a cult-like following. It’s the vibe. It’s the "Sticker Wednesdays." It’s the fact that they stay open late and the music is always loud.
When you ask how much is a small Dutch Bros drink, you aren't just paying for the 12 or 16 ounces of fluid. You’re paying for a brand that grew from a single pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon, to a multi-billion dollar company that still tries to feel like a local hangout.
The price of a small is high compared to a gas station coffee, sure. But compared to a high-end specialty cafe? It’s actually quite competitive. Just don’t go in expecting 2019 prices. The world has changed, and the cost of a Golden Eagle has changed with it.
Your Next Move at the Window
To get the most out of your next Dutch Bros run without emptying your wallet, follow these simple rules:
- Check the App First: The Dutch Rewards app is actually one of the better ones. You earn points surprisingly fast, and they often have "Double Point" days that get you to a free drink much quicker.
- Go Hot to Save Calories (and sometimes Cash): Because hot smalls are 12oz and iced smalls are 16oz, the hot version is occasionally cheaper by a few cents, and it definitely has less sugar since there's less room for syrup.
- Order a "Cold Pour" if you want no ice: If you want a small but don't want half the cup filled with ice, ask for a "cold pour." You'll get more actual drink, though some stands may charge a bit extra for the "no ice" convenience.
- Stick to the Basics: If budget is the priority, a small Americano or a Dutch Soda is the way to go. You still get the sticker, you still get the high-fives, but you keep your total under $4.00.
Bottom line: expect to pay about $5.00 for a standard "small" experience, but keep an extra two dollars handy if you're planning on going wild with the toppings.