Picture this: it's a hot summer day, and you're sweltering. There's only one carbonated beverage that can quench away your thirst--did you think of 7-Up too? Well, we're the same.
This lemon-lime soda is my best friend when it comes to scorching hot days. However, there's one thing that's keeping me away from my BFF – caffeine.
Unfortunately, I need to keep my caffeine intake down, and for caffeine-sensitive people, you know what I mean.
Here’s what I’ve found about whether this refreshing lemon lime soda contains caffeine or not!
Does 7-UP Contain Caffeine? (The Quick Facts)
Good news, my thirsty folks, our favorite lemon-lime soft drink, 7-Up, doesn't contain caffeine.
Yes, you’ve read that right. Unlike other soft drinks like Pepsi, Coke, and Mountain Dew, this refreshing beverage is caffeine-free.
So, no need to worry about getting the jitters, especially if you’re caffeine sensitive.
However, I still recommend you drink this caffeine-free soda moderately. According to a study, consuming high amounts of sodas is linked to the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
It suggested that these drinks lead to weight gain due to their high sugar content and the body's inability to adequately compensate for the calories consumed in liquid form.[1]
On top of that, consuming high amounts of sugar in a short span can cause blood sugar to spike.
When blood sugar levels fall quickly after the initial sugar rush, the body's counter-regulatory response can sometimes trigger hypoglycemia symptoms, including nausea.[2]
So, even if this lemon lime-flavored soda doesn't contain any caffeine at all, it's still not safe to drink it daily or in large amounts.
Other 7-Up Varieties & Their Caffeine Levels
7-Up Zero Sugar
If you have been looking at the caffeine content of other drinks like Pepsi and Coke, you’ll find out that their sugar-free counterparts often contain more caffeine than the original version.
Is it also the same with 7-Up?
Fortunately, it's not. Like the original 7-Up, the Zero Sugar version is also caffeine-free.
This is a great option if you're trying to avoid sugary drinks or just careful with how much sugar you consume.
Do note that instead of real sugar, this variant uses a combination of aspartame and acesulfame potassium, which are artificial sweeteners.
Cherry 7-Up
If you want a twist in your lemon-lime sodas, the cherry-flavored 7-Up is for you.
Besides the sweet, delicious, and refreshing taste of cherry, this version of 7-Up is also caffeine-free!
So, no need to worry about how much caffeine this drink has.
Just remember to drink responsibly, as this variant also contains high amounts of sugar.
Barista HQ tip: Love drinking cocktails? While lemon-lime sodas have been used as a mixer for years now, this cherry-flavored 7-Up can give a twist to your usual lemon-lime flavor soda-alcohol pair. Replace the soda or sparkling water in your cocktail recipe with Cherry 7-Up, and you'll be surprised how it levels up the drink.
Zero Sugar Cherry 7-Up
If you want a diet version of Cherry 7-Up, this is the drink for you. So, how much caffeine does Zero Sugar Cherry 7-Up have?
Like other 7-Up variants, this one also does not contain any caffeine.
This means it's a good option for health and caffeine-conscious people like me. Not only does it have no caffeine, but it also has zero calories.
Flavor | Serving Size (fl oz) | Caffeine (mg) | Caffeine Strength | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7-Up Zero Sugar | 12 fl. oz. | 0 mg | Caffeine-free | 0 |
Cherry 7-Up | 12 fl. oz. | 0 mg | Caffeine-free | 140 |
Zero Sugar Cherry 7-Up | 12 fl. oz. | 0 mg | Caffeine-free | 0 |
7-Up Simple | 12 fl. oz. | 0 mg | Caffeine-free | 110 |
What Exactly Is In 7-Up? (Ingredients & Nutrition)
Brief History
Back in the roaring 20s, in the city of St. Louis, a man named Charles Leiper Grigg was brewing up something special.
He started his little venture, The Howdy Corporation, and worked his magic to cook up a citrus explosion, a refreshing lemon-lime soda that's still a popular choice today--yup, it's 7-Up.
It originally had a mouthful of a name, "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda." What a tongue-twister! Anyway, it was initially packed with lithium citrate, a mood-stabilizing drug.
Yeah, you heard it right. That was the go-to hangover remedy and a thirst quencher till 1950.
This popular soft drink made waves. Fast forward a few years, and our fizzy friend was all dressed up in 7-ounce glass bottles, rocking the slogan "Make 7Up Yours."
In the 50s and the swinging 60s, 7Up was the life of the party, introducing cherry-flavored and diet versions. Remember that iconic silver and green can with the stylized “7” logo?
That was all 7-Up, my friend. They hit us with the catchy slogan “The Uncola” in the 70s, positioning itself as the caffeine-free alternative to other lemon-lime sodas and cola drinks.
The 80s and 90s saw 7-Up upping the ante, introducing new additional flavors and killing it with advertising campaigns. Ever felt like a refreshing drink that “Feels Good to Be You”?
Yep, that's 7Up speaking.
In the 21st century, 7-Up, now part of the Keurig Dr. Pepper fam, has had to bob and weave with increased competition and concerns about artificial flavors.[3]
However, even with these challenges, 7Up still stands tall, serving up its crisp, citrus flavors in many countries worldwide.
This little fizzy wonder has a long history and continues to be a gluten-free, caffeine-free choice.
Ingredients List
So what exactly are you drinking when you consume this soft drink? Here are the ingredients of 7-Up and its different variants:
Nutrition Information
Let’s now move on to the nutrition facts of these beverages. If you’re concerned about your macros and calories, here’s what you need to know:
Note: These nutrition facts are based on 12 fl. oz. serving size.
Caffeine In Coffee Vs 7-Up (Caffeine Or No Caffeine?)
Let's spill the tea on caffeine, or in this case, 7-Up, and coffee. With our fizzy friend, 7-Up, you won't get any caffeine.
This means that you can chug down a can or two, and your heart won't do the jitterbug.
Now, on to coffee. This dark, delicious brew that kicks us into gear every morning is a heavy-hitter in the caffeine game.
A typical cup of joe packs anywhere from 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine, depending on your drink.[4] No wonder it’s like jet fuel for your day.
Caffeine Levels In 7-UP Versus Other Sodas
Ever wonder how 7-Up stacks up with the caffeine content of other popular soft drinks? Let’s check it out!
7-UP Vs Sprite
If you can't get enough of lemon-lime sodas, you're probably a Sprite fan too. The good news is both 7Up and Sprite are caffeine free.
While they have the same caffeine content, they don't contain the same ingredient.
Sprite uses sodium citrate in its recipe, an additive often used to balance acidity in foods. In contrast, 7Up opts for potassium citrate, a flavorful salt, in its beverage formula.
7-Up Vs Coke
Are you a big fan of Coca-Cola? This carbonated drink contains caffeine, unlike 7-Up, that's caffeine-free. A 12 oz can of Coke contains 34 mg of caffeine.[5]
It’s worth noting that both of these drinks contain high amounts of sugar, so moderate consumption is recommended.
7-Up Vs Pepsi
Like Coke, Pepsi also contains caffeine. A 12 oz can of Pepsi has 38 mg of caffeine, while the diet version of the same size contains the same amount of caffeine.[6]
Other brands in PepsiCo, like Mountain Dew, also have caffeine. So, if you need a caffeine-free soda, stick with 7-Up instead.
Common 7-Up Caffeine Content Questions
Does 7-Up keep you awake?
No, 7-Up is caffeine-free, so it won’t keep you awake.
Is 7-Up good for weight loss?
No, 7-Up is not good for weight loss. Sodas, even the zero-sugar version, aren’t a healthy drink and can even contribute to weight gain.
Is 7-Up good for acid reflux?
No, 7-Up is not good for acid reflux. Carbonated drinks, even those that are caffeine-free, can worsen acid reflux because of carbonation.
What happens if you drink too much 7-UP?
Drinking too much 7-Up can increase the risk of diabetes and weight gain.[7]
What are the alternatives to 7-Up?
Drinks like Sierra Mist, Sprite, and ginger ale are all good alternatives to 7-Up.
Conclusion
The good news for people with caffeine sensitivity is that 7-Up and all of its variants are caffeine-free. This means you don't have to worry about your caffeine levels when consuming this soda.
However, it still contains high amounts of sugar, which isn't good for your health. That's why it's best to limit your consumption of sodas and other sugary beverages.
References:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938410000600?via%3Dihub
2. https://journals.lww.com/jcge/Abstract/2021/04000/Nausea_and_Vomiting_in_2021__A_Comprehensive.3.aspx
3. https://www.cspinet.org/news/7up-sued-over-antioxidant-claims-cherry-mixed-berry-and-pomegranate-flavors-20121108
4. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2345935/nutrients
5. https://www.coca-colacompany.com/faqs/what-is-caffeine
6. https://www.math.utah.edu/~yplee/fun/caffeine.html
7. https://academic.oup.com/cdn/article/2/5/nzy008/4830068
