My partner and I love to treat ourselves to Taco Bell. I think the perfect pairing with my Cheesy Gordita Crunch is a cool Mountain Dew Baja Blast.
However, as someone trying to cap their daily caffeine intake, my latest late-night order had me wondering - does Baja Blast have caffeine?
Sip away as I blast the facts around Baja Blast’s caffeine content.
Does Baja Blast Contain Caffeine? (Levels Compared)
Fountain Soda Mountain Dew Baja Blast (Taco Bell)
In short, Baja Blast does contain a moderate amount of caffeine. The exact amount of caffeine varies depending on what size you order from the Taco Bell Restaurant’s soda fountain.
However, you can expect to consume the following amount of caffeine when drinking Baja Blast.[1]
Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze (Taco Bell)
Another item that you can get is a slushie version of the Baja Blast known as a Freeze.[2] This refreshing treat is perfect on a hot summer day and contains the following:
There is slightly less caffeine in Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze than with a regular Mountain Dew Blast, as there is more ice and less actual drink in each cup.
This lessens how much caffeine each serving contains. I can attest that it doesn't reduce the flavor, though!
Mountain Dew Baja Blast (Can & Bottle)
You used to only be able to get your fix of Baja Blast in Taco Bell locations, but now you can get canned and bottled Blasts in supermarkets and convenience stores across the US.
This delicious drink contains the following amount of caffeine:
Now you can have an afternoon pick me up without the temptation of a Crunchwrap Supreme calling your name.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast Zero Sugar (Can & Bottle)
The Baja Blast Zero Sugar is a popular choice for those looking to watch their daily sugar intake.[3] When consuming this popular beverage, you will find it has:
Flavor/Type | Caffeine (mg) | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
Fountain Soda Baja Blast (Taco Bell) | 72 | 16 fl oz |
Baja Blast Freeze (Taco Bell) | 48 | 16 fl oz |
Baja Blast Can | 54 | 12 fl oz |
Baja Blast Bottle | 96 | 20 fl oz |
Baja Blast Zero Sugar Can | 54 | 12 |
Baja Blast Zero Sugar Bottle | 90 | 20 |
History & Origins Of Baja Blast
Baja Blast is a tropical lime flavor drink that was introduced by Mountain Dew in 2004 via North American Taco Bell restaurants.[4]
It was originally only available to buy in Taco Bell, but the tropical lime taste gained such popularity that it was soon available in convenience stores.
The refreshing taste of lime, grapefruit, and other topical fruity flavors has gained quite the cult following among soda enthusiasts, Mountain Dew fans, and Taco Bell enjoyers alike.
This refreshing drink has a teal color that is pleasing to look at and a unique flavor, unlike other Mountain Dew soda beverages.
What Exactly Is In Mountain Dew Baja Blast? (Ingredients & Nutrition)
Just what goes into a Mountain Dew Baja Blast that makes it such a popular soda. Here is what makes up the unique taste of this fan-favorite popular drink.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast
Ingredients
Calories
A 12 fl oz cup of Baja Blast has around 170 calories per serving. This is fairly comparable with other similar sodas.
Sugar
Sodas that are not diet or organic tend to be sugary drinks, and Baja Blast is no exception. The sweet Mountain Dew original flavor has around 44 grams of sugar per 12 fl oz serving.
Fat
According to its nutritional information label, a 12 fl oz can of Baja Blast does not contain any fat.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast Zero Sugar
Ingredients
As there is no added sugar, the ingredients for the Zero Sugar Baja Blast are slightly different than the original.
Calories
If you are looking to cut calories while still enjoying a unique beverage, the Zero Sugar Baja Blast only has 5 calories per 16 fl oz serving.
Sugar
Having a Zero Sugar option is always a relief when you are trying to avoid having too much sugar.
While there is no standard added sugar, the Baja Blast Zero Sugar contains artificial sweeteners to help maintain the sweet and fruity taste of Baja Blast.
Fat
There is no fat in a Zero Sugar Baja Blast - another thing it has in common with the original version.
Caffeine In Mountain Dew Baja Blast Vs Coffee
Now that we know a 12 fl oz serving of Mountain Dew Baja Blast has a caffeine content of 54 mg, how does it compare to coffee?
Is it better to brew a cup or crack open a cold one when you need an energy boost?
The amount of caffeine in coffee will vary depending on how it is prepared, what beans you use, what combination of extra toppings are mixed in, and more.
However, the average cup of coffee contains around 80-100 milligrams of caffeine. This means that coffee has more caffeine than Baja Blast.
The fruity sweet taste of Mountain Dew Baja Blast could be preferable as a sweet-tasting alternative to bitter coffee, particularly in nice weather.
If you are looking to avoid caffeine, try this tropical lime flavor soda. In terms of specific coffee types, here is a table for comparison.
Coffee Type and Brand | Serving Size (fl oz) | Caffeine Content (mg) |
|---|---|---|
Starbucks Bottled Cold Brew | 9.5 | 190 |
Tall Iced Americano | 12 | 150 |
Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino | 13.7 | 130 |
Black Insomnia Coffee | 12 | 1105 |
Costa Americano | 8 | 255 |
Caffeine In Baja Blast Vs Other Soft Drinks
How does Mountain Dew Baja Blast compare with other sodas and energy drinks like Red Bull?
Mountain Dew Baja Blast contains a moderate amount of caffeine compared to its competitors, like Dr. Pepper and Coca-Cola.
It has the same amount of caffeine as the original Mountain Dew flavor.
Here is a table to help you keep track of your caffeine intake.
Soda | Serving size (fl oz) | Caffeine Content (mg) |
|---|---|---|
Mountain Dew Baja Blast | 12 | 54 |
Mountain Dew | 12 | 54 |
Mountain Dew Code Red | 12 | 54 |
Mountain Dew Major Melon | 12 | 55 |
Diet Coca-Cola | 16 | 46 |
Pepsi | 16 | 38 |
Coca-Cola | 16 | 32 |
Dr. Pepper | 16 | 41 |
Sprite | 16 | 0 |
Red Bull | 12 | 110 |
Bang Energy Drinks | 16 | 300 |
Common Caffeine In Baja Blast Questions
Can I consume Mountain Dew Baja Blast if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is safe to consume Mountain Dew Baja Blast if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, provided that you stick to less than 200 mg of caffeine a day.[5] The low-level carbonation bubbles may even help with nausea or morning sickness. Pregnant people need to avoid caffeine where possible, but small amounts are safe to consume.
Is Mountain Dew Baja Blast vegan?
Yes, Mountain Dew Baja Blast is vegan in both original and Zero Sugar editions. Neither contains animal-derived ingredients.
Is Mountain Dew Baja Blast gluten-free?
Yes, Mountain Dew Baja Blast is gluten-free.
Is Baja Blast keto-friendly?
Mountain Dew Baja Blast original is not keto-friendly due to the level of high fructose corn syrup and added sugar. The Zero Sugar Mtn Dew is keto-friendly, making it the better option of the two.
Is Baja Blast bad for you?
Baja Blast is fine in moderation and is as bad for you as most sodas and other energy drinks out there. Drinking too much can have negative consequences, such as weight gain.
Conclusion
The moderate caffeine in Mountain Dew Baja Blast and tropical lime juice flavor make this popular drink an excellent choice year-round.
However, knowing that Mountain Dew Baja Blast contains caffeine, I would not recommend sipping it well into the night - drink this pretty beverage in moderation.
If that is too much caffeine for you, try a caffeine-free alternative soda or other drinks like tea.
References:
1. https://www.tacobell.com/food/drinks/mountain-dew-baja-blast
2. https://www.tacobell.com/food/drinks/mountain-dew-baja-blast-freeze
3. https://www.tacobell.com/food/drinks/baja-blast-zero
4. https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/new-mountain-dew-flavor-available-only-taco-bell
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/soda-during-pregnancy#sugar
