I recently got to try Mello Yello for the first time and was instantly taken by its pleasant bubbles and sweet citrus taste.
However, as someone looking to cut their caffeine intake, I had to wonder: how much caffeine is in a Mello Yello?
Crack open a fresh can and sip away as I dive into the caffeine in Mello Yello.
Does Mello Yello Contain Caffeine? (The Quick Answer)
In short, Mello Yello contains caffeine. Specifically, there are 51 milligrams of caffeine in a 12 fl oz can of Mello Yello.[1]
This is about half the level of a cup of coffee, which has around 95 mg of caffeine. With this in mind, Mello Yello has a low to moderate caffeine content.
The maximum daily recommended caffeine consumption level is 400 mg - knowing that Mello Yello has 51 mg of caffeine per can will help ensure you stay below that max.[2]
Different Varieties of Mello Yello & Their Caffeine Level
I did not grow up with Mello Yello (it just wasn’t sold in my area), so I was surprised to see just how many options there were at the soda fountain.
I had seen cans of the original and Zero Sugar versions in supermarkets and convenience stores[3], but never Peach, Cherry, Orange, or Limeade.
A friend I was eating lunch with said she had tried Citrus Twist, Raspberry Peach, and Strawberry Peach in the past - those sound delicious as well!
Here is a breakdown of how much caffeine is in each flavor.
Flavor | Serving Size (fl oz) | Caffeine (mg) | Caffeine Strength | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mello Yello Original | 12 | 51 | Low to medium | 170 |
Mello Yello Zero | 12 | 51 | Low to medium | 0 |
Mello Yello Cherry | 20 | 86 | Low to medium | 290 |
Mello Yello Peach | 20 | 86 | Low to medium | 290 |
Mello Yello Orange | 20 | 86 | Low to medium | 290 |
Mello Yello Limeade | 20 | 86 | Low to medium | 290 |
Is Mello Yello Considered Healthy? (Ingredients Breakdown)
Mello Yello Original
Ingredients List
Just what goes into making the original Mello Yello so refreshing? The ingredients list is as follows:
Nutrition Information
Knowing the nutritional information of the beverages you have consumed can help you keep track of your diet and health needs.
The nutritional information on a Mello Yello 12 fl oz can label is as follows:
Mello Yello Zero
Ingredients List
As Mello Yello Zero Sugar avoids added sugar, its ingredients are different from the original while trying to capture the same flavor. The sugar-free Mello Yello contains:
Nutrition Information
In terms of nutrition, when you consume Mello Yello, you are getting the following from your drink:
Caffeine In Mello Yello Vs Coffee And Tea
The amount of caffeine a drink has will vary depending on a few factors, such as what it is made of and how it is prepared.
How does Mello Yello compare to other caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee?
Beverage Type | Serving Size (fl oz) | Estimated Average Caffeine Content (mg) |
|---|---|---|
Coffee | 8 | 80-100 |
Black Tea | 8 | 47-90 |
Yerba Mate | 8 | 85 |
White Tea | 8 | 6-60 |
Green Tea | 8 | 20-45 |
Matcha | 8 | 35 |
Mello Yello | 8 | 34 |
It is worth noting that I adjusted the 51mg per 12 fl oz can amount to suit the average 8 fl oz cup for accuracy.
Mello Yello’s 51 mg of caffeine is roughly on par with caffeine in matcha hot drinks.
This citrus soda contains slightly less caffeine than some black and white teas but has more milligrams of caffeine than the average coffee or yerba mate.
Comparing The Caffeine In Mello Yello With Other Sodas
I can’t get enough of Mello Yello’s refreshing taste, but how does its caffeine level compare with other soft drinks like Mountain Dew and Pepsi?
Caffeine in Mello Yello Vs Mountain Dew
A can of Pepsico’s Mountain Dew typically has 54 mg of caffeine per serving, which is only slightly higher than Mello Yello’s 51mg.[4]
This seems to be on the moderate end of the spectrum in terms of caffeine content in sodas.
Caffeine in Mello Yello Vs Sprite
I love having Sprite on a hot day, particularly when mixed with gin and fruit slices.
Knowing I can sip on Sprite well into the evening as it has 0mg of caffeine - this makes it a great alternative to drinking Mello Yello when out at an evening barbeque or restaurant meal.[5]
Caffeine in Mello Yello Vs Coke
As I looked into Mello Yello, I discovered that it is owned by the Coca-Cola Company - time to pit two of their iconic soft drink brands against each other.
Coca-Cola has around 32 mg of caffeine per 11.16 fl oz, which is a fair bit less than Mello Yello’s 51 mg.
Caffeine in Mello Yello Vs Dr. Pepper
I admit it - I’m a fan of Dr Pepper.
If you are also a fan, it is worth noting that Dr. Pepper has 41 mg of caffeine per can, which is 10mg less than Mello Yello.
Caffeine in Mello Yello Vs Pepsi
Pepsi is another low-end soda in terms of caffeine content, coming in at 38 mg per can. This makes it another one that is lower than Mello Yello on this list.
Frequently Asked Mello Yello Questions
Can you reduce the caffeine in Mello Yello?
It is possible to reduce the caffeine in Mello Yello by having a smaller serving size or diluting it with a caffeine-free liquid.
Does Mello Yello offer a caffeine-free version?
Mello Yello does not currently offer a caffeine-free version of its iconic drink flavors.
Can you find Mello Yello in vending machines or fountain dispensers?
You can find Mello Yello in Coca-Cola Freestyle soda fountains across the US. You can locate your closest one on their website.[6]
Conclusion
Mello Yello’s 51 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz serving is considered moderate in the world of sodas and energy drinks.
This citrus drink is delicious, but it is important to consume it in moderation like any other soda to avoid having too much caffeine, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine like I am.
References:
1. https://www.melloyello.com/products/mello-yello#
2. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much#:~:text=For%20reference%2C%20a%2012%20ounce,to%2080%20to%20100%20milligrams.
3. https://www.melloyello.com/products/mello-yello-zero
4. https://www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-sprite-have-caffeine
6. https://www.coca-colafreestyle.com/choices/?filter1=all%20drinks&filter2=Mello%20Yello
