Pibb Xtra is one of the few sodas that holds its own against iconic brands like Coke and Pepsi. One of the reasons all three of these beverages are popular is because of the caffeine in their recipes.
Most sodas do have caffeine, so it's important to know how much caffeine you're consuming when you drink them.
If you're a dad like me, it's equally important to know the caffeine content of these soft drinks before your little guys get ahold of them and start bouncing off the walls -- not that I know from experience or anything.
Below I'll dive deep into the caffeine content of the soft drink formerly known as Mr. Pibb so you know exactly what you're putting into your body.
Does Mr. Pibb Have Caffeine? (Surprising Facts!)
Pibb Xtra (Mr. Pibb) does have caffeine. If you’re as old as me, you call it Mr. Pibb. However, the kids today call it Pibb Xtra.
Mr. Pibb was reformulated as Pibb Xtra in 2001 by the Coca-Cola Company, so we’ll be referring to it as Pibb Xtra because Mr. Pibb doesn’t exist anymore.
They are often used interchangeably, though, because of old guys like me.
Caffeine In Pibb Xtra
Pibb Xtra has caffeine, but it has a low caffeine content level of 40 mg per 12 fl oz can.
This amount of caffeine is considered low, but it should still serve as a little pick-me-up if you need an energy boost.
If your kids get ahold of it, it shouldn't keep them up all night or do much harm otherwise. Like most other things, the key to enjoying caffeine is to enjoy it in moderation.
Caffeine affects everyone differently, but the Food and Drug Administration says adults can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine daily.[1]
That's ten cans of Pibb Xtra. Once you've hit that tenth can, though, side effects can begin to occur if you have sensitivities or low tolerances to caffeine.
Caffeine In Pibb Zero
Like Mr. Pibb was reformulated to Pibb Xtra, Diet Mr. Pibb was reformulated to Pibb Zero.
Pibb Zero (formerly Diet Mr. Pibb) also has 40mg of caffeine, just like its counterpart with calories and sugar.
Coca-Cola and Pepsi have less caffeine, but the caffeine levels in Pibb Zero are not dangerous. Pibb Zero is perfect if you're looking for a healthier alternative to Pibb Xtra that still has some caffeine.
Type | Caffeine (12 fl oz Can) | Caffeine (20 fl oz Bottle) | Caffeine (2-Liter) |
|---|---|---|---|
Pibb Xtra | 40 mg of caffeine | 67.5 mg of caffeine | 228.25 mg of caffeine |
Pibb Zero | 40 mg of caffeine | 67.5 mg of caffeine | 228.5 mg of caffeine |
Mr. Pibb Ingredients & Nutrition (Is It Bad For You?)
Taste
Pibb Xtra is an invigorating, spicy alternative to regular Coke. The spicy cherry flavor isn’t for everyone, but if you want something with some kick, this is it.
In 2001 when Coca-Cola discontinued Mr. Pibb and pulled it from store shelves, they also changed the soda’s formula. They added cinnamon and marketed it as a spicy cherry alternative to regular Coke.
This was Coca-Cola's attempt to break away from the similarities with Dr. Pepper.
Before that, Dr. Pepper vs Mr. Pibb was kind of like Ice Ice Baby vs Under Pressure, but you'd have to be old like me to understand that reference.
Ingredients List
The ingredient list for Pibb Xtra doesn't include anything you'd find in your local health food store. Its main ingredients are:
Nutritional Value
Pibb Xtra
A 12 fl oz serving of Pibb contains 140 calories, 40 grams of carbohydrates, 39 grams of sugar, and 40mg of caffeine.
It has high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener processed to increase its fructose content. It’s often associated with health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.[2]
It also has a caramel color, and studies have suggested that consuming high levels of caramel color may increase the risk of cancer.[3]
Pibb Zero
Pibb Zero (Diet Mr. Pibb) is the "healthier version" of Pibb Xtra. It might be the healthier option with zero calories and no sugar, but remember that no soda is really "healthy."
Instead of sugar, Pibb Zero has Aspartame and Acesulfame-K. Current research on the side effects of these artificial sweeteners is still unclear.
However, there is concern that they could cause things like weight gain.[4]
Pros And Cons
The amazing flavor is the biggest pro of drinking Pibb Xtra or Pibb Zero. Popping the top of a Pibb Xtra on a hot summer day is a fantastic feeling. That fizz just hits different.
The spicy cherry taste of Pibb Xtra is one of the best, and its caffeine can provide a boost of energy when you need it.
However, even though they taste great, sodas aren't healthy, and drinking them has some cons.
For one, they have been shown to contribute to weight gain significantly.[5]
Research also shows that added sugar can be one of the greatest threats to cardiovascular disease and many other health risks.[6]
Pibb Xtra has 38 grams of sugar in a 12 fl oz can. So, enjoy the refreshing flavor, but do so in moderation and be aware of the risks.
Comparing The Caffeine In Mr. Pibb With Other Popular Sodas
Mr. Pibb Vs Coke
Coca-Cola has a little less caffeine than Pibb Xtra, with 34mg in every 12 fl oz can.
That difference might seem insignificant, but the extra 6 mg can add up quickly. Coke also has caffeine-free alternatives and is more prevalent in restaurant chains.
Mr. Pibb Vs Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper has 41 mg of caffeine in every can. Unsurprisingly, Dr. Pepper, the drink that inspired Pibb Xtra, has an almost identical amount of caffeine.
Mr. Pibb Vs Pepsi
A 12-ounce can of Pepsi has a little more caffeine than Coca-Cola but a little less than Pibb Xtra at 38 mg in each can.
Mr Pibb Vs Moutain Dew
Mountain Dew has 54 mg of caffeine. I “do the Dew” when I need more of a kick start to my morning (or afternoon).
Mr. Pibb Vs Other Beverages
How does the caffeine content of Pibb Xtra stack up to other beverages? Well, an 8 fl oz cup of coffee has considerably more caffeine at 91 mg.
An eight fl oz can of Red Bull has 80 mg of caffeine, and a Monster has a whopping 160 mg.
So make sure your kids stay away from energy drinks!
Related Pibb Caffeine Content Questions
Why is it called Mr. Pibb?
It's called Mr. Pibb due to a lawsuit. It was first called "Peppo" to compete against Dr. Pepper. However, it was changed to Mr. Pibb after Dr. Pepper sued The Coca-Cola Company for trademark infringement. The name was finally changed to Pibb Xtra after the reformulation in 2001.
Is Pibb Xtra high in caffeine?
Pibb Xtra is not high in caffeine. The 40 mg of caffeine in a 12 fl oz can of Pibb Xtra is considered low caffeine content.
Can Pibb Xtra be consumed by children?
Children should not consume Pibb Xtra. Even low caffeine intake can be harmful to children's developing bodies.
Is Mr. Pibb the same as root beer?
Mr. Pibb was marketed as a form of root beer by the Coca-Cola Company. Root beer is a sweet soft drink traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree.
Conclusion
Even after the name change that still confuses this old man from time to time, Pibb Xtra is a delicious soft drink that provides a nice energy boost with its caffeine content.
However, the 40 mg of caffeine inside each 12 fl oz can of this spicy soft drink is relatively low. That means you can enjoy the caffeine boost without worrying about ill effects.
Even still, moderation and understanding your tolerance are crucial to drinking caffeinated beverages. If you do this, you can pop the top of a Pibb Xtra without issue.
References:
1. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-high-fructose-corn-syrup-is-bad#3.-Increases-your-risk-of-obesity-and-weight-gain
3. https://nutritionfacts.org/2019/03/28/cancer-causing-caramel-color/
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318604
5. https://www.massgeneral.org/children/weight-loss/rethink-your-drink-how-sugary-drinks-cause-unhealthy-weight-gain
6. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar
