During hot summer days, my go-to thirst quencher is always Mountain Dew. It's citrusy, fizzy, and carbonated; it's everything I need in a refreshing drink.
However, it’s common knowledge that sodas have caffeine. Therefore, as someone with caffeine sensitivity, I need to be very careful with my beverages. Otherwise, I’ll have jitters, and that’s no fun.
That's why I did some research to see if all varieties of Mountain Dew have caffeine, and if so, exactly how much caffeine is in each serving.
This guide is for you if you're also looking out for your caffeine intake.
Mountain Dew Caffeine Content (Levels Examined)
The caffeine content of Mountain Dew varies depending on the size and variety. Most versions are moderately caffeinated, but there is also caffeine-free Mountain Dew available.
So, if you're careful with your caffeine consumption, is drinking Mountain Dew with other caffeinated beverages on the same day ideal?
Let's look at the caffeine content of the Original Mountain Dew based on its different sizes.
Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
12 fl oz | 55 mg |
16 fl oz | 72 mg |
20 fl oz | 90 mg |
32 fl oz | 150 mg |
64 fl oz | 300 mg |
1. Small Can Of Mountain Dew (12oz)
This might surprise you, but Mountain Dew is one of the most caffeinated soft drinks. In fact, a 12 fl oz of Mountain Dew (the small can) contains about 55 mg of caffeine.[1]
So, if you’re looking for a caffeine boost, this is a great soft drink choice.
However, if you're like me, who can't consume too much caffeine, you might want to stay away from this soda. Because of its caffeine, it can compete with other energy drinks, like Red Bull.
2. Large Can Of Mountain Dew (16oz)
A 16 fl. oz can of Mountain Dew contains a whopping 72 mg of caffeine. That's a lot of caffeine in just one drink. It even has more caffeine than coffee, so you better watch out.
3. Small Bottle Of Mountain Dew (20oz)
For every 20 oz Mountain Dew bottle, you'll get 90 mg of caffeine. This contains more caffeine than a cup of tea, coffee, energy drink, or even a concentrated espresso shot.
So, if you’re going to drink this much Mountain Dew, you better not drink any caffeinated beverages, or you’ll suffer the consequences of too much caffeine.
4. Large Bottle Of Mountain Dew (32oz/1 Liter)
For soda lovers, consuming a liter of Mountain Dew in a day is easy for you. No judgment here, but do you know that this contains 150 mg of caffeine?
Yes, you read the right. It's still within the daily limits of caffeine intake, but the caffeine content quickly climbs the more you drink.
Besides the caffeine, you'll also get high amounts of sugar if you drink this much Mountain Dew daily.
Large amounts of Mountain Dew can lead to different medical problems, like weight gain and diabetes.[2]
5. Extra Large Bottle Of Mountain Dew (64 oz/2 Liter)
If you want to indulge in large amounts of caffeine and sugar, you might consider a 2-liter bottle.
I wouldn't recommend anyone to drink this much soda, as this would be considered excessive consumption. So, how much caffeine does this Mountain Dew have?
A 2-liter bottle of Mountain Dew contains almost 300 mg of caffeine. That's a lot of caffeine for a single drink. Of course, you don't need to be a daredevil and consume this much.
Many cold brews have this much!
Mountain Dew Variations & Their Caffeine Levels
Now that we know that most variants of Mountain Dew have caffeine and the caffeine content of its original formula, let's look at how much caffeine each variant contains.
Mountain Dew has had many variants across the years, with some still available now and others already discontinued. Some of the most popular Mountain Dew flavors are the following:
Alright, let’s now move on to their caffeine content. Here’s how much caffeine is in Mountain Dew variants:
Flavor | Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
Baja Blast | 12 fl oz | 54 mg |
Code Red | 12 fl oz | 54 mg |
Diet Mountain Dew | 12 fl oz | 54 mg |
Zero Sugar | 12 fl oz | 68 mg |
Kickstart | 12 fl oz | 90 mg |
What’s Exactly In Mountain Dew? (Ingredients Breakdown)
Before diving deep into Mountain Dew's ingredients and its different flavors, I’ll give you a quick history lesson. Well, not just any history, but the history of Mountain Dew.
Mountain Dew, sometimes spelled as Mt. Dew, was the brainchild of two brothers from Tennessee in the year 1940.
This soda isn’t like any other beverage--it has a unique flavor with a citrusy zing that tickles the taste buds and carries a burst of energy as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot summer day.
When more and more people tasted this soft drink, it became a hit and one of America's most popular carbonated drinks.
Fast forward to now, this popular beverage has introduced a variety of flavors that everyone enjoys.
Enough about the history of Mountain Dew; let’s now take a look at the ingredients of this drink and its other flavors:
Note: The nutritional values below are based on a 12 fl oz (360 ml) serving size.
Regular Mountain Dew
Ingredients
Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, sodium citrate, gum arabic, erythorbic acid (preserves freshness), calcium disodium edta (to protect flavor), yellow 5
Nutrition Facts
Diet Mountain Dew
Ingredients
Carbonated water, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, potassium benzoate (preserves freshness), citrus pectin, aspartame, potassium citrate, caffeine, sodium citrate, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, gum arabic, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), calcium disodium edta (to protect flavor), yellow 5
Nutrition Facts
Zero Sugar Mountain Dew
Ingredients
Carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavor, citrus pectin, aspartame, potassium benzoate (preserves freshness), potassium citrate, caffeine, gum arabic, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, salt, sodium citrate, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, calcium disodium edta (to protect flavor), yellow 5
Nutrition Facts
Caffeine In Mountain Dew Vs Coffee
If you need an energy boost, Mountain Dew and Coffee are great choices.
As mentioned, a 12 oz can of this citrus-flavored soda usually packs around 55 mg of caffeine, while a 20 oz bottle contains about 90 mg.
On the other hand, coffee, a beloved morning and pick-me-up drink, has significantly higher caffeine compared to Mountain Dew, with levels that can vary depending on the brew.
An average cup of 8 oz coffee has about 80 to 100 mg of caffeine.[3]
In other types of coffee, like espresso, the amount of caffeine can skyrocket to 240 mg for just 1.5 oz.
Compared to coffee alternatives like green tea, Mountain Dew typically contains more caffeine, as green tea generally provides 30 to 50 mg per 8-ounce cup.
Even though Mountain Dew is adored for its sweet flavor and energizing effects, coffee is a more potent caffeine source.
On top of that, brewed coffee doesn’t contain artificial flavors and other ingredients you may not know of, apart from the usual sugar and milk.
Although this popular soft drink claims to use natural flavors and contains essential vitamins, it has artificial sweeteners, which are linked to the increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.[4]
So, if you're looking for a caffeine boost, stick with coffee instead of Mountain Dew. For moderate caffeine intake, tea is a better alternative.
So, is Mountain Dew bad for you?
No, just remember moderation is key when consuming it.
Also, always ensure your consumption aligns with a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle, as excessive caffeine or sugar intake can lead to health concerns.
Caffeine In Mountain Dew Compared To Other Sodas
If you're looking to compare caffeine content in popular soft drinks, Mountain Dew stands out among its competitors.
This is because when you consume Mountain Dew, you're taking in a relatively higher caffeine dose of 55 mg in a standard 12 oz can.
Take Coca-Cola, for example. Both classic and diet versions of this iconic beverage contains less caffeine than Mountain Dew.
A 12-ounce serving of Coca-Cola or Diet Coke typically holds about 34 mg of caffeine.
Coke has significantly less than what you'd find in Mountain Dew, making it a better choice if you need more caffeine.
Coke, on the other hand, is a better choice if you just want a fizzy drink with less caffeine.
Pepsi, too, falls behind Mountain Dew in the caffeine stakes. A 12 oz can of Pepsi or Diet Pepsi has 38 mg of caffeine.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pepper has 41 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz serving.
As for other popular sodas like root beer, Fanta, Sprite, 7-Up, and ginger ale, they generally contain no caffeine at all.
Therefore, if you're looking to avoid caffeine, these drinks might be a suitable choice.
In a nutshell, Mountain Dew delivers a more substantial caffeine kick compared to other beverages making it a top pick for those seeking a soda with a bit more pep.
Common Mountain Dew Caffeine Content Questions
Which Mountain Dew has no caffeine?
The Mountain Dew variants that have no caffeine are Throwback and Voltage. You can also get a caffeine-free version of the original Mountain Dew.[5]
How long does Mountain Dew caffeine last in your body?
The caffeine of Mountain Dew can last as long as any other caffeine in a caffeinated beverage. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, caffeine’s half-life can stay in your system for up to 5 hours. So, if you consume a 12 oz can of Mountain Dew, half of 55 mg or 27.5 mg of caffeine will stay in your body for 5 hours.[6]
Does Mountain Dew keep you awake?
Yes, it does. Just like any caffeinated drink would.
Is Mountain Dew Healthy?
In moderate amounts, it's not that bad. However, consuming large quantities of Mountain Dew or any sugar drinks is generally not recommended.
Conclusion
So, if you're looking for a soda that contains more caffeine, you'll never go wrong with Mountain Dew.
Just be careful, though; it contains high amounts of caffeine, which is not advisable for caffeine-sensitive people. That's why I have limited my Mountain Dew intake.
However, if you're not sensitive to caffeine, just enjoy the drink, and "do the dew!"
References:
1. http://www.math.utah.edu/~yplee/fun/caffeine.html
2. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2005.083782
3. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1104137/nutrients
4. https://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/19/2/447/67795/Soft-Drink-and-Juice-Consumption-and-Risk-of
5. https://www.pepsicoproductfacts.com/Home/product?formula=44316*01*04-05&form=RTD&size=20
6. https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-caffeine/
