Not all sodas are created equal when it comes to caffeine.
Some pack a punch that rivals coffee, while others barely register.
Whether you’re chasing an extra boost or trying to cut back, it pays to know which brands and flavors carry the most caffeine — and what affects those levels.
What Soda Has the Most Caffeine? Unveiling the Top Contenders
If you’re looking for the soda with the strongest caffeine kick, the current leader is Coke Zero Sugar, at 69 mg per 12-oz can.
Technically, Jolt Cola was higher (72 mg), but it’s no longer available.
For context, a 12-oz cup of drip coffee has about 140 mg of caffeine — roughly double the strongest soda.
Energy drinks like Red Bull (80 mg per 8 oz) or Monster (up to 300 mg per 16 oz) go even higher, but since those aren’t traditional sodas, we’ll set them aside here.
In general, colas and darker sodas contain more caffeine than clear sodas. Popular examples include:
- Diet Coke, Shasta, & Dr. Pepper — 40–46 mg per 12 oz
- Pepsi-Cola — 37.5 mg
- Coca-Cola Classic — 34 mg
- Sprite & 7-Up — 0 mg
👉 For the most accurate info, always check the nutrition label, since caffeine content can vary slightly by batch and formulation.
Comparing Caffeine Levels in Popular Soda Brands
Below, we’ve got a handy table to break down the caffeine content of a few popular sodas.
When looking through this information about soda brands, it’s worth remembering that generic brands generally match the caffeine content of their branded equivalent.
For the most reliable numbers, though, always check the packaging of the beverage.
Caffeine Content in Popular Sodas (per 12 oz serving)
Cola Sodas
| Brand/Product | Caffeine Content (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola Classic | ~34 mg | Original formula |
| Diet Coke | ~46 mg | Higher than regular Coke |
| Coke Zero Sugar | ~34 mg | Similar to Classic |
| Pepsi | ~38 mg | Slightly higher than Coke |
| Diet Pepsi | ~36 mg | Similar to regular Pepsi |
| Pepsi Zero Sugar | ~69 mg | Significantly higher |
| Jolt Cola | ~72 mg | Rarely available today |
Citrus Sodas
| Brand/Product | Caffeine Content (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Dew | ~54 mg | Among the highest in the category |
| Diet Mountain Dew | ~54 mg | Same as regular |
| Mello Yello | ~51 mg | Similar to Mountain Dew |
| Sun Drop | ~63 mg | Higher than most citrus sodas |
| Orange Crush | 0 mg | Caffeine-free |
| Sunkist | ~19 mg | One of the few caffeinated orange sodas |
Other Sodas
| Brand/Product | Caffeine Content (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barq’s Root Beer | ~22 mg | One of the few caffeinated root beers |
| A&W Root Beer | 0 mg | Caffeine-free |
| Dr Pepper | ~41 mg | Classic pepper flavor |
| Diet Dr Pepper | ~41 mg | Same as regular |
| Pibb Xtra | ~41 mg | Similar to Dr Pepper |
| Sprite | 0 mg | Caffeine-free |
| 7UP | 0 mg | Caffeine-free |
All of the values in the above tables are approximate, but they’re a good representation of the average can of soda. Always consult the label on a product for the most accurate information.
Findings from the Data
The data shows a couple of interesting things, like the discrepancies in caffeine content between diet and regular drinks—or even among the highest-caffeine coffee options.
If you’re trying to moderate your caffeine intake, always go by the labels on products rather than generalizations like “Colas contain more caffeine.”
Understanding Factors That Influence Caffeine in Soda
Many things can impact how much caffeine is in a can of your favorite soda.
Here are a couple of factors to be aware of:
- Brand Formulas — Caffeine can influence both the flavor of a soda and how stimulating it is. Therefore, every brand has its own specific recipes and caffeine levels.
- Regional Differences — Some brands alter the soda recipes depending on the location. For instance, Classic Coke uses high-fructose corn syrup in sodas made for the US, and sugar in those made for Mexico and some European nations.
- Product Variations — Products from the same brand — even with similar labeling — have different caffeine levels. For instance, Pepsi contains 38 mg of caffeine, and Pepsi Zero Sugar contains 69 mg.
Caffeine-Free Soda Options
Since there are so many different types of soda on the market, it’s not hard to find a caffeine-free option. Sprite, 7-Up, ginger ales, root beers, cream sodas, and fruit flavors are typically low-caffeine or caffeine-free.
Pepsi, Coke, and most other brands make caffeine-free versions of their colas, formulated to taste as similar as possible to the original.
If you’re very wary of drinking caffeine, always check the label. Companies are legally required to make the caffeine content clear.
Check often, even if it’s a drink you’ve had before — brand formulas and recipes can change, especially across different geographic regions.
FAQs: Which Soda Has the Most Caffeine?
Let’s go through a few common FAQs about caffeine in soda.
1. Is Mountain Dew the Soda With the Highest Caffeine?
Mountain Dew has a lot of caffeine, around 55 mg per 12-ounce serving. However, there are a few cola- and pepper-style products that may contain more. For instance, Coke Zero Sugar contains around 69 mg of caffeine.
2. How Much Caffeine Is in Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi?
A standard 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 34 mg of caffeine, and a can of Pepsi that’s the same size contains 38 mg. These numbers can vary slightly depending on the specific product line or the region in which the drink is purchased.
3. Does 7-UP or Sprite Have Caffeine?
No, 7-Up and Sprite don’t contain caffeine. In fact, most lemon-lime sodas don’t.
4. Which Common Sodas Have No Caffeine?
There are lots of sodas that don’t have any caffeine in them, such as Sprite, 7-Up, Fanta, Mug Root Beer, and A&W Cream Soda. Plus, Coke, Pepsi, and other cola-style beverages can be purchased in caffeine-free versions.
5. How Can I Find Out the Exact Caffeine Content of a Specific Soda?
The best course of action is to check the product label — it should state the amount of caffeine per can. If it doesn't, check the manufacturer's website.
6. Are Diet Sodas Lower in Caffeine Than Regular Sodas?
This varies a lot depending on the brand in question. Some diet sodas have more caffeine than their regular version. Because the artificial sweeteners in diet soda are often sweeter than sugar, brands sometimes add more caffeine to balance the flavor out.
7. Do Clear Sodas Generally Have Less Caffeine Than Dark Sodas?
Many clear sodas are caffeine-free, and many dark sodas aren’t, but it’s not a universal indication of caffeine content. Some clear citrus sodas can have caffeine, and dark-colored root beer typically doesn’t.
8. What Are the Potential Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Caffeinated Soda?
The FDA’s recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 mg. Exceeding this can lead to jitters, anxiety, insomnia, an increased heart rate, and some digestive issues. Plus, drinking too much soda can be unhealthy because of the sugar content, which is typically very high.
9. How Does the Caffeine in Soda Compare to Coffee or Tea?
When comparing coffee and tea to soda, the exact numbers can vary, but an 8-oz cup of coffee can contain 95 mg of caffeine or more, and a cup of black tea contains around 47 mg. A 12-oz can of soda usually has between 30 and 70 mg of caffeine.
10. Are There Any Sodas Specifically Marketed for Their High Caffeine Content (Besides Energy Drinks)?
One particular soda that has been marketed for its caffeine content is Jolt Cola. The brand used the tagline “All the sugar and twice the caffeine!” In a standard 12-ounce can of Jolt, there is roughly 72 mg of caffeine.
