Mountain Dew has long been savored for its electrifying rush of citrusy sweetness– to many, it is more than just a beverage. One of the key ingredients responsible for its stimulating effects is caffeine.
Unsurprisingly, many of us rely on caffeinated beverages like Mountain Dew as a daily pick-me-up. But just how much caffeine is in the carbonated beverage? This question has sparked curiosity among consumers who want to track their caffeine intake or regulate their consumption for health reasons.
In this article, we will shed light on the caffeine content of Mountain Dew and explore how it compares to other popular sodas and beverages.
The ingredient composition of Mountain Dew
Mtn Dew’s original formula was invented in 1940 by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman. Pepsico later acquired it.
The ingredient composition of Mountain Dew differs depending on the country that manufactured it.
In the United States, the ingredients include “carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium benzoate, caffeine, sodium citrate, erythorbic acid, gum arabic, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and yellow 5.”
How much caffeine in Mountain Dew?
The caffeine amount in Mountain Dew can differ depending on the variant and serving size. Mountain Dew contains around 54mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz serving, comparable to other caffeinated beverages. Mountain offers a caffeine-free Mountain Dew Citrus Soda Pop for those sensitive to caffeine.
Mountain Dew Variants and their Caffeine Content
Mountain Dew has many variants, each with a different amount of caffeine. Below is a list of the other flavors of Mtn Dew and their corresponding caffeine content and calories.
| Drink | Calories | Caffeine (mg) | mg/fl oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Dew Rise | 25 | 180 | 11.3 |
| Mountain Dew Amp | 220 | 142 | 8.9 |
| Mountain Dew Zero Sugar | 0 | 68 | 5.7 |
| Mountain Dew Game Fuel | 90 | 90 | 5.6 |
| Mountain Dew Kickstart | 80 | 90 | 5.6 |
| Mountain Dew Major Melon | 160 | 55 | 4.6 |
| Mountain Dew Voltage | 170 | 55 | 4.6 |
| Diet Mountain Dew | 0 | 54 | 4.5 |
| Mountain Dew | 170 | 54 | 4.5 |
| Mountain Dew Baja Blast | 170 | 54 | 4.5 |
| Mountain Dew Code Red | 170 | 54 | 4.5 |
| Mountain Dew Live Wire | 180 | 54 | 4.5 |
| Mountain Dew Spark | 170 | 46 | 3.8 |
Point to be noted: The information provided in the above table is based on available data and may be subject to change.
Mountain Dew’s caffeine content compared to other sodas and energy drinks
Sodas
With approximately 54 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces, Mountain Dew has one of the highest levels of caffeine when compared to other popular sodas, including Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which contain around 34 and 37 milligrams, respectively. Dr. Pepper boasts a caffeine content of 41 mg in a 12 oz serving and 150 calories (627 kJ). But it’s still not as high as Mountain Dew by any means.
But then we have Mtn Dew’s sugar-free variant, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar, which contains 68 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz, which, although it is not significantly higher than regular Mtn Dew, is still high for a soda.
Energy drinks
Popular brands such as Red Bull and Monster Energy contain as much as 80 milligrams and 160 milligrams per 16-fluid-ounce serving, making Mountain Dew a moderate source of caffeine compared to energy drinks.
Let’s now compare the caffeine content of some popular energy drink brands with the regular Mountain Dew and Mountain Dew Energy variants.
| Soft Drink | Serving Size | Calories | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Dew | 12 fl oz (354.8 mL) | 170 calories (711 kJ) | 54 mg |
| Mountain Dew Energy | 16 fl oz (473 mL) | 25 calories (105 kJ) | 180 mg |
| Original Red Bull | 12 fl oz (354.8 mL) | 160 calories (670 kJ) | 114 mg |
| Monster Energy (green) | 16 fl oz (473 mL) | 210 calories (880 kJ) | 160 mg |
| Raspberry Lime Baya Energy | 12 fl oz (354.8 mL) | 90 calories (380 kJ) | 160 mg |
While the original Mountain Dew may not directly compare to the energy drinks listed above, Mountain Dew Energy certainly holds its own. This variation of Mountain Dew contains more caffeine (180 mg per 16 fl oz) than the highest-ranking energy drink on the chart (Monster Energy green’s 160 mg per 16 fl oz) but with significantly fewer calories than any of them. It offers an excellent alternative for those seeking a caffeinated beverage without the added calories.
Mountain Dew vs. coffee vs. tea
While Mountain Dew contains 54 milligrams of caffeine per 12oz serving, coffee dominates with a whopping 130 to 150 mg of caffeine in the same serving size. The difference is significant, making drinking coffee a much more potent source of caffeine.
Even black tea surpasses Mountain Dew. A 12oz serving of black tea contains around 68mg of caffeine, still more than Mountain Dew but not as much as a cup of coffee. While considered a healthy option, green tea only provides approximately 45mg of caffeine per serving (12 oz), making it less potent than Mountain Dew.
If you’re seeking alternative sources of caffeine, black coffee emerges as a great choice. With a moderate to high caffeine content ranging from 95-200mg per cup, black coffee can provide a substantial energy boost.
Is Mountain Dew suitable for regular consumption?
When it comes to regular consumption, Mountain Dew raises some concerns. This popular soft drink contains ingredients not recommended for frequent consumption, such as caffeine, fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors. It is also crucial to note that the sugar content of a 12 oz Mountain Dew bottle is 46 grams.
Drinking copious amounts of caffeine can lead to various health issues, including heart palpitations and high blood pressure. While it may provide a quick energy boost, the potential adverse effects outweigh any benefits.
Instead, it is advisable to opt for healthier drink alternatives. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves choosing beverages that are lower in caffeine and contain natural ingredients. By doing so, you can prioritize your health and avoid the potential risks associated with regular consumption of Mountain Dew.
Final thoughts
The amount of caffeine in Mountain Dew is significant. With around 54 milligrams per 12-ounce serving, it falls in the middle of the caffeine spectrum. While it may not be as high as some energy drinks or coffee, it still provides a decent jolt of energy.
It is important to note that individual tolerance levels can vary, and consuming too much caffeine could lead to various health concerns, such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia. Therefore, moderation is key when drinking Mountain Dew or any other caffeinated beverage.
Sources: homegrounds, tonyspizzeria