Do any Sprites have caffeine?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

First introduced in the United States in 1961, Sprite has long been a popular lemon-lime flavored soda. For those seeking an alternative to caffeinated beverages like coffee or cola, understanding the stimulant content is crucial. The simple answer is no, none of the standard or seasonal Sprite varieties contain any caffeine.

Quick Summary

All varieties of Sprite, including regular, Zero Sugar, and special flavors like Winter Spiced Cranberry, are confirmed to be caffeine-free. Unlike certain citrus sodas such as Mountain Dew, Sprite's ingredients do not include the stimulant, offering a crisp lemon-lime refreshment for those avoiding caffeine.

Key Points

All Varieties are Caffeine-Free: Every standard and seasonal Sprite product, including Sprite Zero Sugar, contains no caffeine.
Competitor to 7-Up: Sprite was initially launched by The Coca-Cola Company as a caffeine-free alternative to 7-Up, which is also caffeine-free.
Energy from Sugar, Not Caffeine: The temporary boost some people feel from regular Sprite is from its sugar content, not a stimulant.
Lemon-Lime Sodas are Often Caffeine-Free: Unlike many cola drinks, clear lemon-lime sodas like Sprite and 7-Up are typically made without caffeine.
Read Labels for Other Sodas: While Sprite is a safe bet, other citrus-flavored sodas, such as Mountain Dew, do contain caffeine, so always check the label.

All Sprite Varieties are Caffeine-Free

One of the most defining characteristics of the Sprite brand is its consistent and deliberate lack of caffeine. The Coca-Cola Company, which produces Sprite, has always positioned it as a caffeine-free alternative to cola products. This holds true across all the variations available on the market, from the classic lemon-lime flavor to newer additions and seasonal releases. Whether you're reaching for a standard can, a diet version, or a special edition, you can be confident that you won't be consuming any caffeine.

Why Sprite Does Not Contain Caffeine

Sprite was developed as a direct competitor to 7-Up, which is also a caffeine-free lemon-lime soda. To carve out its market niche, the creators of Sprite focused on its crisp, clean taste, emphasizing its lack of caffeine as a key selling point. This has remained a foundational element of the brand's identity for decades, distinguishing it from popular caffeinated rivals. Even though many non-cola sodas are caffeine-free, this is not a universal rule, making Sprite's consistent ingredient list noteworthy.

The Lack of Caffeine in Specific Sprite Flavors

To dispel any remaining doubt, here is a list of popular Sprite variations that are confirmed to be caffeine-free:

Classic Sprite: The original lemon-lime flavor contains no caffeine.
Sprite Zero Sugar: This diet version uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar but remains caffeine-free.
Sprite Cranberry/Winter Spiced Cranberry: Seasonal offerings with a festive twist are also caffeine-free.
Sprite Cherry: Flavored versions with additional fruit notes, like Cherry, do not include caffeine.
Sprite Tropical Mix: This flavor fusion also maintains the brand's caffeine-free promise.

The Sugar and Energy Connection

While Sprite does not contain caffeine, the regular version does have a high sugar content. For example, a 12-ounce can contains a significant amount of sugar. This can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar, leading to a perceived energy boost, followed by a crash. This sensation, which can sometimes include jitteriness, may be mistakenly associated with the effects of caffeine. However, the mechanism is entirely different. The energy is derived from the carbohydrates in the sugar, not from a stimulant like caffeine. For those who prefer to avoid sugar, Sprite Zero Sugar offers a similar taste profile without this blood sugar effect.

Sprite vs. Other Popular Sodas: Caffeine Comparison

To highlight Sprite's position as a caffeine-free beverage, this table compares its caffeine content to other common soft drinks. All figures are based on a standard 12-ounce serving.


Soft Drink	Caffeine Content (mg)	Main Flavor Profile	Notes
Sprite	0	Lemon-Lime	Consistently caffeine-free.
Coca-Cola Classic	34	Cola	Contains a moderate amount of caffeine.
Diet Coke	46	Cola	Has a higher caffeine content than regular Coke.
Mountain Dew	54	Citrus	A famously high-caffeine citrus soda.
7-Up	0	Lemon-Lime	Sprite's original competitor and also caffeine-free.
Fanta Orange	0	Orange	Most varieties are caffeine-free.

Alternatives to Sprite

For those who enjoy the crisp, clear taste of Sprite and are consciously avoiding caffeine, several other sodas and beverages fall into the same category. These include:

7-Up: The classic alternative to Sprite, offering a similar lemon-lime taste with no caffeine.
Ginger Ale: Brands like Canada Dry are generally caffeine-free and offer a mild, spicy flavor.
Sparkling Water: Naturally flavored carbonated drinks like La Croix or Bubly provide a flavorful, sugar-free, and caffeine-free option.
Herbal Tea: Non-caffeinated herbal teas, like peppermint or chamomile, offer warmth and flavor without the stimulant effect.

Conclusion

The question, "do any Sprites have caffeine?" has a clear and consistent answer: no. The entire product line, from the original formula to all flavored and sugar-free variants, is free of caffeine. While regular Sprite's high sugar content can mimic an energy surge, it lacks the actual stimulant. This makes Sprite a reliable choice for individuals who want to enjoy a crisp, refreshing soda without the effects of caffeine, distinguishing it from many other sodas and energy drinks on the market.

For more information on the caffeine content of beverages, you can consult reliable sources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sprite Zero Sugar is not caffeinated. Like the classic version, the sugar-free variant contains zero caffeine and is made with artificial sweeteners.

No, the seasonal Sprite Cranberry and Winter Spiced Cranberry flavors are both caffeine-free. The unique cranberry taste is added to the standard caffeine-free formula.

Sprite was developed specifically as a caffeine-free, lemon-lime flavored competitor to 7-Up. The absence of caffeine has been a core element of its brand identity since its introduction.

The energy boost sometimes associated with regular Sprite comes from its high sugar content. The rapid increase in blood sugar can create a temporary feeling of energy.

The most reliable way to determine if a soda contains caffeine is to read the ingredient and nutrition label. The caffeine content is often listed next to the nutrition facts.

Other popular caffeine-free sodas include 7-Up, Fanta (most varieties), some root beers like Diet Rite, and Ginger Ale.

As of the current product lines, no Sprite products are caffeinated. All versions produced and sold under the Sprite brand are consistently caffeine-free.