Does Cherry Wine Soda Have Caffeine In It?

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Cheerwine, the popular 'cherry wine' soda, explicitly lists caffeine in its ingredients, confirming its stimulating nature. This fact often surprises consumers, who might assume the unique cherry flavor means it is caffeine-free. To understand the caffeine content of this Southern favorite, a closer look at its nutritional information is necessary.

Quick Summary

Yes, cherry wine soda, most famously known as Cheerwine, contains caffeine. The ingredients clearly list caffeine, differentiating it from completely caffeine-free soft drinks. While the name suggests a non-alcoholic beverage, its stimulant content is comparable to other popular sodas.

Key Points

Caffeine Present: Yes, cherry wine soda (Cheerwine) explicitly lists caffeine as an ingredient in both its classic and Zero Sugar varieties.
Moderate Level: A standard 12-ounce can of Cheerwine contains about 48 mg of caffeine, a moderate amount that is comparable to or slightly higher than other major sodas like Coca-Cola.
Not an Alcoholic Beverage: Despite the 'wine' in its name, Cheerwine is a non-alcoholic soft drink, with the name referring only to its burgundy color and cherry flavor.
Read the Label: The presence of caffeine is not standard across all cherry-flavored sodas, so checking the ingredient list is essential for those who need to monitor their intake.
Southern Staple: Cheerwine has been produced by the same family in North Carolina since 1917 and is a beloved regional beverage.
Similar to Other Sodas: Its caffeine content is relatively standard for a caffeinated soda, but notably different from caffeine-free options like Sprite or Root Beer.

Understanding the Caffeine in Cherry Wine Soda

Many people are curious about the caffeine content of specialty sodas, and 'cherry wine soda' is a prime example. The most well-known brand associated with this term is Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soft drink from North Carolina. The name is derived from its burgundy color and wild cherry flavor, not from any alcohol content. While the 'wine' in the name is a misnomer regarding alcohol, the 'soda' part includes a key stimulant.

The Specifics of Cheerwine's Caffeine

The Cheerwine company, on its official website, confirms that its classic soda and Cheerwine Zero Sugar both contain caffeine. The amount is specified at 3.94 mg per fluid ounce. A standard 12-ounce can of Cheerwine therefore contains approximately 47.28 mg of caffeine, a moderate amount compared to some other sodas on the market. This information is crucial for those monitoring their stimulant intake due to health concerns, dietary restrictions, or personal preference.

Here are some of the ingredients found in a standard can of Cheerwine that contribute to its flavor and stimulating properties:

Carbonated Water
High Fructose Corn Syrup (or Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium for Zero Sugar)
Caramel Color
Phosphoric Acid
Natural and Artificial Flavors
Caffeine
Citric Acid
Sodium Benzoate (to protect flavor)
Red 40

Comparing Caffeine Levels: Cherry Wine Soda vs. Others

To put Cheerwine's caffeine content into perspective, it helps to compare it with other popular beverages. While it has a moderate amount, it is not as high as some specialty coffee drinks or energy drinks, but it is certainly not zero like many people might assume. This comparison table illustrates how cherry wine soda's caffeine content stacks up against other common drinks.


Beverage	Typical Serving Size	Approx. Caffeine (mg)
Cheerwine (Cherry Wine Soda)	12 fl oz can	48 mg
Coca-Cola Classic	12 fl oz can	34 mg
Diet Coke	12 fl oz can	46 mg
Dr. Pepper	12 fl oz can	41 mg
Mountain Dew	12 fl oz can	54 mg
Black Coffee	8 fl oz cup	95 mg (varies)
Red Bull	8.4 fl oz can	80 mg

This table shows that a 12-ounce can of Cheerwine contains more caffeine than a standard Coke or Dr. Pepper but less than a Mountain Dew or typical cup of coffee. Its levels are similar to Diet Coke, making it a comparable option for those seeking a soft drink with a mild stimulant effect. For individuals sensitive to caffeine, this amount is still significant and should be noted.

The Origin and Naming of Cherry Wine Soda

Created in Salisbury, North Carolina, back in 1917 during a sugar shortage, Cheerwine was developed by L.D. Peeler. The name “Cheerwine” was chosen for its vibrant, burgundy, wine-like color and the feeling of 'cheer' it was meant to inspire. Despite the name, it has always been a non-alcoholic soft drink. Its unique, fizzy wild cherry flavor has garnered a loyal following, especially in the American South, where it is a regional staple often enjoyed with barbecue. The long-standing presence of caffeine in the formula is part of its century-old tradition.

Reading Labels and Finding Caffeine-Free Options

For those who need to avoid caffeine, reading the ingredients list on soda bottles and cans is the most reliable method. While the classic Cheerwine contains caffeine, the company has introduced Cheerwine Zero Sugar, which also includes caffeine. However, other brands or different cherry-flavored sodas might be caffeine-free. Some companies produce specific caffeine-free versions of their drinks. It is important not to assume that just because a soda is fruit-flavored, it is automatically free of stimulants. Checking the packaging ensures you are choosing the right beverage for your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the popular cherry wine soda, Cheerwine, does contain caffeine. Both its classic and Zero Sugar versions include a moderate amount of caffeine, which can come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with the brand. The name, derived from its color and flavor, does not indicate the presence of alcohol, but the ingredient list clearly shows it is not a caffeine-free beverage. For anyone managing their caffeine intake, it is important to check the nutritional information or ingredient list of any specific soda to confirm its contents, as not all cherry-flavored drinks are the same. As the comparison table shows, Cheerwine's caffeine level is similar to other mainstream caffeinated soft drinks, placing it squarely in the category of a mildly stimulating refreshment. For absolute assurance, consulting the brand's official nutritional information is the best course of action. More information can be found at the official Cheerwine website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 'cherry wine soda' typically refers to Cheerwine, a popular brand of cherry-flavored soft drink from North Carolina. The brand's official website and product descriptions confirm this association.

A standard 12-ounce can of Cheerwine contains approximately 48 milligrams of caffeine. This amount can vary slightly depending on the specific product version.

No, Cheerwine Zero Sugar also contains caffeine. The company's FAQ confirms that both the classic and zero-sugar varieties have the same caffeine content per ounce.

The name Cheerwine was inspired by the soda's deep burgundy color, which resembles red wine, and the feeling of 'cheer' it was intended to create. It contains no alcohol.

A 12-ounce can of Cheerwine contains more caffeine (around 48 mg) than a 12-ounce can of regular Coca-Cola (around 34 mg).

While the classic and Zero Sugar versions contain caffeine, the company has historically offered caffeine-free options. However, availability may be regional or change over time, so it's best to check product labels or contact the manufacturer.

No, not all cherry-flavored sodas contain caffeine. For example, some brands offer caffeine-free versions, and other cherry sodas may be naturally caffeine-free. Always check the ingredients label to be certain.

For someone highly sensitive to caffeine, cherry wine soda (Cheerwine) might not be a suitable choice due to its moderate caffeine content. It is best to opt for a product explicitly labeled as caffeine-free.