Yes, Mountain Dew Energised Contains Caffeine
For consumers in Australia and other regions where this specific formulation is sold, the answer is a clear yes: Mountain Dew Energised does have caffeine. The addition of caffeine was a significant part of its rebranding and reformulation, which occurred in Australia in 2012. This change was made to position the drink as a more invigorating and energizing option for consumers. It is important to note that the term "Energised" is a direct indicator of this key difference from standard Mountain Dew formulations in some international markets.
The Specific Caffeine Content
The caffeine level in Mountain Dew Energised can vary slightly depending on the size of the bottle or can. For example, a 600ml bottle sold in Australia contains approximately 90mg of caffeine, which equates to 15mg per 100ml. A 375ml can has 56mg of caffeine, while a 1.25L bottle contains 38mg per 250ml serving. These levels are comparable to other energy drinks on the market, though often lower than concentrated energy shots.
Comparing Energised to Other Mountain Dew Variants
Mountain Dew's global product lineup can be confusing due to regional differences. The Energised variant, while similar in flavor to traditional Mountain Dew, is defined by its caffeine content. In contrast, the standard Mountain Dew available in North America has always contained caffeine, with about 54mg in a 12-ounce can. Other variants, such as the Mountain Dew Energy series in the US, contain significantly more caffeine, with some reaching up to 180mg per can. This means that while Energised is caffeinated, it is not the most potent option within the Mountain Dew family.
Ingredients and Warnings
Examining the ingredients list further confirms the presence of caffeine. The list typically includes:
- Carbonated Water
- Sugar
- Reconstituted Orange Juice
- Food Acids (330, 331)
- Preservatives (211, 202)
- Caffeine
- Flavour
- Colour (102)
The packaging for Mountain Dew Energised often includes warnings against consumption by children, pregnant or lactating women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine. This is a standard practice for caffeinated beverages and helps inform consumers about its stimulating properties.
A Table Comparison of Caffeine Content
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table of caffeine content in various beverages:
| Beverage | Caffeine Content (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Mountain Dew Energised (375ml can) | 56mg |
| Regular Mountain Dew (12 fl oz can) | 54mg |
| MTN DEW ENERGY (16 fl oz can) | 180mg |
| Amp Energy (16 fl oz can) | 142mg |
| Red Bull (8.4 fl oz can) | 80mg |
| Monster Energy (16 fl oz can) | 160mg |
| Drip Coffee (8 fl oz) | ~95mg |
This table highlights that Mountain Dew Energised sits comfortably in the moderate range of caffeinated drinks, offering a noticeable energy boost without the extreme levels found in some specialty energy beverages.
The Market and Consumer Context
For many years, Mountain Dew sold in Australia and Canada was caffeine-free, a detail that led to the creation of caffeinated, rebranded versions like Energised in Australia and Citrus Charge in Canada. The change reflects a strategic move to align the product with consumer demand for stimulating soft drinks, a trend that has been particularly strong in the beverage market over the last decade. The reintroduction of caffeine to these regional variants essentially brings them in line with the formula North American consumers are familiar with, while also differentiating them with the 'Energised' label to highlight this specific feature.
Conclusion
To put it plainly, Mountain Dew Energised absolutely contains caffeine, a key feature that distinguishes it from its historical, non-caffeinated regional predecessors. With a caffeine level of approximately 15mg per 100ml, it offers a stimulating effect that is comparable to many other soft drinks and moderate energy beverages. This was a deliberate change made by the brand to appeal to consumers seeking an energy lift, and it is clearly labeled on the product packaging. When considering Mountain Dew Energised, consumers can expect the same citrus flavor with the added kick of caffeine, making it a viable alternative to other energy drinks on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mountain Dew Energised a regular soft drink or an energy drink?
It is a soft drink with added caffeine, essentially straddling the line between a traditional soft drink and a full-fledged energy drink, given its stimulant content.
How does the caffeine in Energised compare to coffee?
A single 375ml can of Mountain Dew Energised has around 56mg of caffeine, which is less than a standard 8 fl oz cup of coffee, which typically contains around 95mg of caffeine.
Is Mountain Dew Energised sold in the United States?
No, Mountain Dew Energised is an Australian-exclusive variant, though the American Mountain Dew has always contained caffeine.
Does caffeine-free Mountain Dew still exist?
While Mountain Dew Energised is not caffeine-free, caffeine-free versions of Mountain Dew are available in certain regions or as specialty products.
Are there other Energised flavours available?
Yes, other flavors like Berry Spark and Major Melon have been released under the Energised label in Australia.
Can pregnant women or children drink Mountain Dew Energised?
No, the product packaging explicitly warns that it is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine.
Is Mountain Dew Energised the same as Mountain Dew Kickstart?
No, they are different products available in different regions. Energised is the caffeinated Australian version of regular Mountain Dew, while Kickstart is a separate product line in the US that contains juice and is marketed for a morning boost.
