Does Mountain Dew Have a Zero Sugar Drink? The Complete Guide

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Since its official launch in 2020, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar has provided a sugar-free alternative for fans of the iconic soda. Created to mimic the bold taste of the original, this version contains none of the sugar, offering a similar flavor profile without the calories.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at Mountain Dew Zero Sugar, a zero-calorie soda option now available alongside Diet Mountain Dew. The guide examines its flavors, caffeine content, and key differences from its predecessors.

Key Points

Yes, it exists: Mountain Dew does have a zero sugar drink called MTN DEW® ZERO SUGAR, which was launched in 2020.
Taste Difference: Mountain Dew Zero Sugar was formulated to taste more like the original Mountain Dew than Diet Mountain Dew does.
More Caffeine: A 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew Zero Sugar contains 68mg of caffeine, which is more than the 54mg found in Diet Mountain Dew.
Multiple Flavors: Besides the original citrus, other flavors like Baja Blast also come in a zero sugar version.
Key Ingredient Difference: Unlike Diet Mountain Dew, the Zero Sugar version does not contain concentrated orange juice.
Zero vs. Diet: Zero-sugar sodas are often seen as taste-improved versions of their 'diet' counterparts, and this holds true for Mountain Dew.

Yes, Mountain Dew Offers a Zero Sugar Drink: Introducing MTN DEW® ZERO SUGAR

Mountain Dew's answer to the demand for a zero-sugar option arrived in early 2020 with the launch of MTN DEW® ZERO SUGAR. Unlike its long-standing counterpart, Diet Mountain Dew, the Zero Sugar version was formulated to taste as close to the original, high-sugar formula as possible. This distinction was a direct response to consumer preference for zero-calorie options that didn't compromise on the signature bold citrus flavor. This section explores the product, its key features, and what makes it distinct from other Mountain Dew variants.

The Purpose Behind Mountain Dew Zero Sugar

For many years, the only low-calorie option for Mountain Dew drinkers was Diet Mountain Dew. However, many consumers and taste-testers noted that Diet Dew had a different flavor profile, often described as lighter or slightly different from the original. With the release of Zero Sugar, PepsiCo aimed to create a product that retained the exhilarating taste of the original but without any of the calories. The development of the zero-sugar product was a strategic move to capture the growing market of consumers actively seeking to reduce their sugar intake without giving up their favorite soda flavors. This is similar to how Pepsi Zero Sugar and Coke Zero Sugar are designed to mimic their classic counterparts more closely than their 'Diet' versions.

Comparing Mountain Dew Zero Sugar to Other Variants

The most common point of comparison for Mountain Dew Zero Sugar is Diet Mountain Dew. While both are low-calorie alternatives, several differences set them apart. The primary distinction lies in their formulation and flavor profile. Zero Sugar is explicitly created to taste like the original, while Diet Dew has its own distinct flavor. Additionally, Zero Sugar products often contain more caffeine than their diet and regular counterparts. For example, a 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew Zero Sugar contains 68mg of caffeine, significantly more than the 54mg found in a 12-ounce can of Diet Mountain Dew. This makes Zero Sugar a more intense, high-energy option for those who want both the zero-calorie benefit and an added caffeine boost.

Zero Sugar Mountain Dew: Available Flavors

While the original MTN DEW® ZERO SUGAR is the most prominent, the zero-sugar trend has extended to other Mountain Dew flavors, including a permanent release of Baja Blast Zero Sugar and several limited-time-only offerings. This variety allows zero-sugar drinkers to experience the different and often seasonal flavors that Mountain Dew is famous for.

Here is a list of some zero-sugar flavors that have been available:

Mountain Dew Zero Sugar (Original Citrus): The flagship zero-sugar offering, designed to replicate the classic Mountain Dew flavor.
Baja Blast Zero Sugar: The popular tropical lime flavor, which became a permanent offering in January 2024 for its 20th anniversary.
Code Red Zero Sugar: A zero-sugar version of the cherry-flavored classic, though it has seen regional availability.
Summer Freeze Zero Sugar: A limited-time flavor inspired by the nostalgic red, white, and blue ice pop.
Other Seasonal Flavors: Periodically, Mountain Dew will release zero-sugar versions of their mystery VooDEW and other limited-time flavors.

Mountain Dew Zero Sugar vs. Diet Mountain Dew: A Flavor Comparison

To help consumers make an informed choice, here is a breakdown of the key differences between Mountain Dew Zero Sugar and Diet Mountain Dew.


Feature	Mountain Dew Zero Sugar	Diet Mountain Dew
Calories	0 calories per 20 oz	10 calories per 20 oz
Taste Profile	Formulated to taste closer to original Mountain Dew	Has a distinct, lighter diet flavor profile
Sweeteners	Uses a blend of aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose	Uses a similar blend of artificial sweeteners
Caffeine (12 oz)	68mg of caffeine	54mg of caffeine
Orange Juice	Does not contain concentrated orange juice	Contains concentrated orange juice
Aftertaste	Some reviewers note a slight chemical aftertaste	Often perceived to have a more typical diet soda aftertaste

Conclusion: A Zero-Sugar Option for Modern Tastes

Mountain Dew has definitively entered the zero-sugar market with its own successful product. MTN DEW® ZERO SUGAR, alongside other zero-sugar flavored variants, provides a compelling alternative for those seeking to cut sugar and calories while still enjoying the signature bold and invigorating taste of Mountain Dew. The product stands out from its predecessor, Diet Mountain Dew, by offering a flavor profile closer to the original and an extra jolt of caffeine, appealing to a different segment of the market. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, Mountain Dew's commitment to offering zero-sugar options ensures its place in the market for health-conscious soda drinkers. For more information on ingredients and nutritional facts, consumers can visit the official Mountain Dew website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar is not the same as Diet Mountain Dew. While both are low-calorie drinks, Zero Sugar was specifically developed to taste closer to the original, high-sugar Mountain Dew. Diet Mountain Dew has its own distinct, lighter flavor profile and contains a small amount of calories, unlike Zero Sugar's zero calories.

A 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew Zero Sugar contains 68mg of caffeine. This is notably higher than the 54mg of caffeine found in the same size can of Diet Mountain Dew or regular Mountain Dew.

Yes, Baja Blast is available in a zero sugar version called MTN DEW® BAJA BLAST® ZERO SUGAR. It was made a permanent flavor in January 2024 to celebrate the flavor's 20th anniversary.

As with many beverages containing artificial sweeteners, some people may notice a slight chemical or artificial aftertaste in Mountain Dew Zero Sugar. However, many reviews indicate that it is less pronounced than in older diet soda formulations.

Mountain Dew Zero Sugar uses a blend of artificial sweeteners to achieve its flavor. Ingredients include aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose.

Yes, the original citrus flavor of Mountain Dew Zero Sugar is a permanent flavor in the Mountain Dew lineup. Other zero-sugar variants, like Baja Blast Zero Sugar, are also permanent, while some, like Summer Freeze Zero Sugar, are limited-time offers.

If you are strictly watching calories, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar is the better option as it contains zero calories. While Diet Mountain Dew is also low in calories, it contains a small amount, and Zero Sugar is generally preferred by those seeking a taste closer to the original without sugar.