The Answer: Yes, Mountain Dew Melon Has Caffeine
Mountain Dew's watermelon-flavored soda, commonly known as Major Melon, does indeed contain caffeine. While the flavor was a hit with many fans, leading to a permanent release in 2021, its availability has since become more complex, especially in the United States, where it was discontinued in January 2025. For consumers sensitive to caffeine, understanding the content of this and other melon-flavored Mountain Dew products is essential before consumption. The amount of caffeine can differ based on the specific type of Major Melon product and the serving size.
Caffeine Content Breakdown by Product
Understanding the caffeine level is important, as it varies across different formulations. Below is a list detailing the caffeine content of various melon-flavored Mountain Dew products:
- Regular Mountain Dew Major Melon: A standard 12-ounce can contains approximately 54 mg of caffeine, a level consistent with classic Mountain Dew.
- Regular Mountain Dew Major Melon (20 oz bottle): A larger, 20-ounce bottle contains about 91 mg of caffeine, offering a more substantial energy boost per container.
- Mountain Dew Major Melon Zero Sugar: The Zero Sugar version was formulated with a slightly higher caffeine content than the regular soda. A 12-ounce can contains approximately 68 mg of caffeine.
- Mountain Dew Energy (Major Melon): This product was part of the higher-caffeine Mountain Dew Energy lineup. A 16-ounce can contained a significant 180 mg of caffeine but has been discontinued.
- Mountain Dew Kickstart (Energizing Watermelon): This is another caffeinated watermelon-flavored product, distinct from Major Melon, and was available for a time.
Mountain Dew Major Melon Caffeine Comparison
To put Major Melon's caffeine content into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular beverages. The data below is based on standard serving sizes commonly found in the US market.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) | US Status (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Melon (Regular) | 12 oz | 54 | Discontinued |
| Major Melon Zero Sugar | 12 oz | 68 | Discontinued |
| Original Mountain Dew | 12 oz | 54 | Available |
| Mountain Dew Energy (Major Melon) | 16 oz | 180 | Discontinued |
| 7UP | 12 oz | 0 | Available |
| Coffee | 12 oz | ~140 | N/A |
The Discontinuation of Major Melon
For fans of the watermelon flavor, finding Major Melon has become difficult since it was officially discontinued in the US in January 2025, along with its Zero Sugar variant. The flavor initially had its nationwide distribution reduced to a regional offering in February 2024 before being completely taken off the US market. However, there's a silver lining for international consumers, as Major Melon is still a permanent flavor in several other countries, including Canada and Australia. Some locations may still have remaining stock until it sells out, so it is possible to find it occasionally after the discontinuation date.
Other Melon-Flavored Mountain Dew Products
Major Melon is not the only watermelon or melon-related flavor Mountain Dew has released over the years. Other variants have offered similar flavor profiles, catering to fans of fruity sodas:
- Mountain Dew Kickstart (Energizing Watermelon): A version of the Kickstart line featured an energizing watermelon flavor, though its availability can be seasonal or limited.
- Baja 'Merica Melon (Cancelled): This watermelon-lime flavor was planned for a limited summer release in 2026 as a Baja spinoff but was ultimately cancelled before coming to market.
- HoneyDEW (Maverik exclusive): A honeydew melon flavor was released as an exclusive in 2025 for Maverik gas stations.
Conclusion
To definitively answer the question, yes, the Mountain Dew melon flavor, known as Major Melon, has caffeine. The regular and Zero Sugar versions each contained caffeine, with the Zero Sugar variant being slightly more potent. The short-lived Major Melon Energy contained significantly more. While the product is no longer available in the US market as of early 2025, international fans can still find it. For those looking for caffeine-free alternatives or other melon flavors, the Mountain Dew lineup has included other products over time, though availability varies. Consumers sensitive to caffeine should always check product labels for the most accurate and up-to-date information. For more information on caffeine content in various beverages, consult resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
