Does MTN Dew Have an Energy Drink? Yes, and Here’s What You Need to Know

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

With its citrusy taste and high caffeine content, many have long considered the classic Mountain Dew soda to be an energy drink in its own right. However, PepsiCo has explicitly marketed and sold several dedicated energy drink lines under the MTN Dew brand over the years, clearly answering the question: does MTN Dew have an energy drink?.

Quick Summary

This article explores MTN Dew's full lineup of energy beverages, including the now-discontinued Rise, the relaunched AMP, and the hybrid Kickstart drinks. Learn about their distinct formulas, caffeine levels, nutritional value, and how they differ from regular MTN Dew soda.

Key Points

Yes, MTN Dew has energy drinks: The company has a history of marketing dedicated energy drinks under the MTN Dew brand, including AMP, Kickstart, and the now-discontinued MTN Dew Energy (formerly RISE).
Not all MTN Dew is an energy drink: The classic soda contains caffeine but is not explicitly labeled or formulated as an energy drink, unlike specialized versions.
MTN Dew Energy was discontinued: The MTN Dew Energy (RISE) line, introduced in 2021, was discontinued in January 2024.
AMP Energy is a classic MTN Dew energy drink: AMP was one of the first MTN Dew-branded energy drinks and includes ingredients like taurine and B-vitamins.
Kickstart offers a lighter energy boost: Kickstart is a hybrid drink with lower caffeine, electrolytes, and fruit juice, aimed at a more moderate energy lift.
Formulas differ significantly from regular soda: Energy-focused MTN Dew products contain additional vitamins and performance-enhancing ingredients not found in the regular soft drink.
Always check the label: Due to the constant evolution of the product line, reading the label is the best way to understand the ingredients, caffeine, and sugar content.
MTN Dew energy products come and go: Limited-time and exclusive energy versions are common, so availability can change.

From Soda with Caffeine to Explicit Energy Drinks

While the original Mountain Dew has always contained a significant amount of caffeine—more than Coca-Cola, for instance—PepsiCo's foray into the dedicated energy drink market under the MTN Dew brand began decades ago. The company has experimented with numerous lines, and understanding this history is key to knowing the current market.

Historically, products like MTN Dew AMP and MTN Dew Kickstart have served different energy-focused niches. In 2021, PepsiCo introduced another contender, MTN Dew Rise Energy, which was later rebranded to MTN Dew Energy due to a trademark dispute. However, as of early 2024, the MTN Dew Energy line has been discontinued. The energy drink landscape under the MTN Dew umbrella is constantly evolving.

A Detailed Look at the MTN Dew Energy Lineup

To fully answer, “Does MTN Dew have an energy drink?” it is helpful to look at the different products that have fallen under that category over the years:

MTN DEW AMP: This was one of the earliest MTN Dew-branded energy drinks, launched in 2001. While it briefly became a standalone brand, it was later brought back under the Mountain Dew umbrella. The original citrus flavor of AMP contained ingredients like guarana, ginseng, taurine, and B-vitamins, in addition to higher caffeine content than regular soda.
MTN DEW Kickstart: Launched in 2013, Kickstart was positioned as a lighter, less intense energy option, containing a blend of fruit juice, electrolytes, and lower caffeine levels compared to a full-fledged energy drink. It was marketed as a morning-starter, with flavors like Orange Citrus and Fruit Punch.
MTN DEW Energy (formerly RISE Energy): This line, introduced in 2021, featured flavors like Baja Blast and Pomegranate Blue Burst. Each 16oz can had 180mg of caffeine, plus vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and Zinc for immune support. However, this entire line was phased out by January 2024.

The Importance of the Formula

The key difference between a regular MTN Dew and an energy-branded MTN Dew isn't just the amount of caffeine, but the entire formulation. Energy drinks are often fortified with additional ingredients intended to boost performance, such as B-vitamins, taurine, or ginseng. Regular soda, on the other hand, relies primarily on sugar and caffeine for its stimulating effect, though it lacks the other functional ingredients found in dedicated energy products. This is a crucial distinction for consumers weighing their options based on health and wellness goals.

Comparison Table: Original vs. Energy


Feature	Classic MTN Dew Soda (e.g., 12 oz can)	MTN Dew Energy (formerly RISE, 16 oz can)	MTN Dew Kickstart (e.g., Fruit Punch, 16 oz can)
Caffeine Content	~54mg	~180mg	~92mg
Sugar Content	High (46g)	Zero added sugar	Lower (e.g., 20g)
Functional Ingredients	No	Zinc, Vitamins A&C, Citicoline	Vitamins B&C, electrolytes
Calories	~170	~25	~80
Status	Widely available	Discontinued as of Jan 2024	Still available

A Look at What's Next for MTN Dew Energy

With the discontinuation of the MTN Dew Energy line in 2024, the brand's focus has shifted. While AMP and Kickstart remain relevant parts of the portfolio, the market constantly evolves. For instance, the separate Game Fuel brand, which was formerly part of the AMP lineup, has also undergone changes and was repositioned as an online exclusive before its discontinuation. This reflects a broader trend of brands continuously adapting their offerings to appeal to specific consumer segments, like gamers.

As of now, if you are looking for an energy drink directly from the MTN Dew brand, your options are primarily limited to the Kickstart and the classic AMP line, which are often found regionally. Other caffeinated options, like the popular Baja Blast, also exist in energy drink formats for limited promotional periods. For fans, staying up-to-date with product news is necessary to catch limited releases.

Conclusion: Navigating the MTN Dew Energy Universe

Yes, MTN Dew has a variety of products that qualify as energy drinks, and the brand has a rich history in the market. From the original AMP to the more recent Kickstart and now-discontinued Energy line, the company has consistently offered products with enhanced caffeine and functional ingredients. It is crucial to distinguish between the classic soda and its energy-focused siblings, as their formulas and nutritional content vary significantly. Consumers should check labels carefully to find the right product for their energy and health needs. While some products come and go, the MTN Dew energy presence is defined by variety and constant innovation, ensuring a product for nearly every type of energized beverage consumer. https://www.mountaindew.com/products/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, regular Mountain Dew is a carbonated soft drink, not an energy drink. While it does contain a moderate amount of caffeine, it lacks the specific blend of vitamins, supplements (like taurine or citicoline), and higher caffeine levels found in products explicitly marketed as energy drinks.

The MTN Dew Energy line, which was originally called RISE Energy, was discontinued in January 2024. This line was launched in 2021 but was eventually phased out.

Yes, MTN Dew AMP is still available, although its distribution can sometimes be regional or found more often in specific retailers like truck stops. It is one of the original MTN Dew-branded energy drinks.

Kickstart is a hybrid energy-juice drink, often with less caffeine and calories than full-fledged energy drinks like the former MTN Dew Energy. It contains electrolytes and vitamins, but has a different formula than the more intense energy options.

The discontinued 16oz cans of MTN Dew Energy (RISE) contained 180mg of caffeine, which was significantly higher than the caffeine content of a regular Mountain Dew soda.

Yes, there have been zero-sugar versions of MTN Dew energy drinks. For example, the former MTN Dew Energy line (RISE) contained zero added sugar. Consumers should check the labels on current products like Kickstart for specific zero-sugar options.

You can find MTN Dew energy drinks like Kickstart and AMP at various retailers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and online stores. However, availability can vary by region and product line, so it's best to check with specific retailers or online platforms.

Yes, Game Fuel was formerly part of the MTN Dew energy drink lineup under the AMP brand. However, it has been repositioned multiple times, becoming an online exclusive before its discontinuation in 2023.