Does Orange Crush Have Any Caffeine in It?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Orange Crush, a popular citrus-flavored soda since 1916, is a favorite beverage worldwide. For those sensitive to stimulants, the caffeine content is a major concern. The answer is simple: Orange Crush does not contain any caffeine.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caffeine content of Orange Crush and why it's a popular, caffeine-free beverage. It compares the nutritional value of Orange Crush with other well-known sodas, highlighting the advantages of caffeine-free options. The article also addresses common questions about the drink’s composition and different flavors.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Orange Crush contains zero caffeine, making it suitable for children and those sensitive to stimulants.
Check Labels: While most Crush flavors are caffeine-free, always check the label for specific varieties or new products.
Ingredient List: The lack of caffeine is confirmed by the ingredient list on the product packaging.
Nutritional Comparison: Unlike Sunkist Orange, which has caffeine, Orange Crush provides a non-stimulating orange soda option.
Health Benefits: Choosing a caffeine-free soda can help avoid jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption associated with caffeine intake.
Flavor Variety: Most fruit-flavored Crush sodas, such as Grape and Strawberry, are also caffeine-free.

Is Orange Crush Caffeine-Free?

Yes, Orange Crush is entirely caffeine-free. The ingredients include carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, and natural and artificial flavors. Caffeine is not listed. This makes it a good option for children and individuals with caffeine sensitivities, or anyone who wants a refreshing soda without the stimulating effects. The brand has maintained this caffeine-free formulation throughout its history. The lack of caffeine is a key selling point, highlighting its appeal as a recreational and flavor-focused beverage.

The Crush Family and Caffeine

While Orange Crush and most other fruit-flavored Crush sodas are caffeine-free, always check the label for any variations or specialty versions. The brand generally keeps a caffeine-free status across its fruit-flavored lineup, including Grape, Strawberry, and Pineapple. This consistency makes the Crush family a go-to for those avoiding caffeine.

Why Choose a Caffeine-Free Soda?

Choosing a caffeine-free soft drink offers advantages beyond avoiding stimulants. Caffeine can cause jitters and anxiety and disrupt sleep patterns. Caffeine-free soda is an alternative for those who want a carbonated beverage without physiological side effects. It's a popular choice for parents who prefer non-caffeinated drinks for their children. Athletes and individuals engaging in nighttime activities may also prefer caffeine-free options to maintain energy levels without artificial boosts or crashes. Some people have medical reasons for avoiding caffeine, making products like Orange Crush a reliable choice.

Orange Crush vs. Other Orange Sodas

Not all orange sodas are the same regarding caffeine content. Comparing Crush to other major brands is crucial for consumers who are monitoring their intake.


Soda Brand	Caffeine Status	Typical Caffeine Content (12 oz)	Note
Orange Crush	Caffeine-Free	0 mg	Consistent across regular and most diet versions.
Sunkist Orange	Contains Caffeine	19 mg	A notable exception among fruit sodas that often contain caffeine.
Fanta Orange	Caffeine-Free	0 mg	A popular caffeine-free alternative to Crush.
Sunkist Diet Orange	Contains Caffeine	19 mg	Similar to the regular version, it is not caffeine-free.

List of Common Caffeine-Free Sodas

For those who enjoy a variety of soda flavors without caffeine, here is a list:

Orange Crush (all flavors): All the fruit-flavored sodas are caffeine-free.
Fanta (most flavors): Fanta Orange is a popular caffeine-free fruit soda.
Sprite: This lemon-lime soda is always caffeine-free.
7UP: Another lemon-lime beverage without caffeine.
Ginger Ale (most brands): The majority of ginger ale brands do not contain caffeine.
A&W Root Beer: This root beer is caffeine-free.
Mug Root Beer: Like A&W, Mug is a popular caffeine-free root beer option.
Fresca: This citrus-flavored sparkling soda contains no caffeine.

Ingredients of Orange Crush

Examining the ingredients confirms Orange Crush is caffeine-free. The typical ingredients are:

Carbonated Water
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Citric Acid
Sodium Benzoate (Preservative)
Natural Flavors
Modified Corn Starch
Ester Gum
Yellow 6 and Red 40 (Artificial Colors)
Salt

Caffeine is not listed, which would be required by law if it were an ingredient. The combination of high-fructose corn syrup and natural and artificial flavors provides the sweet and tangy taste, while the carbonated water creates the fizzy texture. The artificial colorings (Yellow 6 and Red 40) are responsible for the orange hue.

Conclusion

The answer to the question "Does Orange Crush have any caffeine in it?" is no. As a caffeine-free soda, it is a safe and delicious option for anyone looking to avoid stimulants while still enjoying a soft drink. Orange Crush stands out as a reliable choice if you are sensitive to caffeine, choosing beverages for children, or simply prefer a soda without the stimulating effects. Always check labels for specific varieties, but the classic orange-flavored Crush is free of caffeine. This fact solidifies its enduring popularity for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Orange Crush is 100% caffeine-free. It does not contain any caffeine in its formulation, making it a safe choice for individuals who want to avoid the stimulant.

No, most flavors of Crush soda are caffeine-free, including Orange, Grape, and Strawberry. The brand is known for its line of caffeine-free fruit-flavored sodas.

You can confirm by checking the ingredient list and nutrition facts label on the product packaging. Caffeine is not listed as an ingredient, and the nutritional panel will confirm its absence.

Unlike Orange Crush, Sunkist Orange soda does contain caffeine. Sunkist includes 19 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz can, while Orange Crush has 0 mg.

Yes, both the regular and diet versions of Orange Crush are caffeine-free. Diet Orange Crush is a zero-calorie, caffeine-free alternative.

Many popular sodas are caffeine-free, including Sprite, 7UP, Fanta Orange, A&W Root Beer, and most brands of ginger ale.

People choose caffeine-free sodas to avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine, which can include jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption. It's also a common choice for children and those with caffeine sensitivities.