Does Sprite Lite Have Caffeine? Unpacking the Zero Sugar Truth

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Since its creation, Sprite has been marketed as a caffeine-free soft drink, a characteristic that extends to its diet variations. Despite this history, many people still ask, 'Does Sprite Lite have caffeine?', especially considering the beverage's name change to Sprite Zero Sugar. The simple and definitive answer is no, Sprite Lite contains zero caffeine.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies that Sprite Lite, now universally known as Sprite Zero Sugar, contains absolutely no caffeine. It examines the product's history and ingredients, and distinguishes its sugar-free formula from the regular version, providing clarity on its stimulant-free nature.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free Guarantee: Both regular Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar (formerly Sprite Lite) contain absolutely no caffeine.
Rebranded Product: Sprite Lite was the name used for the sugar-free version of Sprite in some regions before it was globally rebranded as Sprite Zero Sugar.
Energy Source: Any perceived energy boost from regular Sprite comes from its high sugar content, not caffeine, and Sprite Zero Sugar has zero calories and zero sugar.
Ingredient Clarity: Checking the ingredient label of Sprite Zero Sugar confirms the absence of caffeine and the use of artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium.
Comparison with Other Sodas: Unlike caffeinated citrus sodas like Mountain Dew or colas like Coca-Cola, Sprite is a dedicated caffeine-free alternative.

Is Sprite Lite a Caffeinated Drink?

No, Sprite Lite does not have caffeine. The product, which has since been rebranded as Sprite Zero Sugar in many regions, has always been a caffeine-free beverage. The Coca-Cola Company, which produces Sprite, has maintained a clear distinction between its caffeinated sodas (like Coca-Cola and Diet Coke) and its caffeine-free ones (like Sprite and Fanta). For consumers looking to avoid caffeine for health reasons, or simply as a personal preference, both the regular and zero-sugar versions of Sprite are a safe choice.

The Name Change: From Sprite Lite to Sprite Zero Sugar

Consumer confusion regarding the caffeine content of Sprite Lite is understandable, particularly due to the rebranding. The product first began as "Sugar Free Sprite" in 1974, before transitioning to "Diet Sprite" and then "Sprite Light" in various international markets. The name "Sprite Zero" was introduced in 2002, and it was ultimately unified under the global "Sprite Zero Sugar" branding around 2019 to align with the company's broader Zero Sugar marketing strategy. All these names refer to the same sugar-free, zero-calorie, and, most importantly, zero-caffeine beverage.

The Ingredients that Matter (and Don't)

The ingredients of Sprite Zero Sugar clearly list the components, and caffeine is not among them. Instead, it uses artificial sweeteners to achieve its flavor without the added sugars and calories found in the original version.

Common Ingredients in Sprite Zero Sugar include:

Carbonated Water
Citric Acid
Natural Flavors
Potassium Citrate
Potassium Benzoate (as a preservative)
Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
Acesulfame Potassium (artificial sweetener)

This composition explains why the beverage has no calories or sugar, offering the crisp lemon-lime taste without the glycemic impact of the original. The absence of caffeine is a consistent feature across all Sprite varieties.

Why Some People Feel an Energy Boost from Sprite

For those who feel a sudden jolt of energy after drinking a regular Sprite, it is important to distinguish this effect from that of caffeine. Regular Sprite contains a high amount of high fructose corn syrup (or sugar, depending on the market). This high sugar content can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, which the body can interpret as a surge of energy, sometimes followed by a sugar crash. This is a very different physiological reaction than the stimulating effect of caffeine on the nervous system. Since Sprite Zero Sugar contains no added sugar, it does not produce this same sugary energy spike.

Comparison of Sprite Zero Sugar with Other Popular Sodas

To put Sprite Zero Sugar's caffeine-free status into perspective, let's compare it to other popular soft drinks. While most clear, lemon-lime sodas are caffeine-free, many colas and other specialized citrus drinks are not.

Caffeine Comparison Table (Per 12 oz. / 355 ml serving)


Beverage	Caffeine Content (mg)
Sprite Zero Sugar	0 mg
Regular Sprite	0 mg
Coca-Cola	34 mg
Diet Coke	46 mg
Pepsi	~38 mg
Mountain Dew	54 mg
Sunkist Orange	19 mg
7UP	0 mg

This table clearly illustrates that Sprite, in all its variations, is an outlier among many popular soft drinks by being entirely caffeine-free. Beverages like Mountain Dew and Sunkist contain caffeine, dispelling the myth that all citrus sodas are stimulant-free.

Frequently Confused Sodas and their Caffeine Content

7UP: Like Sprite, this is a clear, lemon-lime soda and is also consistently caffeine-free.
Mountain Dew: This is a citrus-flavored soda that is known to contain a significant amount of caffeine, making it a key distinction from Sprite.
Diet Coke vs. Sprite Zero Sugar: While both are zero-calorie options from the same parent company, Diet Coke contains a moderate amount of caffeine, whereas Sprite Zero Sugar contains none.

For consumers checking their caffeine intake, it is always recommended to read the nutritional label on the product, which clearly lists ingredients and the caffeine content (or lack thereof).

Conclusion: Zero Caffeine, Zero Confusion

The answer to the question, "Does Sprite Lite have caffeine?", is an emphatic no. The beverage, now known as Sprite Zero Sugar, has always been completely caffeine-free, a hallmark of the Sprite brand since its inception. The perception of a stimulating effect likely stems from confusion with sugary sodas or other caffeinated citrus drinks. For those seeking a crisp, refreshing, lemon-lime soda without the worry of caffeine, Sprite Zero Sugar remains a consistent and reliable choice. It provides the same signature taste as its original counterpart but with zero calories and zero stimulants, offering a guilt-free way to quench your thirst.

For additional health and ingredient information, you can consult The Coca-Cola Company's official product page. The Coca-Cola Company product information

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Sprite Zero Sugar is the current name for the beverage formerly known as Sprite Lite in many markets. It is the same sugar-free, caffeine-free formulation.

No, The Coca-Cola Company has explicitly stated that all varieties of Sprite, including the regular and zero-sugar versions, are completely caffeine-free.

This can be due to confusion with other citrus-flavored sodas that do contain caffeine, like Mountain Dew or Sunkist. Others may mistake the sugar rush from regular Sprite for the effects of a stimulant.

Since Sprite Zero Sugar contains no sugar and no caffeine, it does not provide an energy boost. Any quick energy surge associated with regular sodas is typically from the sugar content, which is absent in the zero-sugar version.

The most reliable way is to read the ingredient list and nutritional facts on the product packaging. The presence of caffeine is required to be listed, and in the case of Sprite, the label explicitly states "NO CAFFEINE".

No, this is a common misconception. While drinks like Sprite and 7UP are caffeine-free, other clear or citrus-flavored sodas, such as Mountain Dew, contain caffeine.

Sprite Zero Sugar is a zero-calorie, sugar-free alternative to regular Sprite, making it a better option for those monitoring their sugar and calorie intake. However, both should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.