Does Sprite or Fanta Have Caffeine? A Detailed Look

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, most fruit-flavored sodas, including Sprite and Fanta, are caffeine-free. This is a key distinguishing factor from many colas and energy drinks, offering a popular alternative for those avoiding stimulants.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the caffeine content of Sprite and Fanta, confirming that both popular sodas are caffeine-free. It explores the ingredients, explains why this is often a point of confusion, and compares their nutritional profiles to other caffeinated and non-caffeinated sodas, providing a helpful guide for making informed beverage choices.

Key Points

Sprite is Caffeine-Free: The lemon-lime flavored soda contains no caffeine in its formula.
Fanta is Caffeine-Free: Across all standard flavors like orange and grape, Fanta is explicitly formulated without any caffeine.
Misconceptions Persist: Confusion arises because some similar orange or citrus-flavored sodas from other brands do contain caffeine, and one short-lived Fanta variant once contained caffeine.
Sugar Content Varies: While caffeine-free, both Sprite and Fanta can be high in sugar, though diet and zero-sugar versions are available.
Check Labels to be Sure: Always look for the 'caffeine-free' label or check the nutrition facts panel to confirm the caffeine content of any soda.

No, Sprite Does Not Have Caffeine

Sprite is a clear, lemon-lime flavored soft drink that is explicitly and consistently formulated without caffeine. This has been a core part of its brand identity since its introduction by the Coca-Cola Company. The refreshing, crisp flavor is achieved using natural lemon and lime flavors, citric acid, and carbonated water, not with caffeine. This makes Sprite and its variants, including Sprite Zero Sugar, suitable for evening consumption and for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine.

Why Sprite is a Caffeine-Free Option

Sprite’s formula is intentionally different from colas and other sodas that rely on caffeine for a flavor profile or stimulating effect. The formulation process focuses on creating a balance of citrus and sweetness without the need for the slight bitter notes that caffeine can provide. This positioning appeals to a broad range of consumers, including parents who want a stimulant-free option for their children. The absence of caffeine means there are no associated withdrawal symptoms or energy spikes and crashes linked to this particular beverage.

No, Fanta Does Not Have Caffeine

Similar to Sprite, Fanta is also a caffeine-free soft drink across nearly all of its many popular flavors, such as orange, grape, and strawberry. The Coca-Cola Company, which owns the Fanta brand, deliberately manufactures it as a fruity, non-caffeinated option. This provides a clear alternative to their caffeinated products like Coca-Cola. The bold flavors come from a combination of carbonated water, fruit juice from concentrate, citric acid, and natural flavors.

Addressing Fanta Caffeine Misconceptions

The most common reason for confusion about Fanta's caffeine content stems from other citrus sodas on the market. For instance, Sunkist Orange soda, a direct competitor, contains caffeine, which leads some people to assume the same is true for Fanta. There was also a historical exception in the early 2000s when a version called Fanta Citrus was temporarily released in the U.S. with caffeine to compete with Mountain Dew; however, this was discontinued. Regular Fanta products, whether in North America, Europe, or other global markets, remain reliably caffeine-free.

Comparison: Sprite vs. Fanta vs. Caffeinated Sodas

While both Sprite and Fanta are caffeine-free, their other nutritional aspects, particularly sugar content, differ. Here is a comparison of their caffeine and sugar content, alongside some common caffeinated alternatives, based on a 12-ounce serving.


Beverage	Caffeine (mg)	Sugar (grams)
Sprite (Regular)	0	38
Fanta Orange (Regular)	0	44
Coca-Cola Classic	34	39
Diet Coke	46	0 (artificial sweeteners)
Sunkist Orange Soda	19	41
Mountain Dew	54	54

This table illustrates that while both Sprite and Fanta lack caffeine, they are not necessarily lower in sugar than their caffeinated counterparts. The sugar-free versions of these drinks eliminate calories but still contain artificial sweeteners.

A Broader Look at Caffeine-Free Options

Beyond Sprite and Fanta, many other soda options offer a caffeine-free experience. This includes popular beverages such as Ginger Ale (most brands like Seagram's), most root beers (with exceptions like Barq's), and certain flavored waters. The market for caffeine-free drinks is robust, catering to consumers who want to enjoy a soda without the stimulating effects of caffeine. Always checking the nutrition label is the best practice for confirming caffeine content.

Conclusion

In summary, the short and simple answer is that both Sprite and Fanta are caffeine-free soft drinks. Both brands are consistently formulated without stimulants by the Coca-Cola Company, offering popular alternatives to caffeinated beverages like colas and energy drinks. While it's always wise to check individual product labels for confirmation, you can confidently enjoy both Sprite and Fanta knowing they will not affect your caffeine intake. Their distinct, non-caffeinated formulas cater to a wide audience seeking refreshing, fruity sodas without the jitters associated with caffeine.

Visit the official Coca-Cola company site for more brand and ingredient information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, regular Fanta Orange is completely caffeine-free, as are most other flavors of Fanta sold today.

No, Sprite Zero Sugar, like its regular counterpart, is formulated without any caffeine.

The misconception often comes from comparing Fanta to other, competing citrus sodas (like Sunkist) that do contain caffeine. A past limited-edition version called Fanta Citrus also once had caffeine.

Aside from their distinct lemon-lime and fruit flavors, a key difference is that Fanta Orange often contains more sugar than Sprite per standard serving.

No, this is a common myth. Many non-cola sodas, including Mountain Dew and some root beers, contain caffeine. Always read the label to be certain.

Yes, many other sodas are caffeine-free, including most ginger ales, most root beers (like Mug), 7UP, and caffeine-free versions of cola.

Checking the ingredient list for caffeine or its sources, such as kola nut extract, is a good method. For fountain drinks, choosing clear, fruit-flavored options like Sprite or Fanta is generally a safe bet, but it's not foolproof.