Does Taco Bell Baja Blast Soda Have Caffeine?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Yes, Taco Bell Baja Blast soda has caffeine, with a standard 12-ounce serving containing 59 milligrams of caffeine. This is slightly more than a 12-ounce can of original Mountain Dew, which is typically around 54 milligrams. The tropical lime-flavored drink's caffeine content is an important factor for many consumers to consider.

Quick Summary

Taco Bell Baja Blast soda contains caffeine, though the exact amount varies depending on the serving size and specific product, such as the zero sugar version. It has a moderate caffeine level compared to coffee but is generally higher than most colas. The zero sugar version actually contains slightly more caffeine than the regular Baja Blast per fluid ounce. Various related products, including the Baja Blast Energy drink, have much higher caffeine levels.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: Yes, Taco Bell Baja Blast contains caffeine, with a 12 oz. serving having approximately 59 mg.
Moderate Level: The caffeine content is higher than most traditional colas but significantly lower than a typical cup of brewed coffee.
Zero Sugar Differences: The Zero Sugar version of Baja Blast actually contains a higher caffeine content, at 68 mg per 12 oz. can.
Product Variety: Other Baja Blast products, such as the high-caffeine Energy version (now discontinued) and the caffeine-free Hard alcoholic variant, have different caffeine levels.
Ingredient Awareness: Beyond caffeine, Baja Blast contains high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors, which are important nutritional considerations.

Baja Blast: The Caffeinated Crush

Yes, Taco Bell's signature Baja Blast soda contains caffeine. Many fans assume it's just a regular, non-caffeinated fruit soda, but like its Mountain Dew parent, it contains a significant amount of caffeine. Created in 2004 as an exclusive offering for Taco Bell, Baja Blast's blend of tropical lime has cultivated a dedicated following. While it was initially only available in restaurants, its immense popularity led to its permanent retail release in 2024.

The caffeine content in Baja Blast is a key detail for those who are sensitive to stimulants or are monitoring their intake. The amount can differ based on the size of the drink and whether you purchase it from a fountain at Taco Bell or in a bottle or can from a retail store. The Zero Sugar version also has a different caffeine level than the regular version. Understanding these variations is essential for making informed choices about your beverage consumption.

How Does Baja Blast Caffeine Compare?

For context, it's helpful to see how Baja Blast's caffeine content stacks up against other popular beverages. While it's relatively moderate, it still contains more caffeine than many other sodas. Here is a breakdown of caffeine content per standard serving size for comparison:

A 12 oz. can of original Mountain Dew contains approximately 54 mg of caffeine.
A 12 oz. can of Coca-Cola contains around 34 mg.
A 12 oz. can of Pepsi contains about 38 mg.
An average 8 oz. cup of brewed coffee can contain between 95 and 165 mg of caffeine.

This comparison shows that a 12 oz. serving of Baja Blast has about 59 mg of caffeine, making it slightly more caffeinated than a standard Mountain Dew but still significantly less potent than a cup of coffee.

Caffeine Content by Baja Blast Product

The amount of caffeine in your Baja Blast depends on which product you choose. Pay attention to these distinctions, especially with the newer variants.

Regular Fountain Soda: A 12 oz. serving from the fountain at Taco Bell contains approximately 59 mg of caffeine.
Regular Bottled/Canned Soda: A 12 oz. serving from a can or bottle also has around 59 mg. A larger 20 oz. bottle typically contains 98 mg of caffeine.
Zero Sugar Version: The Zero Sugar variant is an important exception. A 12 oz. can of Baja Blast Zero Sugar contains 68 mg of caffeine, which is slightly more than the regular version.
Baja Blast Energy: The now-discontinued Baja Blast Energy drink, which was a limited-time offering, contained a very high 180 mg of caffeine per 16 oz. can. This is equivalent to about two cups of coffee.
Hard Mountain Dew Baja Blast: This alcoholic variant of Baja Blast is caffeine-free.

Nutritional Facts and Ingredients

Caffeine is just one of many ingredients in a Baja Blast. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has flagged several ingredients in the soda, including the high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors, such as Yellow 5 and Blue 1. A single 20 oz. bottle can contain 98 mg of caffeine and up to 59 grams of sugar. The Zero Sugar option replaces the sugar with artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose.

Comparison of Baja Blast and Other Popular Sodas


Beverage	Serving Size (oz)	Approx. Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Baja Blast	12	59	Tropical lime-flavored Mountain Dew.
Mountain Dew (Original)	12	54	Slightly less caffeine than Baja Blast.
Coca-Cola	12	34	Lower caffeine content.
Diet Pepsi	12	36	Moderate caffeine level.
Mr. Pibb	12	40	More caffeinated than standard colas.
Baja Blast Zero Sugar	12	68	Slightly more caffeine than regular Baja Blast.
Baja Blast Energy	16	180	A now-discontinued, high-caffeine energy drink variant.

Conclusion

In summary, Taco Bell Baja Blast soda is caffeinated, containing a moderate amount that is slightly higher than original Mountain Dew and other standard colas. The caffeine level varies by product, with the Zero Sugar version containing slightly more per ounce and the former Energy variant containing significantly more. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the specific product they are drinking, especially those sensitive to caffeine. While it may provide a refreshing tropical taste, it is not a caffeine-free alternative to other sodas and should be consumed accordingly. The drink's history as a fast-food exclusive, now widely available, highlights its immense popularity and unique position in the beverage market.

For more nutritional details on various products, including Baja Blast, explore the Environmental Working Group's food scores, which provide comprehensive ingredient breakdowns for many beverages and foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 20 oz. serving of Baja Blast from a bottle or fountain at Taco Bell contains approximately 98 mg of caffeine.

Yes, Baja Blast Zero Sugar contains caffeine. In fact, a 12 oz. can contains 68 mg of caffeine, which is more than the regular version.

The Hard Mountain Dew Baja Blast, which contains alcohol, is a non-caffeinated beverage. The traditional soft drink versions, however, all contain caffeine.

A 12 oz. serving of Baja Blast has slightly more caffeine (59 mg) than a standard 12 oz. can of original Mountain Dew (54 mg).

Baja Blast is a Mountain Dew flavor that combines the signature taste of Mountain Dew with a tropical lime flavor.

No, Baja Blast was exclusively a fountain drink at Taco Bell from 2004 until 2014, when it was first offered in bottles and cans as a limited-time product. It became a permanent retail item in 2024.

No, different Mountain Dew flavors and product types have varying amounts of caffeine. The Zero Sugar versions and Energy variants, for instance, often have different levels.