Understanding How Many Calories Are in 150 ml of Pepsi?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a 12 fl oz (355 ml) can of standard US Pepsi contains 150 calories, but modern formulations in other regions, like the UK, can have a lower calorie count. This significant variation means the specific calorie content for a smaller 150 ml serving depends heavily on where you are in the world. For example, a UK version might contain around 27 calories, while a US version is closer to 63 calories.

Quick Summary

A 150 ml serving of Pepsi contains a varying number of calories depending on the regional formula. Most of these calories come from sugar, offering minimal nutritional value, which can impact weight management and overall health.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in 150 ml of Pepsi depends on the country's formulation, varying significantly between regions.
US vs. UK Calories: In the US, 150 ml of Pepsi has roughly 63 calories, while in the UK, it has about 27 calories due to reduced sugar content.
Empty Calories: The calories from sugary drinks like Pepsi provide energy but no nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
High Sugar Content: The sugar in soft drinks can lead to blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, and contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.
Healthier Choices: Opting for water, sparkling water, or unsweetened teas can help reduce calorie and sugar intake.
Label Reading: Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information on a specific product's calorie and sugar content.

How Many Calories Are in 150 ml of Pepsi?

For a standard, sugary soft drink like Pepsi, the calorie count per 150 ml is not a single, fixed number. Instead, it is highly dependent on the country of manufacture due to different sugar contents in various regional formulations. The European market, for instance, has seen a significant reduction in sugar content in recent years, impacting the final calorie count.

Breaking Down the Regional Differences

To provide an accurate answer, it is necessary to consider the different formulations available worldwide. For a 150 ml serving:

US Formulation: A 12 fl oz (355 ml) can of Pepsi in the United States contains 150 calories. To calculate the calories for a 150 ml serving, you would use this ratio. The calculation is (150 calories / 355 ml) * 150 ml, which equals approximately 63 calories. All of these calories come from high fructose corn syrup and sugar.
UK Formulation: In countries with stricter sugar regulations, such as the United Kingdom, Pepsi has a different recipe. As of recent data, Pepsi UK has a lower sugar content. A standard 100 ml serving contains approximately 4.6 grams of sugar, which translates to about 18 kcal. Therefore, a 150 ml serving would be around 27 calories. This difference highlights the impact of corporate health commitments and government regulations on product composition.

The Source of Calories: Empty and Sugary

The calories in a soft drink like Pepsi are often referred to as 'empty calories'. This is because they provide energy but offer virtually no nutritional benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, protein, or fiber. The primary source of these calories is sugar, which is quickly absorbed by the body.

Why empty calories are a concern:

Quick Energy Spike: The body rapidly processes simple sugars, leading to a quick spike in blood sugar levels. This is followed by a crash, leaving you feeling tired and often craving more sugar.
No Satiety: Unlike foods rich in fiber or protein, sugary drinks do not make you feel full. This can lead to overconsumption of calories without satisfying hunger, contributing to weight gain.
Health Risks: High consumption of added sugars is linked to a range of health issues, including increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Comparison Table: Pepsi vs. Alternatives (per 150ml)


Beverage	Calories (approx.)	Sugar (approx.)	Notes
Pepsi (US)	63 kcal	26 g	Based on US formulation. Higher sugar and calories.
Pepsi (UK)	27 kcal	6.9 g	Based on recent UK formulation. Significantly lower sugar.
Diet Pepsi	<1 kcal	0 g	Contains artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
Pepsi Max	<1 kcal	0 g	Contains artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
Coca-Cola (US)	60 kcal	24 g	Slightly lower in calories and sugar than US Pepsi.

Healthier Alternatives to Sugary Sodas

For those looking to reduce their calorie and sugar intake, there are many better alternatives to sugary sodas. Choosing these can have a profound positive impact on your health and weight management efforts.

Water: The best and most straightforward option. It contains zero calories and sugar and is essential for hydration.
Sparkling Water: For those who enjoy the fizziness of soda, plain sparkling water is a great substitute. Adding a slice of lemon or lime can enhance the flavor.
Unsweetened Tea or Coffee: Both can provide a caffeine boost without the added sugars found in canned sodas or sweetened coffee drinks.
Herbal Infusions: A variety of herbal teas can be enjoyed hot or cold, offering different flavors without any sugar.
Fruit-infused Water: Create your own flavored water by adding fruits like berries, cucumber, or mint leaves. This provides a subtle taste without excess sugar.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in 150 ml of Pepsi is not universal and can range from approximately 27 calories in regions with lower-sugar formulas (like the UK) to about 63 calories in the US, where the original recipe persists. These calories are 'empty,' meaning they offer no nutritional value and are derived entirely from sugar. The empty calories in sugary soft drinks contribute to excess sugar intake, which can lead to various health problems and weight gain. Being aware of these regional differences and considering healthier alternatives is a crucial step toward better nutrition. The trend towards reduced-sugar formulations in some markets signals a shift, but a consumer should always check the label for the most accurate information.

Authoritative Source: For detailed nutritional information on beverages, check official company websites or reliable nutritional databases. You can find UK-specific information on Pepsi's UK website: https://www.pepsi.co.uk/products/pepsi.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK, 150 ml of Pepsi contains 6.9 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to approximately 1.7 teaspoons. In the US, a 150 ml serving has about 17 grams of sugar, or 4.25 teaspoons.

Yes, there is a substantial difference. The US formulation has a higher sugar and calorie count, with about 63 calories per 150 ml, while the UK version has approximately 27 calories for the same volume.

A standard 12 fl oz (355 ml) can of Pepsi in the United States contains 150 calories.

Yes, Pepsi Max is a zero-calorie soft drink. It contains artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to achieve its flavor.

Diet Pepsi contains virtually zero calories, as it uses artificial sweeteners. Standard Pepsi contains a significant number of calories from sugar.

Empty calories come from sources, like added sugar, that provide energy but lack essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer energy without any real health benefits.

In the US, Pepsi typically has slightly more calories and sugar than Coca-Cola. For instance, a 12 oz can of Pepsi has 150 calories, while a 12 oz can of Coca-Cola has 140 calories.