How Many Calories Are in a Mexican Coke?

December 21, 2025 •

2 min read

According to official Coca-Cola nutritional information, a 12-ounce glass bottle of Mexican Coke contains 150 calories. This calorie count is a key part of the larger discussion surrounding the differences in how many calories are in a Mexican Coke versus the American version, primarily due to the type of sugar used.

Quick Summary

A 12-ounce bottle of Mexican Coke contains 150 calories, all derived from its 39 grams of cane sugar. This and its glass bottle packaging are the main distinctions from the American version, which uses high-fructose corn syrup.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A standard 12-ounce bottle of Mexican Coke contains 150 calories, all from sugar.
Sweetener Difference: Mexican Coke uses cane sugar, while American Coke typically uses high-fructose corn syrup.
Sugar Content: Both versions contain 39 grams of total sugars per 12-ounce serving.
The Glass Bottle Effect: The perceived better taste of Mexican Coke is often attributed to its glass bottle packaging, which doesn't affect flavor like plastic or aluminum.
Nutritional Similarity: Despite the sweetener difference, the overall calorie and nutritional impact of both colas is very similar and should be consumed in moderation.
Slightly Higher Sodium: Mexican Coke can sometimes have slightly more sodium (around 85mg) compared to American Coke (around 45mg).
The 'Healthier' Fallacy: The idea that Mexican Coke is significantly healthier because of cane sugar is a myth; both are high-sugar beverages.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Mexican Coke

For many fans, Mexican Coke is often associated with its glass bottle and the use of cane sugar. A standard 12 fl oz (355 ml) glass bottle of Mexican Coke contains 150 calories, all from its sugar content, with no fat or protein. This means it has 39 grams of total carbohydrates, entirely consisting of sugar.

The Role of Sweeteners: Cane Sugar vs. HFCS

The main difference in ingredients between Mexican Coke and the American version is the sweetener: Mexican Coke uses cane sugar, while American Coke uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Both sweeteners are nutritionally very similar, providing about 4 calories per gram. Differences in taste may also be perceived due to packaging (glass vs. plastic/aluminum) or the specific sweetener used.

Mexican Coke vs. American Coke: A Side-by-Side Comparison

{Link: Happi Human https://happihuman.com/blog/mexican-coke-vs-american-coke-healthier} provides a comparison of nutritional aspects for a standard 12 fl oz (355 ml) serving of each beverage:


Nutritional Aspect	Mexican Coke (Cane Sugar)	American Coke (HFCS)	Key Difference
Calories	150 kcal	140 kcal	Minimal, likely due to rounding
Total Sugars	39 grams	39 grams	None
Added Sugars	39 grams	39 grams	None
Total Fat	0 grams	0 grams	None
Protein	0 grams	0 grams	None
Sodium	Approx. 85 mg	Approx. 45 mg	Mexican Coke tends to have slightly higher sodium
Sweetener	Cane Sugar	High-Fructose Corn Syrup	The most significant ingredient difference
Packaging	Glass Bottle	Cans and Plastic Bottles	Perceived impact on taste

The “Healthier” Misconception

The idea that Mexican Coke is healthier due to cane sugar is largely a myth. Both beverages are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Conclusion: Your Personal Preference Decides

Regarding how many calories are in a Mexican Coke, the answer is 150 calories per 12-ounce bottle. The choice between Mexican and American Coke often comes down to personal taste and preference for the drinking experience.

A Quick Ingredient List Breakdown

For ingredient lists, you can refer to {Link: Happi Human https://happihuman.com/blog/mexican-coke-vs-american-coke-healthier}.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 12-ounce (355 ml) glass bottle of Mexican Coke contains 150 calories.

Mexican Coke is traditionally made with cane sugar, unlike the American version, which uses high-fructose corn syrup.

No, a 12-ounce serving of both Mexican Coke and standard American Coke contains 39 grams of total sugar.

No, health experts agree that from a metabolic standpoint, there is no significant health difference between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Both are high-sugar beverages that should be consumed in moderation.

Slight variations in the bottling process can lead to different sodium levels.

Many people perceive a taste difference and attribute it to the glass bottle. Glass is less reactive than plastic or aluminum.

While the iconic glass bottle is its signature, some bottlers in Mexico and elsewhere may package it in plastic, especially for larger sizes.

The main ingredient difference is the sweetener. Mexican Coke uses cane sugar, while American Coke uses high-fructose corn syrup.