How many calories are in one large Pepsi?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data from Duchess Shoppe, a 32 oz large Pepsi contains 410 calories and 110 grams of sugar. This guide breaks down exactly how many calories are in one large Pepsi, explains why the figure can vary, and discusses the health implications.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a large Pepsi is not standardized and depends heavily on serving size, with a typical 32 oz version exceeding 400 calories. This high-sugar drink contributes to significant caloric intake and offers no nutritional value, which can have adverse health effects.

Key Points

Serving Size Varies: A 'large' Pepsi is not a standard size, with calories fluctuating significantly based on the restaurant or container volume.
High Calorie Count: A common 32 oz large Pepsi contains around 410 calories, with larger, 'super-sized' versions exceeding 500 calories.
Excessive Sugar Content: Large Pepsis can contain well over 100 grams of sugar, drastically exceeding daily dietary recommendations and increasing health risks.
Empty Calories: All calories from Pepsi come from its high sugar content, providing zero nutritional value from fat, protein, or fiber.
Adverse Health Effects: Regular consumption of sugary sodas contributes to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, dental decay, and other metabolic issues.
Consider Alternatives: Healthier beverage options, such as water, unsweetened tea, and sparkling water, can help reduce caloric and sugar intake.

Understanding the 'Large' Pepsi Dilemma

Determining the precise number of calories in a "large" Pepsi is complicated because the term is not universal. The serving size labeled as "large" varies significantly depending on the restaurant, fast-food chain, or convenience store. A large from one establishment might be 32 fluid ounces, while another could be 41 fluid ounces or even larger. This discrepancy means that the caloric and sugar content can differ dramatically from one location to another. For example, a large 32 oz Pepsi at one place might have 410 calories, whereas a 41 fl oz serving elsewhere could contain even more. It is crucial to check specific nutrition information, often available on the vendor's website, to get an accurate figure.

Calorie and Sugar Content by Size

To provide a clearer picture, let's examine the nutritional information for common Pepsi serving sizes. The vast majority of a Pepsi's calories come from its high sugar content, as it contains no fat or protein. The sugar is primarily high-fructose corn syrup, a form of added sugar that offers minimal nutritional benefit. This makes soda a source of "empty calories".

20 oz Bottle: A standard 20 fl oz bottle of Pepsi contains approximately 250 calories and 69 grams of sugar.
32 oz Fountain Drink: A 32 oz large Pepsi, such as those found at certain convenience stores, contains about 410 calories and 110 grams of sugar.
41 fl oz Fountain Drink: A larger, 41 fl oz Pepsi from Casey's General Stores contains an estimated 140 grams of sugar, which correlates to a very high calorie count.
1.5 L Bottle: For context, a 1.5-liter bottle contains around 654 calories and 155 grams of sugar.

The Health Implications of a Large Pepsi

Consuming a single large Pepsi can have a notable impact on your health due to its high sugar and calorie load. Health organizations, like the American Heart Association, recommend much lower daily sugar intake limits than what is found in a single large soda. For example, the sugar in a 32 oz Pepsi (110g) far exceeds the recommended 25-36 grams per day.

Potential health consequences include:

Weight Gain: The excessive calories from sugar are a primary cause of weight gain and obesity. The body processes these "liquid calories" differently, making it easier to overconsume without feeling full.
Type 2 Diabetes: The high influx of sugar can lead to insulin resistance, significantly increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dental Problems: The sugars and phosphoric acid in Pepsi are highly damaging to tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and decay.
Increased Fatigue and Cravings: The rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels can leave you feeling drained and trigger cravings for more sugary foods and drinks.
Metabolic Issues: Regular consumption of sugary drinks is linked to metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Comparison Table: Pepsi Sizes and Nutrition


Pepsi Size	Calories (approx.)	Sugar (approx.)	Notes
12 fl oz can	150 kcal	41 g	A standard canned size
20 fl oz bottle	250 kcal	69 g	Common bottled size
32 fl oz large (Duchess Shoppe)	410 kcal	110 g	Represents one version of 'large'
41 fl oz large (Casey's)	Approx. 560 kcal (est.)	140 g	Example of a super-sized version

Better Beverage Choices

Choosing healthier alternatives to sugary sodas is essential for managing your caloric and sugar intake. Options that hydrate and nourish your body include:

Water: The best option for hydration, with zero calories and no added sugars. Flavor it naturally with lemon, lime, or cucumber slices.
Unsweetened Iced Tea: Refreshing and full of antioxidants, it can provide a flavor alternative without the sugar.
Sparkling Water: A good substitute if you crave the carbonation of soda, offering the fizz without the calories.
Low-Sugar Kombucha: Provides fizz and flavor, along with potential probiotic benefits, though you should still check the sugar content.
Infused Water: Create your own flavored water by adding fruits or herbs like mint.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in one large Pepsi? The answer is not a single number, but rather a range from around 400 to over 500 calories, depending on the specific serving size. What remains consistent, however, is the very high sugar content and negligible nutritional value across all larger formats. Regular consumption of such a high-sugar, high-calorie drink can significantly impact health, contributing to weight gain, diabetes risk, and dental issues. By understanding these facts and opting for healthier alternatives like water or unsweetened tea, you can make more informed choices for your overall well-being. For comprehensive health information, consulting an authoritative source like the American Heart Association is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a 'large' Pepsi varies because the serving size is not standardized. Different restaurants, stores, and venues offer different sizes, ranging from 32 oz to over 40 oz, each with a different calorie count.

The sugar content in a large Pepsi is very high. For example, a 32 oz large Pepsi contains about 110 grams of sugar, while a 41 oz version can contain as much as 140 grams.

At comparable small sizes (e.g., 7.5 oz), Pepsi tends to have slightly more calories and sugar than Coke. However, the exact caloric difference in large sizes depends on the specific volume being compared.

Health risks associated with consuming large, sugary sodas include an increased risk of weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and dental problems.

No. Liquid calories from soda are not less impactful. In fact, research suggests that the body doesn't register liquid calories in the same way as solid food calories, which can lead to overconsumption and weight gain.

The best way to find accurate nutrition facts is to check the specific restaurant or venue's official website, app, or in-store signage. Many national chains provide detailed nutritional information for their menu items, including fountain drinks.

Healthier alternatives include water, sparkling water (sometimes with a dash of juice), unsweetened iced tea, or low-sugar kombucha. These options provide hydration without the high sugar and calorie load.