How Many Carbs Are in a Coke and How Does It Compare?

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to The Coca-Cola Company, a standard 12-ounce (355 mL) can of Coca-Cola Classic contains 39 grams of carbohydrates, all of which come from added sugar. Understanding this can be vital for managing your dietary intake, especially regarding sugar consumption and overall caloric count.

Quick Summary

A standard 12oz can of Coke contains 39g of carbs from sugar, contrasting with Diet Coke and Coke Zero which contain 0g. The differences hinge on the sweetening agents used in each version.

Key Points

Regular Coke's Carb Count: A standard 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic contains 39 grams of carbohydrates, all from sugar.
Diet and Zero are Carb-Free: Both Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are sweetened with artificial sweeteners and contain 0 grams of carbohydrates.
Source of Carbs: The carbohydrates in regular Coke come from added sugar, often high fructose corn syrup in the US.
Health Impact: High-carb sugary drinks can cause blood sugar spikes and are linked to weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Serving Size Matters: Larger bottles of regular Coke contain significantly more carbs, with a 20oz bottle packing 65g.
Alternatives Exist: For those watching their carb intake, zero-sugar versions or simple water are healthier options to consider.

The Carbohydrate Count in a Classic Coke

For anyone monitoring their carb or sugar intake, the numbers can be surprising. A single 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic delivers a substantial 39 grams of carbohydrates, every last one of which is pure sugar. In the United States, this is often in the form of high fructose corn syrup. To put this into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar intake to no more than 36 grams for most adult men and 25 grams for most adult women. This means a single can of Coke can push you over the recommended limit for the day.

The Source of Carbs: Pure Sugar

The carbohydrates found in a regular Coca-Cola are simple sugars, meaning they are quickly absorbed by the body. This rapid absorption can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes or those following a low-carb diet like keto, this can be particularly problematic. The absence of any fiber or protein means there is nothing to slow down this sugar rush, leading to a quick rise in energy followed by an inevitable crash.

How Many Carbs Are in Different-Sized Coca-Cola Classics?

The carb count scales with the size of the serving. Here is a breakdown of common sizes in the US market:

7.5 oz (mini can): 25 grams of carbs/sugar
12 oz (standard can): 39 grams of carbs/sugar
16 oz (bottle): 52 grams of carbs/sugar
20 oz (bottle): 65 grams of carbs/sugar

Carbs in Diet Coke and Coke Zero

For those seeking a low-carb or sugar-free alternative, Coca-Cola offers several options. Both Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are formulated to contain zero carbohydrates and zero calories.

The Zero-Carb Factor: Instead of sugar or high fructose corn syrup, these beverages are sweetened with non-nutritive artificial sweeteners. Diet Coke traditionally uses aspartame, while Coke Zero utilizes a combination of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).
The Taste Difference: Many consumers find that Coke Zero offers a taste closer to that of a classic Coke, while Diet Coke has a slightly lighter, and for some, more citrusy flavor profile.

Comparison Table: Coke vs. Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero

To highlight the dramatic differences in carbohydrate content, here is a comparative look at the three main varieties based on a standard 12 oz (355 mL) serving:


Nutritional Aspect	Coca-Cola Classic	Diet Coke	Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
Carbohydrates	39g	0g	0g
Sugars	39g	0g	0g
Calories	140	0	0
Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup / Sugar	Aspartame	Aspartame & Acesulfame Potassium
Health Implications	Potential blood sugar spikes, high caloric intake from sugar	May contribute to sugar cravings in some individuals, ongoing debate over long-term effects of artificial sweeteners	Zero sugar impact, ongoing debate over long-term effects of artificial sweeteners

Health Considerations of High Carbohydrate Intake from Sugary Drinks

Beyond the raw numbers, the health implications of consuming high-carb, sugary drinks are significant. Health experts and dietary guidelines frequently warn about the risks associated with excessive soda consumption. These risks include:

Obesity and Weight Gain: Sugary drinks are a major source of empty calories, meaning they provide energy without any nutritional value. This can lead to weight gain over time.
Type 2 Diabetes: The constant spikes in blood sugar can strain the body's insulin production, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dental Issues: The combination of sugar and acids can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.
Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, all of which increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

For an in-depth look at sugar's impact, a report from the WebMD website provides additional context on foods high in carbs and calories.

Making Informed Decisions

If you are on a specific diet or simply aiming for healthier choices, understanding the carbohydrate content is the first step. Opting for a diet or zero-sugar version can help reduce your overall sugar and calorie intake. However, for the healthiest option, water remains the best choice. Some may find that sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon provides a satisfying alternative to the carbonation of a soda without any of the added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbs in a regular Coke is a notable 39 grams per 12-ounce can, all from sugar. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone managing their sugar intake or health. Fortunately, alternatives like Diet Coke and Coke Zero contain zero carbohydrates, offering a way to enjoy a similar flavor without the significant sugar load. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual dietary goals and health considerations, but being informed about the nutritional facts is key to making a decision that's right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 12-ounce can of classic Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of total carbohydrates. All of these carbs come directly from added sugar.

Yes, both Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are formulated to be completely carb-free. They use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to achieve their sweet taste.

The carbohydrates in regular Coke are pure sugars, which the body processes quickly. Coke Zero contains no carbohydrates because it uses artificial sweeteners that the body does not metabolize for energy.

A 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola Classic contains 65 grams of carbohydrates. This is significantly more than a standard 12-ounce can.

Fountain sodas, like those from a self-serve dispenser, can vary slightly in their concentration. However, a 12oz serving is generally expected to have a carb count very similar to a canned version.

The carb content per serving is typically the same whether the sugar source is high fructose corn syrup (common in the US) or cane sugar (common in Mexican Coke). Both are simple sugars that provide the same amount of carbohydrates per gram.

Knowing the carb count is crucial for individuals managing conditions like diabetes, those on low-carb diets like keto, or anyone trying to limit their overall sugar intake for weight management and general health.