How many teaspoons of sugar are in 1 can of coke?

November 23, 2025 •

2 min read

A single 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar. When you break that down, it equates to nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar, a staggering amount that often goes unnoticed while consuming the popular beverage.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the sugar content in a standard can of Coke, converting grams to teaspoons for clearer understanding. It explores the health effects associated with high sugar intake and compares Coke's sugar levels to other popular drinks and daily recommendations.

Key Points

Hidden Sugar: A standard 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar, which is nearly 10 teaspoons.
Exceeds Recommendations: This amount of sugar surpasses the daily added sugar recommendations set by the American Heart Association for both men and women.
Health Risks: High sugar consumption is directly linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dental decay, and liver issues.
Liquid Calories: Sugary beverages contribute to weight gain because liquid calories are less filling than solid food, leading to overconsumption.
Visualizing Sugar: Converting grams to teaspoons (approximately 4g per tsp) provides a powerful visualization of the actual amount of sugar consumed.
Better Alternatives: Healthier options include water, sparkling water, and unsweetened tea, which offer hydration without the health risks of added sugar.
Check Labels: To avoid hidden sugars, it is essential to read nutritional labels and ingredient lists, looking for terms like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup.

The Surprising Sugar Content of a Standard Can

A standard 12-ounce (355ml) can of Coca-Cola Original contains 39 grams of sugar. To understand this in teaspoons, considering one teaspoon holds approximately 4 to 4.2 grams of sugar, a can of Coke contains about 9.3 to 9.75 teaspoons of sugar. This visualization helps illustrate the hidden sugar content in many sweetened beverages.

How This Compares to Daily Recommendations

The sugar in one can of Coke often exceeds the daily recommended limits from health organizations. The American Heart Association suggests women limit added sugar to 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) daily and men to 36 grams (about 9 teaspoons). A single can can push individuals past these limits and contribute to long-term health risks.

The Health Risks of Excessive Sugar Consumption

Regularly consuming sugary drinks like Coke is linked to various health problems, including:

Weight gain and obesity due to liquid calories.
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes by contributing to insulin resistance.
Higher risk of heart disease due to elevated blood pressure and triglycerides.
Dental decay as sugar fuels harmful mouth bacteria.
Potential liver problems, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, from excessive fructose intake.

Sugar Content Comparison: Coke vs. Other Drinks

The high sugar content in Coke is not unique among popular beverages. Here's a comparison:


Drink (12 oz)	Sugar (grams)	Sugar (approx. teaspoons)
Coca-Cola	39g	9.3-9.8
Orange Soda	49g	11.7-12.2
Energy Drink	38g	9.0-9.5
Sweetened Iced Tea	31g	7.4-7.8
Apple Juice	38g	9.0-9.5
Coconut Water	21g	5.0-5.2

Healthier Alternatives

Reducing sugar intake is achievable with healthier beverage choices:

Water: The best option for hydration and is sugar and calorie-free. Add fruits for flavor.
Sparkling Water: Offers carbonation without sugar, often available in flavored varieties.
Unsweetened Tea or Coffee: Enjoy hot or cold without added sugars.
Herbal Infusions: Provide natural flavors without sweeteners.
Smaller Portions: If consuming soda, opt for smaller sizes or reduced-sugar versions.

Making an Informed Choice

Understanding that a single can of Coke contains around ten teaspoons of sugar is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Choosing lower-sugar alternatives and moderating intake of sugary drinks can significantly improve health.

The Role of Labels

Reading nutritional labels and ingredient lists is vital to identify added sugars, which can be listed under various names. Using the conversion of 1 teaspoon equaling about 4 grams helps visualize the sugar content effectively.

Outbound Link

For more specific nutritional information, consult the official Coca-Cola company website.

Conclusion

A 12-ounce can of Coke contains approximately 9 to 10 teaspoons of sugar, exceeding recommended daily limits and contributing to various health risks. Opting for healthier beverages like water or unsweetened tea is a positive step towards better health.

Frequently Asked Questions

You calculate the number of teaspoons by dividing the total grams of sugar by 4.2, the approximate number of grams in one teaspoon. A 12-ounce can of Coke has 39 grams of sugar, so 39 divided by 4.2 is roughly 9.3 teaspoons.

No, Diet Coke contains zero grams of sugar, as it is sweetened with artificial sweeteners. However, these artificial sweeteners have their own set of potential health concerns and are not a substitute for water.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adult women consume no more than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day, and men no more than 36 grams (about 9 teaspoons).

Healthy alternatives include plain water, sparkling water with natural fruit slices, unsweetened tea or coffee, and herbal infusions. These options help you stay hydrated without the negative effects of added sugar.

Yes, drinking one can of Coke a day can contribute significantly to a high-sugar diet, increasing your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues over time, especially since it exceeds recommended daily limits.

Yes, sugar content varies by product and size. For example, a 7.5 oz mini can of Coca-Cola contains 25 grams of sugar, while a 20 oz bottle contains 65 grams.

To reduce sugar from drinks, swap out sugary sodas for water or unsweetened tea, gradually reduce your portion sizes, and be aware of hidden sugars by reading nutrition labels carefully.