Caffeine Content in the Discontinued Mountain Dew Ice
For soda fans, the discontinued Mountain Dew Ice remains a topic of curiosity, especially regarding its caffeine content. When it was available in the United States from 2018 to 2020, the lemon-lime soda had a notably higher caffeine level than the standard Mountain Dew formula. A typical 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew Ice contained 54 milligrams of caffeine, putting it on par with a 12-ounce can of regular Mountain Dew. However, the most commonly cited figure comes from the 20-ounce bottle, which packed a more significant punch with 91 milligrams of caffeine. This made a 20-ounce bottle of Mountain Dew Ice a potent option, approaching the caffeine level found in a standard cup of coffee.
Why Was Mountain Dew Ice Discontinued?
Despite a high-profile launch that included a Super Bowl commercial, Mountain Dew Ice failed to capture a large enough market share in the United States. It was intended to be a direct competitor to clear, lemon-lime sodas like Sprite but offered a caffeinated twist. For many consumers, the appeal did not last. Factors contributing to its demise included lukewarm sales figures and a perception that the flavor did not resonate strongly enough with soda drinkers. In March 2020, PepsiCo confirmed its discontinuation in the US and Canada. Plans for a reformulated relaunch were also eventually canceled.
A Look at Different Servings
The difference in caffeine content across serving sizes is an important detail for those comparing beverages. Here is a breakdown of Mountain Dew Ice's caffeine content based on its former availability:
- 12-ounce can: 54 mg of caffeine, matching a standard can of Mountain Dew.
- 20-ounce bottle: 91 mg of caffeine, a substantial increase compared to the 12-ounce serving.
- Fountain soda: Available for a time at Circle K, the fountain drink's caffeine content likely mirrored the bottled version before it was replaced by Mountain Dew Zero Sugar.
Mountain Dew Ice vs. Other Caffeinated Beverages
To understand Mountain Dew Ice's place in the market, it's helpful to compare its caffeine content to both its brand-mates and other popular drinks. While Mountain Dew Ice is no longer available in the US, this comparison provides context for what was on the market.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Dew Ice | 12 fl oz | 54 | Discontinued in 2020 |
| Mountain Dew Ice | 20 fl oz | 91 | Discontinued in 2020 |
| Mountain Dew (Regular) | 12 fl oz | 54 | Classic citrus flavor |
| Mountain Dew Zero Sugar | 12 fl oz | 68 | No sugar, higher caffeine |
| Diet Coke | 12 fl oz | 46 | Less caffeine than Mtn Dew Ice |
| Pepsi | 12 fl oz | 35–38 | Significantly less caffeine |
| Dr. Pepper | 12 fl oz | 41 | Less caffeine than Mtn Dew Ice |
| Brewed Coffee | 8 fl oz | ~95–140 | A standard cup, for comparison |
Conclusion
Although Mountain Dew Ice was a short-lived entry in the American soda market, its caffeine content made it a distinctive product. With 54 milligrams per 12-ounce can and 91 milligrams per 20-ounce bottle, it offered a caffeinated lemon-lime alternative that differed from its main competitors. Its discontinuation in 2020 was a consequence of underperforming sales, proving that even a celebrity-endorsed launch couldn't guarantee longevity in the competitive soda industry. Today, the details of its caffeine level and brief existence are mostly discussed by enthusiasts on fan sites, like the Mountain Dew Wiki. For those looking for a similarly caffeinated kick, other Mountain Dew products, particularly the Zero Sugar varieties, offer a comparable—or even stronger—caffeine boost.
