How much cholesterol is in Pepsi? The surprisingly simple answer

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard can of Pepsi contains 0mg of cholesterol. However, focusing solely on this fact can be misleading, as the high sugar content found in Pepsi and other soft drinks can indirectly and negatively impact your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

Quick Summary

A standard serving of Pepsi contains no dietary cholesterol, as it is a plant-based beverage, not an animal product. The significant health concern lies with its high sugar content, which has been linked to lower 'good' HDL cholesterol and higher triglycerides, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

Key Points

Zero Dietary Cholesterol: Pepsi contains 0mg of dietary cholesterol because it is a plant-based beverage and not an animal product.
High Sugar Impact: Despite having no cholesterol, Pepsi's high sugar content can increase unhealthy blood fats like triglycerides and lower 'good' HDL cholesterol.
Cardiovascular Risk: The negative effect of high sugar on blood lipids can increase the overall risk of heart disease.
Diet Drinks are Not a Cure-all: While diet versions lack sugar, they are not without potential health concerns and still contain acids that can erode tooth enamel.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opting for sparkling water, unsweetened teas, or infused water is a better choice for hydration and managing cholesterol levels.

What is Cholesterol and Why Doesn't Pepsi Contain Any?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for building healthy cells. Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs, but it is also found in foods that come from animals, such as meat, poultry, and dairy products. Because Pepsi and other soft drinks are made from plant-based ingredients like carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, and natural flavors, they contain no dietary cholesterol. A standard 12-ounce can of Pepsi, for example, lists 0mg of cholesterol on its nutrition facts label.

The Indirect Impact of Sugar on Cholesterol

While Pepsi is cholesterol-free, its high sugar content poses a significant health risk, particularly concerning blood lipid levels. The body processes high amounts of added sugar differently than other nutrients. When you consume a sugary drink, the body quickly metabolizes the simple carbohydrates into glucose and fructose. The liver then processes this influx of fructose. Excessive amounts of fructose are a key driver in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as the liver can convert this sugar into fat.

This process has a direct and negative effect on your blood cholesterol profile:

Increased Triglycerides: High sugar intake, especially from sugary drinks, is strongly associated with elevated triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood, and high levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
Lowered HDL ("Good") Cholesterol: Studies have shown that a high intake of added sugar contributes to reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL plays a crucial role in removing excess cholesterol from your arteries, so a lower level increases your risk of cardiovascular problems.
Insulin Resistance: Chronic high sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where your body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin. This further contributes to imbalances in blood lipids, including unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Sugar-Sweetened Drinks vs. Diet Drinks

Understanding the difference in how various soft drinks impact health is important. While regular Pepsi contains high sugar and no cholesterol, diet versions contain artificial sweeteners instead. However, this doesn't automatically make them a healthier choice for heart health. Studies have yielded mixed results on the effects of artificially sweetened beverages.

Comparison Table: Regular Pepsi vs. Diet Pepsi (Typical 12 oz Can)


Feature	Regular Pepsi	Diet Pepsi
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 mg
Added Sugar	~41 grams (High Fructose Corn Syrup)	0 grams (Artificial Sweeteners)
Calories	~150	0
Direct Lipid Impact	High risk of raising triglycerides and lowering HDL cholesterol.	No direct impact on blood lipids, but potential long-term risks are debated.
Risk of Type 2 Diabetes	Consistently linked to an increased risk.	Some studies show an association with increased risk, though the mechanism is unclear.
Dental Health	High sugar and acid content leads to tooth decay and enamel erosion.	Contains acid, which can still cause enamel erosion.

Healthier Alternatives to Soft Drinks

Given the health risks associated with both sugary and artificially sweetened sodas, choosing a healthier beverage is the best option for managing cholesterol and promoting overall health. Here are some alternatives:

Sparkling Water: For those who enjoy the fizz, carbonated water is an excellent, zero-calorie, and sugar-free substitute. Adding a slice of lemon, lime, or other fruit can provide natural flavor without added sugars.
Unsweetened Tea or Coffee: Both can be beneficial for heart health in moderation, especially when filtered to remove certain oils. Adding oat milk is a great cholesterol-free creamer option.
Infused Water: Add slices of cucumber, berries, or mint to a pitcher of water for a refreshing and hydrating drink.
100% Fruit Juice (in moderation): While a better option than sugary drinks, 100% fruit juice still contains concentrated natural sugars. Limiting intake to a single 8-ounce serving per day is a good practice.

Conclusion: Looking Beyond the Label

While the nutritional facts label on a Pepsi can accurately states that it contains 0 mg of cholesterol, this is a distraction from the beverage's true health impact. Cholesterol is a substance found in animal products, which Pepsi is not. The genuine risk to your cardiovascular health comes from Pepsi's high concentration of added sugars. These sugars can lead to imbalances in your blood's lipid profile by increasing triglycerides and decreasing beneficial HDL cholesterol, thereby raising your risk of heart disease. For optimal health, and especially for those concerned with their cholesterol levels, it is best to limit or eliminate the consumption of all sugar-sweetened beverages and opt for healthier alternatives. For more information on dietary guidelines, consult reputable sources like the American Heart Association (AHA).

Frequently Asked Questions

While Pepsi contains no direct dietary cholesterol, its high sugar content can indirectly raise unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood, which is bad for heart health.

Dietary cholesterol is the cholesterol found in foods from animal sources. Blood cholesterol is a waxy substance in your bloodstream. While dietary intake can affect blood levels, the high sugar in soft drinks can also negatively influence your blood cholesterol profile.

Excessive sugar, particularly fructose, is processed by the liver. When consumed in large amounts, the liver can convert this sugar into fat, which increases triglycerides and can reduce 'good' HDL cholesterol.

Diet sodas do not contain sugar or direct cholesterol. However, some studies suggest potential links between artificial sweeteners and other health risks, so water or unsweetened beverages are still the healthiest choice.

No, like regular Pepsi, Pepsi Max contains 0mg of dietary cholesterol. It uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to provide its flavor.

Healthier alternatives include water, sparkling water with fruit slices, and unsweetened tea or coffee. These options contain no sugar and therefore do not negatively impact blood lipid levels.

Drinking sugary beverages regularly, even just once a day, is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing imbalances in blood fats, including LDL and triglycerides, over time.