How Much Sugar Is in MT Dew Zero?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the official Mountain Dew nutritional information, MT Dew Zero Sugar contains 0 grams of sugar per serving. This confirms that the beverage is a completely sugar-free option for those looking to cut down on their intake while still enjoying a soft drink.

Quick Summary

MT Dew Zero Sugar contains no sugar or calories, achieving its sweet taste through artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. It is distinct from Diet MT Dew, offering a bold flavor profile that is closer to the original. This makes it a suitable beverage for various dietary plans, including keto, though awareness of artificial sweetener consumption is recommended.

Key Points

Zero Grams of Sugar: MT Dew Zero Sugar is formulated with absolutely no sugar or added sugars, providing a sweet flavor without the caloric impact.
Artificial Sweeteners Used: The sweet taste comes from a blend of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.
Different from Diet MT Dew: Unlike Diet MT Dew, MT Dew Zero is specifically formulated to taste more like the full-sugar original, offering a different flavor profile and slightly more caffeine.
Keto-Friendly Beverage: As it contains zero carbs, MT Dew Zero Sugar can be part of a ketogenic diet, though some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether.
Considerations for Artificial Sweeteners: While sugar-free, it's important to consume artificial sweeteners in moderation, as research on their long-term health effects, including potential impacts on gut health and cravings, is ongoing.
Not a Water Replacement: Though a good alternative to sugary drinks, zero-calorie sodas should not replace water as the primary source of hydration in a healthy diet.

The Zero-Sugar Promise

As the name implies, MT Dew Zero Sugar is explicitly formulated to contain no sugar. The nutritional label for the product confirms this, stating 0 grams of total sugars and 0 grams of added sugars. This complete absence of sugar is achieved by using a blend of non-caloric artificial sweeteners instead of high-fructose corn syrup, the primary sweetener in regular MT Dew. For consumers, this translates to a beverage that delivers the familiar, citrusy flavor without the caloric load and potential blood sugar impact associated with sugary drinks.

The Role of Artificial Sweeteners

Since MT Dew Zero contains no actual sugar, the sweetness comes from a combination of artificial sweeteners. The ingredients list specifies the use of aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. This blend is crucial to the drink's flavor profile. The combination of different sweeteners is often used to create a more balanced taste, as each offers a slightly different sweetness intensity and aftertaste. For instance, some people may detect a more pronounced aftertaste with one sweetener than another, so a blend helps to create a more palatable experience.

Comparison with Diet MT Dew

It is common for consumers to confuse MT Dew Zero Sugar with Diet MT Dew, but there are key differences between the two products. While both are low-calorie and contain artificial sweeteners, they are not identical. The primary difference is in the sweetener and flavor blend, which is formulated to give MT Dew Zero Sugar a taste closer to the original full-sugar version.

Here is a quick comparison:


Feature	MT Dew Zero Sugar	Diet MT Dew
Calories (per 20 oz)	0	10
Primary Sweeteners	Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose
Flavor Profile	Formulated to taste closer to regular MT Dew	Offers a distinct "diet" flavor profile
Caffeine Content (per 20 oz)	113 mg	103 mg
Orange Juice Concentrate	Present in some formulations	Present

Benefits and Considerations of Zero-Sugar Soda

Choosing a zero-sugar beverage like MT Dew Zero can offer several benefits, particularly for those monitoring their sugar intake for health reasons. These benefits include calorie control, better management of blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes, and a reduced risk of tooth decay compared to regular sugary sodas. However, it's also important to consider the potential drawbacks of relying on artificial sweeteners.

Potential downsides to artificial sweeteners

Long-term health effects: While deemed safe for consumption, long-term studies on artificial sweeteners continue to evolve. Some observational research has linked high consumption of diet sodas with a higher risk of certain conditions, though more studies are needed to establish causation.
Potential for weight gain: Paradoxically, some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners might increase appetite and sugar cravings, potentially leading to weight gain over time.
Impact on gut microbiota: There is some evidence that artificial sweeteners can alter the composition of gut bacteria, though the full implications for digestive health are still being investigated.

Making an Informed Choice

When considering MT Dew Zero Sugar or any zero-calorie soda, it's helpful to be an informed consumer. The product is a transparently marketed sugar-free option for those who want to avoid added sugars and calories. It serves as a solid alternative to traditional soft drinks, especially for individuals on specific dietary regimens like keto.

However, it's not a direct substitute for water. Water remains the healthiest choice for hydration. The potential long-term effects of artificial sweetener consumption are an active area of research, and while they are currently approved for use, consuming them in moderation is a prudent approach.

For those looking for a healthier beverage, a good strategy is to gradually wean off sodas entirely by substituting them with sparkling water infused with fresh fruit, or unsweetened tea. These options satisfy the craving for a flavorful drink without the need for any sweeteners at all.

Conclusion

MT Dew Zero Sugar contains absolutely no sugar, with zero grams per serving, making it a viable option for reducing sugar and calorie intake. Its bold taste is achieved through a blend of artificial sweeteners, differentiating it from Diet MT Dew. While it offers benefits like calorie control, it is essential to be mindful of the potential long-term health implications of regular artificial sweetener consumption. Ultimately, MT Dew Zero Sugar is an effective way to enjoy the taste of a soft drink without sugar, but it is not a complete replacement for a healthy diet that prioritizes water and whole foods.

Visit Healthline for more detailed information on the benefits and drawbacks of diet soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, MT Dew Zero Sugar has zero grams of carbohydrates per serving. It uses artificial sweeteners that do not contribute to the carbohydrate count.

Yes, MT Dew Zero Sugar is generally considered keto-friendly because it contains zero sugar and zero carbs. It will not disrupt ketosis.

The main differences are taste and calorie count. MT Dew Zero Sugar is formulated to taste more like regular Mountain Dew and has zero calories, while Diet MT Dew has a distinct flavor and contains 10 calories per 20 oz bottle.

The artificial sweeteners used in MT Dew Zero Sugar—aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium—are approved for consumption by regulatory bodies. However, some health experts advise moderation, as research into the long-term effects is ongoing.

Some people report a slightly different flavor or aftertaste compared to regular Mountain Dew due to the artificial sweeteners. However, the blend is designed to minimize this and mimic the original flavor as closely as possible.

While it contains no calories, some studies suggest a link between high consumption of artificially sweetened drinks and weight gain, possibly by increasing cravings for sweet foods. More research is needed to understand this relationship fully.

Yes, MT Dew Zero Sugar contains caffeine. A 20 oz bottle contains approximately 113 mg of caffeine, which is slightly more than the equivalent serving of Diet MT Dew.