How much sugar is in MTN Dew vs Coke? A Side-by-Side Comparison

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

A standard 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 46 grams of sugar, while the same size can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams. This difference illustrates how much sugar is in MTN Dew vs Coke, providing a clear starting point for understanding their nutritional impacts.

Quick Summary

This article provides a nutritional comparison of MTN Dew and Coca-Cola, highlighting that Mountain Dew contains significantly more sugar per 12-ounce serving. It also covers health risks and other key differences, like caffeine and calories.

Key Points

Higher Sugar Content: A 12oz can of MTN Dew has 46g of sugar, more than a 12oz can of Coke's 39g.
Exceeds Daily Limits: Both sodas contain added sugar that surpasses the daily recommended intake for adults, particularly for women.
More Calories and Caffeine: MTN Dew also packs more calories and significantly more caffeine than Coke per 12oz serving.
Worse for Teeth: While both are acidic, MTN Dew's citric acid is particularly damaging to tooth enamel.
Contributes to Health Risks: Regular consumption of either beverage can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Empty Calories: Both sodas provide calories with no nutritional benefits like vitamins or fiber.

Sugar Content Face-Off: The Grams and Teaspoons

When comparing the sugar content of MTN Dew and Coke, it's essential to look at a standard serving size for a fair comparison. For a 12-ounce (355ml) can, Mountain Dew contains approximately 46 grams of sugar, while Coca-Cola has 39 grams. To put this into a more relatable context, one teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to about 4 grams. This means a single can of MTN Dew has about 11.5 teaspoons of sugar, whereas a Coke has roughly 9.75 teaspoons. These figures both exceed the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 36 grams (9 teaspoons) of added sugar for men and 25 grams (6 teaspoons) for women.

Comparing Larger Sizes

For those consuming larger bottles, the sugar count becomes even more significant. A 20-ounce bottle of MTN Dew contains a staggering 77 grams of sugar, and a 20-ounce Coke contains 65 grams. In both cases, this represents a substantial portion of an adult's daily calorie intake from sugar alone, with no corresponding nutritional benefit. The high fructose corn syrup used as the primary sweetener in both beverages delivers a large dose of empty calories.

Beyond Sugar: A Broader Nutritional Comparison

While sugar content is a primary concern for many consumers, other nutritional factors differentiate these two popular sodas. A complete picture of their impact requires looking at calories, caffeine, and acidity.


Feature	Mountain Dew (12 oz)	Coca-Cola (12 oz)
Sugar	46g	39g
Calories	170	140
Caffeine	54mg	34mg
Acidity (pH)	3.1	2.5 (more acidic)

Mountain Dew not only has more sugar and calories, but also a higher caffeine level, which can provide a stronger energy boost followed by a more pronounced crash. Furthermore, despite Coke having a lower pH value (meaning it is more acidic), the citric acid used in MTN Dew is more aggressive in eroding tooth enamel than the phosphoric acid in Coke, posing a greater dental health risk. Neither beverage offers any significant vitamins or minerals, making them both examples of empty-calorie drinks.

The Health Implications of Excessive Sugar

Regular, excessive consumption of high-sugar drinks like MTN Dew and Coke has been linked to numerous negative health outcomes. The body's response to these sugar-laden beverages can trigger a cycle of cravings and overconsumption, which can have detrimental effects on overall wellness.

Key health risks associated with high sugar intake include:

Weight Gain and Obesity: The high-calorie load from sugary drinks often leads to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity.
Type 2 Diabetes: Consistently high sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease: High-sugar diets are associated with increased blood pressure, inflammation, and high triglycerides, all contributing to heart disease.
Dental Health Issues: The combination of sugar and high acidity provides an ideal environment for bacteria that cause tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Fatty Liver Disease: Excessive fructose, a major component of soft drink sweeteners, can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Mood Swings: The rapid spike and crash in blood sugar can lead to energy slumps and mood changes.

Making Smarter Choices

For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, several strategies can help. Simple swaps like replacing sugary sodas with water or unsweetened seltzer can significantly decrease daily added sugar consumption. Transitioning gradually, perhaps by diluting your soda with water, can make the change easier on your taste buds. The key is to be mindful of your beverage choices and prioritize drinks that offer hydration without excessive added sugar.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Sugar

In the competition of how much sugar is in MTN Dew vs Coke, Mountain Dew is the clear winner for having more sugar per serving. However, this comparison ultimately highlights that both sodas contain levels of added sugar that far exceed health recommendations. Neither beverage offers nutritional value, and excessive consumption of either can lead to serious health problems, including weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. For those seeking healthier options, switching to water or other sugar-free alternatives is the most beneficial choice for long-term health. Learn more about the sweet dangers of sugar from Harvard Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 12-ounce can of MTN Dew contains 46 grams of sugar, which is more than the 39 grams of sugar found in a 12-ounce can of Coke.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day for men and 25 grams for women. A single can of either soda exceeds the limit for women.

Using the estimate of 4 grams per teaspoon, a 12oz can of MTN Dew has about 11.5 teaspoons, while a 12oz can of Coke has around 9.75 teaspoons.

Yes, a 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 54 milligrams of caffeine, while a 12-ounce can of Coke contains 34 milligrams.

While diet sodas contain no added sugar, they often use artificial sweeteners that have their own set of associated health concerns, making them not necessarily a 'healthy' alternative.

Although Coke has a higher acidity level, the citric acid in Mountain Dew is more aggressive in eroding tooth enamel, which can lead to greater dental damage over time.

In addition to sugar and caffeine, consumers should also consider the calorie count, the type of acid used, and the fact that neither offers any meaningful nutritional benefits.