How Much Sugar is in Sprite?

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Coca-Cola Company's official SmartLabel data, a standard 12-ounce can of Sprite contains 38 grams of total sugar, all of which are added sugars. This amount exceeds the American Heart Association's daily recommendation for added sugar for most adults.

Quick Summary

A 12-ounce can of Sprite contains 38 grams of sugar, exceeding recommended daily intake limits for added sugar. This article breaks down the sugar content, compares it to other sodas, and explores the health risks associated with excessive consumption of sugary beverages. Information on Sprite Zero Sugar and healthier alternatives is also provided.

Key Points

Significant Added Sugar: A 12-ounce can of Sprite contains 38 grams of sugar, all of which are added sugars.
Exceeds Guidelines: This single serving surpasses the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit for added sugar for most women (25g) and nearly all men (36g).
Health Risks: High intake of sugary drinks is linked to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dental decay, and fatty liver disease.
Zero Sugar Alternative: Sprite Zero Sugar uses artificial sweeteners and contains zero grams of sugar and calories.
Comparable to Other Sodas: Sprite's sugar content is similar to other popular sodas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, highlighting the high sugar levels across the soft drink category.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Better options for hydration include water, infused water, or limited consumption of diet sodas, while always checking labels.

Decoding the Sugar in a Can of Sprite

A standard 12-ounce (355 mL) can of Sprite contains 38 grams of sugar, all of which are added sugars. This is equivalent to about 9.5 teaspoons of sugar. This amount is significant when considering daily recommended limits for added sugar.

Comparing Sprite's Sugar to Daily Health Guidelines

The American Heart Association (AHA) advises that women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar daily, while men should limit intake to 36 grams. A single 12-ounce can of Sprite, containing 38 grams of added sugar, exceeds the daily limit for women and is close to the limit for men. Regular consumption of such high sugar levels can contribute to various health issues.

The Health Implications of High Sugar Intake from Sodas

High consumption of added sugar, particularly from drinks like Sprite, is linked to negative health outcomes. Research indicates that frequent soda consumption increases the risk of chronic diseases, including:

Weight Gain and Obesity: Sugary drinks are caloric but not filling, potentially leading to increased overall calorie intake.
Type 2 Diabetes: Regular high-sugar beverage intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease: High sugar intake has been linked to factors that increase heart disease risk, such as inflammation and high blood pressure.
Dental Issues: The combination of sugar and acids in soda can lead to tooth enamel erosion and cavities.
Fatty Liver Disease: The liver metabolizes fructose, and excessive intake can cause it to be converted into fat, potentially leading to fatty liver disease.

Exploring Sugar-Free Alternatives: Sprite Zero Sugar

Sprite Zero Sugar offers a sugar-free alternative for those seeking the Sprite taste. It is sweetened with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, containing zero grams of sugar and negligible calories. However, moderate consumption is still recommended, as potential health impacts of artificial sweeteners have been explored.

A Comparison of Sprite and Other Popular Sodas

Here is how Sprite's sugar content compares to other popular soft drinks in a standard 12 fl oz (355 mL) serving:


Drink	Serving Size	Sugar (g)	Added Sugar (g)	Calories
Sprite	12 fl oz	38	38	140
Coca-Cola	12 fl oz	39	39	140
Pepsi	12 fl oz	41	41	150
Mountain Dew	12 fl oz	46	46	170
7 Up	12 fl oz	38	38	140

This comparison shows that regular Sprite's sugar content is similar to many other leading sodas. Most traditional sodas are high in added sugar.

Tips for Reducing Your Sugar Intake from Beverages

Choose Water: Plain water is the best option for hydration; adding fruit can provide flavor.
Consider Sugar-Free Options: Sprite Zero Sugar or other sugar-free sodas can reduce sugar intake.
Infuse Water: Flavor sparkling water with fruits or herbs.
Check Labels: Always review nutrition facts for sugar content and added sugars.
Control Portions: If consuming regular soda, choose smaller sizes.

Conclusion

A 12-ounce can of Sprite contains 38 grams of sugar, exceeding the recommended daily limit for added sugar for most adults. Consuming this amount regularly is linked to health risks including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Sprite Zero Sugar offers a sugar-free option sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Making informed choices about beverage consumption is crucial for health. For additional information on sugar's health effects, refer to resources like Harvard Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 12-ounce can of regular Sprite contains 38 grams of sugar. All of this sugar is added during processing and does not occur naturally in the beverage.

Sprite's 38 grams of sugar per 12 oz can is comparable to other popular sodas. For example, a 12 oz can of Coca-Cola has 39g, and a Pepsi has 41g, making them all high in added sugar.

No, Sprite Zero Sugar is a sugar-free alternative. It is sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and contains zero grams of sugar.

While Sprite Zero Sugar is free of calories and added sugar, which is healthier than the regular version, it is not a 'healthy' beverage in itself. Artificial sweeteners have been studied for potential health impacts, so it is still best consumed in moderation.

Excessive consumption of sugary sodas is linked to a range of health issues, including weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

With roughly 4 grams of sugar per teaspoon, a 12-ounce can of Sprite, which contains 38 grams of sugar, is equivalent to about 9.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Healthier alternatives include plain water, sparkling water infused with natural fruit flavors like lemon or lime, unsweetened tea, or milk. Diluting fruit juice with sparkling water is another option.