Nutrition Diet Fact Check: Is there more sugar in coke or Mountain Dew?

October 16, 2025 •

2 min read

The American Heart Association recommends that most adults consume no more than 25 to 36 grams of added sugar per day, yet the average American consumes far more. Given this trend, it's a common question among health-conscious consumers: Is there more sugar in coke or Mountain Dew? We’ll find out which one packs the bigger sugar punch.

Quick Summary

Mountain Dew contains significantly more sugar and calories per 12-ounce serving than Coca-Cola. This comparison highlights how both popular sodas contribute substantially to excess sugar intake.

Key Points

Mountain Dew has more sugar: A 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 46 grams of sugar, while the same size Coke has 39 grams.
Both exceed recommended daily sugar intake: Both sodas contain an amount of sugar that exceeds or comes very close to the American Heart Association's daily limits for men and women.
Mountain Dew has more caffeine: Per 12-ounce can, Mountain Dew contains 54 milligrams of caffeine, compared to Coke's 34 milligrams.
Excessive sugar consumption leads to health risks: High intake of sugary drinks is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems.
Water is the healthiest alternative: For hydration without the health risks, plain or infused water, unsweetened tea, and sparkling water are far superior choices.
Dental health is a concern for both: The high acidity from phosphoric (Coke) and citric (Mountain Dew) acids, combined with sugar, can significantly harm dental health by eroding enamel.

Mountain Dew vs. Coke: The Sugar Showdown

Comparing a standard 12-ounce (355 mL) can of Mountain Dew and Coca-Cola reveals that Mountain Dew has more sugar. A 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 46 grams of sugar, equivalent to over 11 teaspoons. In contrast, a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar, about 10 teaspoons. Both amounts exceed or are very close to the American Heart Association's daily recommended sugar limits for adults.

A Complete Nutritional Profile

Beyond sugar, these sodas have other nutritional differences, including variations in calorie and caffeine content. Neither offers significant vitamins or minerals.

Calorie and Caffeine Content

Calories: Mountain Dew's higher sugar content results in more calories. A 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 170 calories, while the same size can of Coca-Cola has 140 calories. Regular consumption of these extra calories can lead to weight gain.
Caffeine: Mountain Dew also has more caffeine, with 54 milligrams per 12-ounce can compared to Coke's 34 milligrams. This higher caffeine level can cause increased dependence and potentially disrupt sleep.

Beyond Sugar: The Health Implications

Excessive sugar from soft drinks is linked to various health problems. High sugar intake is linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, weight gain, obesity, dental issues, cardiovascular problems, and liver disease. Mountain Dew contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an additive that has raised health concerns. For more information, see {Link: continentalhospitals.com https://continentalhospitals.com/blog/can-soft-drinks-increase-your-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/}.

Comparison Table


Nutrient	Mountain Dew (12 oz can)	Coca-Cola (12 oz can)
Sugar	46 grams	39 grams
Calories	170 calories	140 calories
Caffeine	54 milligrams	34 milligrams
Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup	High Fructose Corn Syrup
Acids	Citric Acid	Phosphoric Acid
Nutritional Value	None	None

Healthier Beverage Alternatives

Reducing sugar intake is crucial for health. Healthier drink options include water, sparkling water, unsweetened tea or coffee, herbal infusions, and homemade fruit smoothies.

Conclusion

Addressing the question, is there more sugar in coke or Mountain Dew?, the answer is that Mountain Dew contains more sugar in both 12-ounce cans and 20-ounce bottles. While neither soda is healthy, Mountain Dew is slightly worse due to higher sugar, calorie, and caffeine content, as well as the presence of potentially concerning additives. Both should be consumed minimally, and prioritizing water and other low-sugar drinks is significantly better for long-term health. Making small changes in reducing sugary drink consumption can lead to notable improvements in well-being.

For more information on healthier beverage choices, consult resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Nutrition Source.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both are unhealthy and loaded with sugar, Mountain Dew is considered slightly worse for you due to its higher sugar content, more calories, and higher caffeine levels per serving.

A standard 12-ounce (355 mL) can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar.

A standard 12-ounce (355 mL) can of Mountain Dew contains 46 grams of sugar.

Excessive consumption of sugary beverages can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dental decay.

Yes, both sodas are highly acidic and, combined with their high sugar content, can cause significant tooth enamel erosion. Mountain Dew's citric acid is particularly harmful to dental health.

Diet sodas contain no sugar but use artificial sweeteners, which some studies suggest may still negatively affect insulin sensitivity and gut bacteria. Water remains the healthiest option.

For larger servings, the disparity in sugar content remains. A 20-ounce bottle of Mountain Dew contains 77 grams of sugar, while a 20-ounce Coke has 65 grams.