Nutrition Diet: What American Drink Has the Most Sugar?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 analysis, a beverage called 'Screamin Energy Max Hit' was identified as having the most sugar per ounce among best-selling US drinks, packing 9 grams into every 0.6 fluid ounces. While this small, concentrated product tops the list, the question what American drink has the most sugar? can be answered in different, equally concerning ways depending on serving size.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the American beverage with the highest sugar concentration and highlights other sugary drinks that contribute significantly to sugar intake. It breaks down the health impacts of excessive sugar consumption and provides practical strategies for choosing healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Concentrated Winner: The most sugar per ounce comes from small, concentrated energy products like 'Screamin Energy Max Hit'.
Volume is a Factor: In terms of total sugar per serving, oversized fountain drinks like a 7-11 Super Big Gulp can contain the most sugar, with up to 146 grams.
Hidden Sugars: Many popular beverages marketed as athletic or gourmet, including energy drinks, sports drinks, and flavored coffees, contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar.
Health Risks: High intake of liquid sugar is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental decay.
Healthier Alternatives: Opting for water, unsweetened teas, or black coffee is the best way to avoid excess sugar from beverages.
Prioritize Whole Fruit: Drinking fruit juice delivers a concentrated dose of sugar without the beneficial fiber of whole fruit, so eating the fruit is a better choice.
Read Labels: Always check the nutrition label for 'Added Sugars' to identify hidden sources of sugar in your drinks.

What Defines 'The Most Sugar'?

When answering the question, “what American drink has the most sugar?”, the answer depends on how you measure it. Is it the most sugar per ounce, or the most sugar per typical serving size? The tiny but potent Screamin Energy Max Hit, with its incredible concentration, holds the title for sugar per ounce. However, looking at standard serving sizes and super-sized fountain drinks reveals other alarming contenders.

The Super-Sized Fountain Drink Phenomenon

Fountain drinks, a ubiquitous part of American fast-food culture, are particularly problematic due to their enormous serving sizes. A 7-11 Super Big Gulp, for example, can contain a staggering 146 grams of sugar. This single beverage far exceeds the American Heart Association's daily recommendation of 25-38 grams of added sugar for most adults. The sheer volume of liquid sugar makes these drinks a top contributor to excessive sugar consumption.

Beyond Soda: Hidden Sugar Culprits

Many consumers are aware of the sugar in soda, but other beverages pack a surprising, and often overlooked, sugar punch. These can be even more misleading as they are sometimes marketed as 'healthy' or 'performance-enhancing.'

Energy Drinks: Beyond the classic sodas, energy drinks are infamous for their high sugar content. A 16-ounce can of Monster Energy, for example, contains 54 grams of sugar, while a 16-ounce Rockstar can reach 62 grams. The rapid absorption of this liquid sugar, combined with high caffeine levels, creates a stressful metabolic response.
Flavored Coffees & Teas: The flavored beverages from coffee shops are often loaded with sugar. A 16-ounce Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte contains 50 grams of sugar, nearly the daily recommended limit. Likewise, sweetened bottled iced teas, like a 23-ounce Arizona Iced Tea, can have over 50 grams of sugar.
Fruit Juices: Even '100% fruit juice' contains significant amounts of naturally occurring sugar, which is absorbed quickly without the fiber of whole fruit. A 15-ounce bottle of 100% apple juice, for instance, contains about 49 grams of sugar, comparable to a can of soda.
Sports Drinks: While intended for high-intensity athletes, sports drinks are often consumed by the general public, providing unnecessary sugar. A 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade contains 56 grams of sugar, turning a hydration choice into a high-sugar snack.

Health Consequences of Excessive Sugar Intake

Consuming high levels of liquid sugar on a regular basis has numerous adverse health effects. Liquid sugars are absorbed quickly, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes that can trigger a variety of health problems over time.

Weight Gain and Obesity: Studies consistently link increased consumption of sugary drinks to higher caloric intake and weight gain. The body doesn't register liquid calories in the same way as solid food, leading to overconsumption.
Type 2 Diabetes: Frequent consumption of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by promoting insulin resistance.
Heart Disease: High sugar intake, particularly from sweetened beverages, is associated with elevated blood pressure, increased triglyceride levels, and higher risk of heart disease. One study found that each additional serving of a sugary drink was linked with a 10% increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death.
Metabolic Syndrome: This is a cluster of conditions, including high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Dental Issues: The combination of sugar and acidity in many beverages erodes tooth enamel and contributes to cavities.

Comparison Table: Sugary Drinks vs. Healthier Alternatives

To put these sugar levels in perspective, here is a comparison of some popular sugary drinks and healthier alternatives.


Beverage	Serving Size	Sugar (grams)	Equivalent Teaspoons of Sugar	Healthier Alternative	Sugar (grams)
7-11 Super Big Gulp	64 oz	146	36.5	Water	0
Monster Energy	16 oz	54	13.5	Unsweetened Sparkling Water	0
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte	16 oz	50	12.5	Black Coffee	0
100% Apple Juice	15 oz	49	12.25	Whole Apple	~19 (with fiber)
Mountain Dew	20 oz	77	19.25	Unsweetened Iced Tea	0
Pepsi	12 oz	41	10.25	Herbal Tea	0
Gatorade	32 oz	56	14	Water with lemon	0

Making Healthier Drink Choices

Given the overwhelming sugar content in many American drinks, making conscious choices is essential for maintaining a healthy diet. Here are some actionable steps:

Prioritize Water: Water should be your primary hydration source. To add flavor without sugar, try infusing it with fruits like lemon, lime, or cucumber.
Opt for Unsweetened Beverages: Choose unsweetened coffee and tea. If you need a little sweetness, use a natural, non-caloric sweetener or a very small amount of sugar.
Read Nutrition Labels: Always check the nutrition facts label for both 'Total Sugars' and 'Added Sugars.' For beverages, it’s often an eye-opening reality check.
Reduce Portion Sizes: If you are going to indulge in a sugary drink, opt for the smallest possible size to minimize the sugar load.
Choose Whole Fruit Over Juice: Get your vitamins from whole fruit, which contains fiber that slows sugar absorption and provides a feeling of fullness.

Conclusion

The quest for the American drink with the most sugar reveals a wide array of options, from concentrated energy shots to massive fountain drinks. While a single, highly concentrated beverage might win the 'per ounce' contest, the supersized soft drinks and popular flavored coffees deliver massive amounts of sugar in a single serving. The health risks associated with this high sugar intake are well-documented and include weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. The solution lies in a return to simpler, healthier beverage choices. By prioritizing water, unsweetened teas, and reading nutrition labels, you can significantly reduce your sugar consumption and protect your long-term health.

For more information on the health impacts of sugary drinks, visit the CDC's page on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

While 100% fruit juice contains vitamins, it has just as much sugar and calories as soda and lacks the fiber of whole fruit, leading to a quick spike in blood sugar.

The American Heart Association recommends that men limit added sugars to no more than 9 teaspoons (38 grams) per day, and women to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams).

Total sugars include both naturally occurring sugars (like in fruit) and added sugars. Added sugars are sweeteners and syrups put into processed foods and beverages.

While diet sodas contain no calories, studies have shown a mixed link with weight. Some research suggests that switching from sugary drinks to diet versions can help with weight control, but it is not a long-term solution.

Excellent alternatives include water (plain or infused with fruit), unsweetened iced tea, black coffee, or sparkling water.

Yes, liquid sugars from sweetened beverages, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, are absorbed rapidly and are processed by the liver. This can lead to increased fat production and contribute to insulin resistance and liver disease.

High sugary drink consumption is linked to an increased risk of heart disease by contributing to weight gain, inflammation, elevated triglyceride levels, and higher blood pressure.