What are the sodas that have caffeine?

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the caffeine content in sodas can range significantly, with some brands packing almost as much caffeine as a cup of tea. This article explores what are the sodas that have caffeine, covering popular brands and varying levels of the stimulant.

Quick Summary

A guide detailing popular sodas that contain caffeine, including colas, citrus drinks, and specialty flavors. The list offers a comparison of caffeine levels and notes which common soda types are typically caffeine-free.

Key Points

• Caffeine Varies by Brand: The presence and amount of caffeine in soda are entirely dependent on the manufacturer, so it's essential to check product labels.

• Colas are Typically Caffeinated: Most cola-flavored sodas, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper, contain caffeine, though in lower amounts than a typical cup of coffee.

• Citrus Sodas Can Be High in Caffeine: Brands like Mountain Dew and its zero-sugar varieties are among the highest in caffeine content for sodas, while others like Sprite and Fanta contain none.

• Diet Sodas Can Have More Caffeine: Some diet sodas, such as Diet Coke, contain more caffeine than their regular counterparts to compensate for the flavor changes from sweeteners.

• Not All Root Beers are Caffeine-Free: While most root beer brands are caffeine-free, Barq's is a notable exception that contains caffeine in its regular version.

• Healthy Alternatives Exist: For those seeking to reduce caffeine and sugar, options like sparkling water, kombucha, and flavored teas are excellent alternatives.

Common Caffeinated Sodas and Their Caffeine Levels

Many consumers enjoy the fizzy kick of soda, but may not realize that many popular brands also contain varying amounts of caffeine. While cola-flavored sodas are famously caffeinated, many other varieties, including some citrus and root beer options, also contain this stimulant. Understanding which products contain caffeine and how much can help individuals better manage their daily intake, especially for those sensitive to its effects.

Cola-Flavored Sodas

Colas are perhaps the most well-known caffeinated sodas. Brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi have a long history of including caffeine as part of their signature flavor profile.

• Pepsi: A 12 oz can contains approximately 38.9 mg of caffeine.
• Coca-Cola Classic: A 12 oz can contains about 34 mg of caffeine.
• Diet Coke: The diet version typically contains slightly more caffeine than its regular counterpart, with around 46 mg per 12 oz can.
• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar: Contains 34 mg of caffeine per 12 oz, similar to regular Coke.
• Dr Pepper: A 12 oz can contains approximately 41 mg of caffeine.
• RC Cola: A 12 oz can typically has about 43 mg of caffeine.

Citrus and Fruit-Flavored Sodas

While many fruit-flavored sodas are caffeine-free, there are notable exceptions that provide an unexpected caffeine boost. Mountain Dew and its many variations are particularly famous for their high caffeine content.

• Mountain Dew (Regular & Diet): A 12 oz can contains a high level of caffeine, with regular and diet versions both having around 54 mg.
• Mountain Dew Zero Sugar: At 68 mg per 12 oz, this is one of the highest caffeinated sodas on the market.
• Mello Yello: A citrus-flavored soda containing 51 mg of caffeine per 12 oz can.
• Sunkist Orange Soda: While most orange sodas are caffeine-free, Sunkist contains 19 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving.
• Sun Drop Soda: This citrus soda delivers a significant kick, with 64 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving.

Root Beers and Other Flavors

Root beer is another soda category with mixed results. Many popular brands are caffeine-free, but it is important to check the label, as not all of them are.

• Barq's Root Beer: This is a key exception to the common belief that root beers are caffeine-free, containing 22 mg of caffeine per 12 oz can.
• Barq's Diet Root Beer: Notably, the diet version of Barq's Root Beer is caffeine-free.
• A&W Root Beer: A popular caffeine-free alternative.

Specialized and 'Healthy' Sodas

The rise of specialty soda alternatives has also introduced a new range of caffeinated options. Brands like Olipop and Poppi offer probiotic-infused beverages with varying caffeine levels, depending on the flavor.

• Olipop Vintage Cola: Contains 50 mg of caffeine per 12 oz can, similar to a standard Mountain Dew.
• Poppi Alpine Blast: This flavored prebiotic soda contains 55 mg of caffeine per 12 oz.
• Zevia Cola: This zero-calorie brand offers a cola with approximately 45 mg of caffeine per 12 oz.

Caffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Soda Comparison Table

For easy reference, here is a comparison of popular caffeinated versus caffeine-free sodas, showing the range of caffeine content per 12 oz serving.

Soda Brand	Flavor Type	Caffeine (per 12 oz)	Notes
Mountain Dew Zero Sugar	Citrus	68 mg	One of the highest caffeinated sodas.
Diet Coke	Cola	46 mg	Often slightly higher in caffeine than regular Coke.
Dr Pepper	Cherry-almond cola	41 mg	A popular mid-range option.
Coca-Cola Classic	Cola	34 mg	Standard level for a classic cola.
Barq's Root Beer	Root beer	22 mg	One of the few caffeinated root beers.
Sunkist Orange	Orange	19 mg	Contains caffeine, unlike most orange sodas.
Sprite	Lemon-lime	0 mg	Widely available caffeine-free option.
Fanta	Orange	0 mg	A popular fruit soda with no caffeine.
A&W Root Beer	Root beer	0 mg	A common, caffeine-free root beer.
7UP	Lemon-lime	0 mg	All varieties are caffeine-free.

The Difference Between Caffeinated and Caffeine-Free Sodas

Caffeine is not a naturally occurring ingredient in soda; it is added during the manufacturing process. This means that manufacturers have complete control over whether a beverage is caffeinated or not. For sodas where caffeine is a standard additive, such as with most colas, a special 'caffeine-free' version is created by simply omitting the ingredient. This is different from the process for decaffeinating coffee or tea, where the stimulant must be actively removed from the naturally occurring ingredient, and small traces may remain. For soda, 'caffeine-free' truly means there is zero caffeine added.

Conclusion

While many people assume all colas and some citrus drinks contain caffeine, the reality is more nuanced. Products like Sprite, Fanta, and most root beers are caffeine-free, while popular brands like Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper, and certain orange sodas contain varying amounts. For those looking to moderate their caffeine intake, reading the label is the most reliable method. Fortunately, the market now offers a wide array of choices, from traditional caffeinated favorites to zero-sugar and probiotic alternatives, giving consumers plenty of options to suit their personal preferences and dietary needs.

Healthy Alternatives

For those who enjoy the fizz but want to reduce their caffeine and sugar intake, many healthier alternatives exist. These options provide flavor and carbonation without the potential downsides of excessive sugar or caffeine consumption.

• Sparkling water with fruit: Brands like Spindrift and LaCroix offer flavored, unsweetened sparkling waters.
• Herbal sparkling teas: Brewed and carbonated herbal teas provide complex flavor without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
• Kombucha: This fermented tea contains probiotics and is a fizzy, flavorful alternative, although some varieties contain small amounts of caffeine.
• Infused water: Creating your own infused water with fresh fruits and herbs offers a customizable and sugar-free bubbly experience.

Remember to check the labels on specialty drinks, as some probiotic sodas, for instance, are intentionally caffeinated to mimic traditional soda's energy boost.

Note: Caffeine content can vary slightly depending on the source and formulation, especially with different regional versions or new product releases. Always refer to the product's nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Sources

• Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2025). Caffeine chart.
• Sip Coffee House. (2025). What Soda Has the Most Caffeine?
• Quora. (2015). What sodas do not contain caffeine?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which soda has the most caffeine?

Among mainstream sodas, Pepsi Zero Sugar has one of the highest caffeine contents, with 69 mg per 12 oz serving. Mountain Dew Zero Sugar is a close second at 68 mg.

Does Sprite have caffeine?

No, Sprite is a lemon-lime soda that is completely caffeine-free. It provides an energy boost through its high sugar content rather than caffeine.

Is Dr Pepper caffeinated?

Yes, Dr Pepper contains caffeine. A standard 12 oz can has approximately 41 mg of caffeine, and its diet and zero-sugar versions have similar levels.

Why do some diet sodas have more caffeine?

Some diet sodas have higher caffeine levels to enhance flavor and provide a stronger taste profile, which can sometimes be altered by the use of artificial sweeteners.

Which popular sodas are completely caffeine-free?

Several popular sodas are caffeine-free, including Sprite, Fanta (orange), 7UP, and most ginger ale brands. You can also find caffeine-free versions of colas.

How does soda caffeine compare to coffee?

A 12 oz can of a standard caffeinated soda typically contains significantly less caffeine than a cup of coffee. However, caffeine levels in sodas vary widely, and larger servings can add up.

Are there any surprises when it comes to caffeinated sodas?

Yes, one common surprise is Barq's Root Beer, which contains caffeine while most other root beer brands do not. Another surprise is that some fruit-flavored sodas, like Sunkist Orange, are also caffeinated.