What is one serving of Pepsi and why does it matter?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the reference amount for a standard serving of soda like Pepsi is 12 fluid ounces (355 mL). However, depending on the product's packaging, what is considered one serving of Pepsi can vary significantly, with a 20 oz bottle being labeled as a single serving despite containing 2.5 times the standard amount.

Quick Summary

This article explores the official serving size of Pepsi, differentiating between the FDA's standard reference amount and how product labeling changes based on container size. It also covers the nutritional implications of different servings and highlights healthier beverage choices for portion control.

Key Points

Standard Serving Size: The FDA defines a single serving of soda as 12 fluid ounces (355 mL), as seen on a standard can.
Consumer-Based Serving Size: The FDA allows larger packages, like a 20 oz bottle, to be labeled as a single serving to reflect typical consumption habits, though it contains 2.5 standard servings.
Nutritional Impact: A 20 oz bottle of Pepsi contains significantly more calories and sugar (approx. 250 calories, 65g sugar) compared to a 12 oz can (approx. 150 calories, 40g sugar), illustrating the importance of package size.
Health Risks: High intake of sugary drinks is linked to increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and tooth decay.
Mindful Alternatives: Healthier options include water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea. Limiting consumption and choosing smaller portions are key strategies for better health.
Daily Sugar Recommendations: Both the WHO and American Heart Association recommend limiting added sugar, and a single soda can often exceeds or accounts for a large portion of this daily allowance.

Decoding the Official Pepsi Serving Size

The question of "What is one serving of Pepsi?" has a straightforward, yet nuanced, answer. The standard reference amount for a serving of soda, including Pepsi, is set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 12 fluid ounces (355 mL). This is the amount used to calculate the nutritional information on the standard Nutrition Facts label. This serving size is based on the quantity of soda people customarily consume, and it aligns with the classic 12 oz aluminum can.

The Role of Packaging in Defining a Serving

The FDA's rules for nutrition labeling, however, require manufacturers to sometimes define a single serving differently based on the package size. This is where consumer confusion often arises. For packages that contain between one and two standard servings (like a 20 oz bottle), the entire bottle is labeled as a single serving, reflecting the common practice of drinking the whole thing in one sitting. For larger packages with multiple servings, a "dual-column" label is often used, providing nutritional information per serving and for the entire container. This is critical for consumers to understand, as a single 20 oz Pepsi contains 240 calories and 65 grams of sugar, based on the 1 serving per container model, a stark contrast to the 12 oz can's 140-150 calories and 39-40 grams of sugar, which adheres to the standard reference serving.

Nutritional Comparison: 12 oz Can vs. 20 oz Bottle

To illustrate the impact of different package sizes on nutritional intake, let's compare the nutrition of a standard 12 oz can and a single 20 oz bottle of Pepsi, both labeled as a single serving based on FDA rules.


Nutritional Value	12 oz Can (Standard Reference)	20 oz Bottle (Consumer Based)
Calories	~150	~250
Total Sugars	~40g	~65g
Added Sugars	~40g	~65g
Daily Sugar Intake (AHA)	~10.4 tsp (Men) / ~10.4 tsp (Women)*	~16.9 tsp (Men) / ~16.9 tsp (Women)*

*Based on a conversion of 4 grams of sugar per teaspoon and daily recommendations of 36g for men and 25g for women.

As the table shows, what is defined as a single serving can drastically alter the amount of sugar and calories consumed. The 20 oz serving, which is only 8 ounces more than the can, contains 62.5% more calories and 62.5% more sugar, putting it well over daily intake recommendations.

Health Implications of Sugary Beverages

Understanding the Risks of Excessive Sugar Intake

Consuming sugary drinks like Pepsi regularly has significant health implications. Research consistently links high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages with increased risks of:

Obesity: Sugary drinks are a source of "empty calories" that do not promote the same feeling of fullness as solid foods, often leading to increased overall caloric intake.
Type 2 Diabetes: The high sugar content can lead to insulin resistance over time, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease: Excessive sugar intake contributes to inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart disease. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking sugary beverages more than twice a week increases cardiovascular disease risk, regardless of physical activity levels.
Dental Issues: The combination of sugar and acidity in soda contributes to tooth decay and erosion of tooth enamel.

Strategies for Mindful Consumption

For those looking to moderate their soda consumption and maintain a healthier diet, several strategies can be employed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend:

Choose Smaller Portions: Instead of a large bottle, opt for a 7.5 oz or 12 oz can to practice better portion control.
Explore Healthier Alternatives: Replace sugary sodas with water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water infused with fruit slices.
Educate Yourself: Learn to read and understand nutrition labels, paying close attention to serving sizes and the amount of added sugar.
Limit Frequency: Aim to reduce the number of sugary beverages consumed per week. Health experts often advise limiting intake to less than 12 ounces per week.
Beware of Diet Soda: While free of sugar, diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that are also linked to potential health concerns and may not reduce diabetes risk.

Conclusion

In summary, one serving of Pepsi is technically defined by the FDA as 12 fluid ounces (355 mL), which aligns with a standard can. However, consumer-based labeling on larger containers, such as a 20 oz bottle, often considers the entire package a single serving, resulting in a much higher caloric and sugar intake. Understanding this distinction is crucial for making informed choices about sugar consumption and mitigating potential health risks, such as weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. By being mindful of serving sizes and choosing healthier alternatives, consumers can better manage their health. For more on dietary guidelines, consider consulting resources from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard serving of Pepsi, as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nutritional labeling, is 12 fluid ounces (355 mL).

The FDA allows containers that are between one and two standard servings to be labeled as a single serving because it reflects the common practice of consumers drinking the entire bottle in one sitting.

A 12 oz can of Pepsi contains about 40 grams of sugar, while a 20 oz bottle contains roughly 65 grams, both labeled as a single serving.

While diet soda is calorie and sugar-free, it contains artificial sweeteners and is still acidic. Studies suggest it may not reduce the risk of certain conditions like diabetes and can still harm tooth enamel.

Excellent alternatives to soda include water, sparkling water infused with fruit, unsweetened tea, or black coffee. These options avoid the high sugar content and empty calories of sugary beverages.

A 20 oz bottle of Pepsi contains approximately 65 grams of sugar. Since there are 4 grams of sugar per teaspoon, this is equivalent to about 16.25 teaspoons of sugar.

Soda can contribute to weight gain because the calories in sugary drinks do not provide the same feeling of fullness as solid food. This can lead to consuming more calories overall without feeling satisfied.