What is the difference between Diet Mt Dew and Mt Dew Zero?

January 9, 2026 •

2 min read

Over 50% of carbonated soft drink consumers prefer diet or zero-sugar options, but many are confused by the differences. The key difference between Diet Mt Dew and Mt Dew Zero lies in their specific sweetener blends, calories, and caffeine content, which lead to distinct flavor profiles designed for different palates.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the core distinctions between Diet Mt Dew and Mt Dew Zero, including their artificial sweeteners, calorie count, and caffeine levels. Explore how these formula differences impact taste and which version might best suit your preferences.

Key Points

Flavor profile: Diet Mt Dew has a distinct, slightly tarter taste, while Mt Dew Zero is formulated to taste bolder and closer to the original full-sugar version.
Caffeine Content: Mt Dew Zero contains more caffeine (68mg/12oz) compared to Diet Mt Dew (54mg/12oz).
Calories: Mt Dew Zero is truly zero-calorie, whereas Diet Mt Dew contains a low but not zero number of calories (approx. 15 per 20oz).
Ingredients: Diet Mt Dew includes a small amount of concentrated orange juice, which Mt Dew Zero does not.
Sweeteners: Both use a blend of aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, but in different proportions that affect the taste.
Target Audience: The 'Zero Sugar' branding was introduced to attract a new generation of consumers and those avoiding the 'diet' label.
Market Availability: Both Diet Mt Dew and Mt Dew Zero coexist in the market to cater to different consumer preferences.

The Evolution of Diet Sodas

The introduction of a 'Zero Sugar' product alongside an existing 'Diet' offering is a common marketing strategy, appealing to consumers who may avoid the 'diet' label. 'Zero Sugar' branding often aims for a taste profile closer to the full-sugar version.

Comparing the Formulas: Ingredients and Sweeteners

Both Diet Mt Dew and Mt Dew Zero Sugar use a blend of artificial sweeteners.

Diet Mt Dew: Contains aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, plus concentrated orange juice. It is low-calorie.
Mt Dew Zero Sugar: Uses aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium in different proportions and does not include concentrated orange juice. It is zero-calorie.

The Impact of Ingredient Differences

Differences in ingredients lead to variations in taste, caffeine, and calorie content.

Flavor Profile: Diet Mt Dew has a tarter taste and may have a 'diet' aftertaste. Mt Dew Zero Sugar is formulated to taste bolder and closer to the original.
Caffeine Content: Mt Dew Zero Sugar has 68mg of caffeine per 12 oz, while Diet Mt Dew has 54mg.
Calorie Count: Diet Mt Dew has a few calories (around 15 per 20 oz), while Mt Dew Zero Sugar has true zero calories.

A Tale of Two Tastes: The Comparison Table


Feature	Diet Mt Dew	Mt Dew Zero Sugar
Calories	Low-calorie (approx. 15 per 20oz)	Zero calories
Sweeteners	Aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium	Aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium
Formula	Reformulated for a 'tuned up taste'	Specifically formulated to mimic original Mt Dew
Caffeine	Lower (54mg per 12oz)	Higher (68mg per 12oz)
Additional Ingredients	Includes concentrated orange juice	Does not include concentrated orange juice
Flavor Profile	Distinct, often described as slightly more tart	Bolder, closer to the original full-sugar taste
Target Audience	Long-time diet soda consumers	Broader appeal, including those avoiding 'diet' products

Conclusion

The choice between Diet Mt Dew and Mt Dew Zero is based on personal taste preference. Diet Mt Dew offers its distinct, slightly tart flavor and lower caffeine. Mt Dew Zero Sugar aims for a bolder, more original-like taste with zero calories and higher caffeine. Both products are maintained by PepsiCo to cater to different consumer bases.

The Psychology of Zero Sugar

Beyond taste, the existence of both 'Diet' and 'Zero Sugar' products reflects consumer psychology, where 'Zero Sugar' appeals to a broader audience who may perceive 'diet' negatively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Diet Mt Dew still contains aspartame, in addition to sucralose and acesulfame potassium, as part of its low-calorie sweetener blend.

No, a PepsiCo employee confirmed there are no plans to discontinue Diet Mt Dew in the United States. Both products will remain available to satisfy different consumer taste preferences.

Mt Dew Zero is formulated to have a flavor profile that is bolder and closer to the original full-sugar Mountain Dew than Diet Mt Dew is, but it is not an exact match due to the absence of sugar.

Mt Dew Zero has more caffeine per ounce than Diet Mt Dew. A 12 fl oz can of Mt Dew Zero contains 68mg of caffeine, while Diet Mt Dew contains 54mg.

The introduction of 'Zero Sugar' was a strategic marketing move to appeal to consumers, particularly men, who avoid products labeled 'diet'. The 'Zero Sugar' branding focuses on delivering the authentic taste without the sugar, rather than emphasizing a reduction in calories.

While both use a blend of the same three artificial sweeteners—aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium—they use them in different proportions to achieve their distinct flavor profiles.

Many consumers report being able to taste a difference. Diet Mt Dew is often described as having a tarter flavor and a more noticeable 'diet' aftertaste, while Mt Dew Zero is perceived as having a bolder, more authentic Mountain Dew flavor.