What soda still has caffeine?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

Caffeine is an added ingredient in approximately 70% of sodas consumed in the United States, a key factor for many drinkers. For those monitoring their intake, understanding what soda still has caffeine is essential. Many popular brands still include this stimulating ingredient, though concentrations vary widely depending on the type and brand.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of common sodas that contain caffeine, detailing their concentrations per serving for easy comparison.

Key Points

Colas are consistently caffeinated: Most major cola brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper contain caffeine in both their regular and diet forms.
Mountain Dew offers the highest levels: Mountain Dew and its Zero Sugar variant are among the sodas with the most caffeine, delivering a significant energy boost.
Orange and root beer exceptions: Though many orange and root beer sodas are caffeine-free, be aware that Barq's Root Beer and Sunkist Orange are caffeinated exceptions.
Labels are important for new sodas: Brands marketing as 'gut-healthy' or offering specialty flavors, like Poppi and Olipop, may contain caffeine in certain varieties.
Clear sodas are typically safe: If you need to avoid caffeine entirely, clear, citrus-flavored sodas like Sprite and 7UP, along with ginger ales, are generally caffeine-free.

A Comprehensive Look at Caffeinated Soft Drinks

For many, a soda is a refreshing treat, but for those seeking a stimulating boost, the caffeine content is a deciding factor. While some beverages, particularly colas and certain citrus drinks, are known for their energizing effects, others are reliably caffeine-free. The presence of caffeine in soda has historical roots, originating from ingredients like kola nuts, but today it is primarily added for flavor and its stimulating properties. For consumers tracking their daily intake, knowing which brands and flavors still contain this ingredient is vital.

The High-Caffeine Contenders

Certain sodas pack a more significant caffeine punch than others, often rivaling the content of a cup of coffee. The most notable in this category is Mountain Dew, especially its zero-sugar version, which leads the pack with a substantial amount of caffeine. This makes it a popular choice for those looking for a powerful kick from their soda.

Notable High-Caffeine Sodas:

Mountain Dew Zero Sugar: At 68 mg per 12 oz can, it offers a strong energy boost.
Poppi Alpine Blast: One of the newer "gut-healthy" sodas, this flavor contains 55 mg per 12 oz.
Zevia Mountain Zevia: A sugar-free alternative that also delivers a high caffeine dose at 55 mg per 12 oz.
Mountain Dew (Regular & Diet): The classic citrus soda contains 54 mg per 12 oz can.
Olipop (Vintage Cola, Doctor Goodwin, Cherry Cola, Ridge Rush): These flavors pack 50 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz can.

The Standard Cola Caffeine

Colas are perhaps the most famous category of caffeinated sodas, and their caffeine content is generally consistent across brands. The amount is typically less than a standard cup of coffee but still provides a noticeable effect. For a simple, reliable caffeine hit, colas remain a favorite.

Standard Caffeinated Colas:

Diet Coke: 46 mg per 12 oz can.
Dr Pepper (Regular & Diet): 41 mg per 12 oz can.
Pepsi (Regular, Diet & Zero Sugar): 35–38 mg per 12 oz can.
Coca-Cola (Regular & Zero Sugar): 34 mg per 12 oz can.

Caffeinated Root Beers and Orange Sodas

Not all beverages within a flavor category are created equal. While many root beers and orange sodas are caffeine-free, some brands deliberately add caffeine. This is a crucial distinction for consumers who prefer these flavors but need to control their caffeine intake.

Caffeinated Flavor Exceptions:

Barq's Root Beer: Contains 22 mg of caffeine per 12 oz, setting it apart from its caffeine-free competitors like A&W and Mug.
Sunkist Orange: This orange soda contains 19 mg per 12 oz, whereas most other orange sodas, like Fanta, are caffeine-free.

Comprehensive Caffeine Comparison

To put these figures into perspective, here is a comparison table of the caffeine content in common 12 oz servings of popular sodas:


Soft Drink (12 oz)	Caffeine (mg)
Mountain Dew Zero Sugar	68
Poppi Alpine Blast	55
Mountain Dew	54
Olipop (cola flavors)	50
Diet Coke	46
Dr Pepper	41
Pepsi	38
Coca-Cola	34
Barq's Root Beer	22
Sunkist Orange	19

Common Caffeine-Free Sodas

For those who wish to avoid caffeine entirely, a wide variety of soda options are available. These drinks are often clear or ginger ale-based, and their caffeine-free status is a consistent feature across most brands.

Reliably Caffeine-Free Options:

Sprite and Sprite Zero
7UP
Fresca
Fanta (most flavors)
Ginger Ale (most brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes)
A&W Root Beer and Mug Root Beer
Caffeine-Free versions of Coke, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper

Conclusion

Knowing what soda still has caffeine is a straightforward process that simply requires checking the label and being aware of a few key patterns. Colas and Mountain Dew varieties are almost always caffeinated, with concentrations that can vary. While most clear sodas like Sprite and ginger ales are caffeine-free, specialty brands or specific flavors like Barq's and Sunkist are important exceptions. By referencing this guide, consumers can confidently navigate the soda aisle and choose the beverage that aligns with their dietary preferences. For a detailed list of many drinks, consult the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Diet Coke is not caffeine-free. A 12 oz can contains about 46 mg of caffeine, which is slightly more than regular Coca-Cola.

Yes, Sprite and Sprite Zero are both reliably caffeine-free sodas. This is a consistent characteristic of many clear, lemon-lime drinks.

No, most popular root beer brands like A&W and Mug are caffeine-free. However, Barq's Root Beer is a notable exception that contains caffeine.

A 12 oz can of regular Pepsi typically contains about 38 mg of caffeine.

Among the most common brands, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar has one of the highest caffeine contents, with 68 mg per 12 oz can.

Some specific flavors of these newer sodas, especially those meant to mimic colas, do contain caffeine. It is always important to check the label for each flavor.

Caffeine has historical roots in cola production from kola nuts, but today it is primarily added as a flavoring agent and for its stimulating effects that consumers enjoy.