Which soft drink has high caffeine? A comprehensive guide

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

With caffeine contents ranging from virtually none to over 60mg per 12 oz can, the amount of caffeine in soft drinks can vary significantly between brands and versions. This guide answers the question, "Which soft drink has high caffeine?" and provides a comparative look at the caffeine levels in some of the most popular sodas.

Quick Summary

A comparison of popular soft drinks reveals which brands have the highest caffeine content. Many zero-sugar and diet versions contain a higher caffeine level than their regular counterparts. Consumers concerned about their caffeine intake should be aware of these differences.

Key Points

Top High-Caffeine Sodas: Mountain Dew Zero Sugar (68mg/12oz), Pepsi Zero Sugar (69mg/12oz), Ski Soda (69mg/12oz), and Sun Drop (64mg/12oz) are among the highest in caffeine.
Diet vs. Regular Caffeine Levels: Diet and zero-sugar soft drinks often have a higher caffeine content than their regular versions, a practice used by manufacturers to compensate for the taste of artificial sweeteners.
Cola Brands Vary Widely: A standard 12oz Coca-Cola has 34mg of caffeine, while a Pepsi has 38mg. Diet Coke, however, contains a higher 46mg.
Most Sodas are Not High in Caffeine: Many popular sodas, such as Sprite and most root beer brands, contain zero caffeine. Only a handful of products are formulated to be high in caffeine.
Caffeine Content vs. Coffee: A single can of the most caffeinated soda typically contains significantly less caffeine than an average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee.
FDA Recommendations: Healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, a much higher threshold than the amount in any single soft drink.
Look Beyond Brand: The caffeine content can change based on the specific product line (e.g., regular vs. zero sugar), so checking the label is the most accurate way to know.

Demystifying Caffeine in Your Favorite Sodas

For many, soft drinks are an afternoon pick-me-up, but the level of stimulation can depend heavily on the specific beverage chosen. While energy drinks typically contain much higher amounts of caffeine, certain sodas pack a surprising punch. This section will explore which soft drink has high caffeine and how different varieties from the same brand can differ.

The Top Contenders for High-Caffeine Sodas

According to recent data, a few soft drinks consistently rank at the top for caffeine content per 12-ounce serving. It is worth noting that some popular brands with zero-sugar versions have significantly more caffeine than their standard formulas.

Mountain Dew Zero Sugar: Often cited as one of the soft drinks with the most caffeine, a 12-ounce can contains approximately 68 mg. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a major caffeine boost without the sugar.
Pepsi Zero Sugar: Pepsi Zero Sugar formerly known as Pepsi Max, boasts a notable caffeine kick with 69 mg per 12-ounce can. However, this can fluctuate based on regional variations and recent formula changes.
Ski Soda: This regional citrus soda is another high-caffeine option, packing 69 mg in a 12-ounce serving.
Sun Drop: With a tangy citrus flavor, Sun Drop contains about 64 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can.
Dr. Pepper (and Diet): Both regular and diet Dr. Pepper contain relatively high levels of caffeine for a non-diet cola, around 41-44 mg per 12 ounces.

Why Diet and Zero-Sugar Sodas Often Have More Caffeine

One of the most surprising trends in the soft drink world is that diet and zero-sugar versions often contain more caffeine than their original counterparts. This is not a universal rule but is common among several major brands. The reason for this is primarily flavor enhancement. Many manufacturers increase the caffeine in zero-calorie products to compensate for the different taste profile created by artificial sweeteners. Caffeine has a slightly bitter taste that, when added in higher concentrations, helps mask the sometimes distinct aftertaste of artificial sweeteners and boosts the overall flavor intensity. For example, a 12-ounce can of regular Mountain Dew has 54 mg of caffeine, whereas the Zero Sugar version contains 68 mg.

Comparing Caffeine Levels in Popular Soft Drinks

The following table provides a breakdown of the caffeine content in a standard 12-ounce serving of popular soft drinks, offering a clear comparison for consumers.


Soft Drink	Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Mountain Dew Zero Sugar	68	One of the highest among mainstream sodas.
Pepsi Zero Sugar	69 (before 2023 US reformulation)	Contains more caffeine than regular Pepsi.
Ski Soda	69	A regional contender with a high dose of caffeine.
Mountain Dew (Regular)	54	A long-standing high-caffeine option.
Diet Coke	46	Contains more caffeine than regular Coke.
Dr. Pepper / Diet Dr. Pepper	41-44	A moderate but noticeable amount.
Pepsi (Regular)	38	Standard amount for a cola.
Coca-Cola (Regular)	34	Lower than many other major brands.
Barq's Root Beer	22	One of the few root beers with caffeine.
Sunkist Orange Soda	19	Most other orange sodas are caffeine-free.
Sprite	0	A popular caffeine-free choice.

Caffeine Safety and Health Considerations

While knowing which soft drink has high caffeine is useful, it's also important to understand the recommended daily intake. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests a daily caffeine limit of 400 mg for healthy adults. While even the most caffeinated soft drinks are far from this limit, excessive consumption can lead to side effects like jitters, restlessness, and digestive issues. The high sugar content in many regular sodas also carries its own set of health concerns, including dental decay and weight gain. For those with caffeine sensitivities, pregnancy, or certain health conditions, monitoring intake from all sources is crucial. Moderation is key to enjoying caffeinated beverages safely.

For additional health insights, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) provides a regularly updated caffeine chart for a wide range of beverages, including sodas.

Conclusion

For those wondering which soft drink has high caffeine, the answer often lies in the zero-sugar and diet variants, with Mountain Dew Zero Sugar and Pepsi Zero Sugar leading the pack. These beverages are formulated with higher caffeine content, partly to enhance flavor in the absence of sugar. However, the caffeine content in even the most potent soft drinks is significantly lower than that found in a typical cup of brewed coffee. Understanding these differences allows consumers to make more informed choices based on their personal health goals and caffeine sensitivity. Whether seeking a small energy boost or avoiding caffeine altogether, reading labels is the most reliable way to know what you're consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among readily available major brands in the US, Pepsi Zero Sugar and Mountain Dew Zero Sugar have some of the highest caffeine levels, with approximately 69mg and 68mg respectively per 12-ounce can.

No, many soft drinks are caffeine-free. Popular examples include Sprite, Fanta, and most brands of ginger ale and root beer, with the notable exception of Barq's.

No, often it is not. Many diet and zero-sugar soft drinks have a higher caffeine content than their regular versions to enhance the flavor profile and compensate for the absence of sugar.

The caffeine content in soft drinks is much lower than in coffee. For example, a 12oz Mountain Dew Zero Sugar contains about 68mg of caffeine, whereas an average 8oz cup of coffee can have anywhere from 95 to 200mg.

Yes. Pepsi Max, known in the US as Pepsi Zero Sugar, contains a significantly higher amount of caffeine than regular Pepsi. A 12-ounce can of Pepsi Zero Sugar has around 69 mg, almost double the 38 mg in a regular Pepsi.

The FDA recommends a daily limit of 400 mg for healthy adults. For most people, even the highest caffeine soft drinks represent a small portion of this total allowance.

Mountain Dew Zero Sugar contains a higher caffeine dose (68 mg vs. 54 mg per 12 oz) to help improve the taste and mask the flavor of artificial sweeteners used in place of sugar.