Does Mountain Dew Have Caffeine? All About Mountain Dew

Ah, Mountain Dew – the beloved and timeless classic that has gratified soda lovers for generations. But how much caffeine does this iconic drink contain? For those of us who love to indulge in a refreshing can of Mountain Dew but are trying to limit our intake of stimulants, it’s important to understand just what you’re drinking. In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into the science behind Mountain Dew and answer once and for all: Does Mountain Dew have caffeine? Read on to uncover the energy-filled truth about this popular beverage.

What is Mountain Dew?

Mountain Dew is a citrus-flavored, caffeinated soft drink produced by PepsiCo. It’s one of the most popular sodas in the United States and comes in several varieties including original, diet, zero-calorie, caffeine-free, and variations with different flavors.

History of Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew was originally developed as a mixer by Barney and Ally Hartman, Tennessee bottlers, during the 1940s. The Hartmans faced challenges in Knoxville when sourcing their preferred soda to mix with liquor, particularly whiskey. As a result, they decided to create their own beverage. The name Mountain Dew, which was a slang term for whiskey in the 19th century, was trademarked for the soft drink in 1948. This marked the beginning of the history of Mountain Dew.

Ingredients content in Mountain Dew

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Concentrated Orange Juice, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Gum Arabic, Erythorbic Acid (Preserves Freshness), Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Yellow 5.

The flavors of Mountain Dew

The flavors of Mountain Dew include Code Red, Live Wire, White Out Citrus, Voltage Raspberry Citrus, Pitch Black, Mtn Dew Made with Real Sugar, Mtn Dew Frozen Beverage, Major Melon, and Spark.

Is Mountain Dew an energy drink?

Yes, Mountain Dew Energy (formerly Mountain Dew Rise) is indeed an energy drink. It is a line of low sugar Mountain Dew beverages that provide a boost of energy.

How does caffeine work?

Caffeine is rapidly and completely absorbed within an hour of ingestion. It is distributed throughout the body, including the brain, crossing cell membranes. Its primary mechanisms for stimulatory activity seem to involve blocking adenosine receptors and inhibiting phosphodiesterases.

Does Mountain Dew have caffeine?

Mountain Dew contains approximately 54 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving, which is higher than most carbonated beverages. However, it is still considerably lower than the caffeine content found in a typical cup of coffee (approximately 136 mg per 12 oz serving). It is also worth noting that black tea has a higher caffeine content than Mountain Dew, with around 63 mg per serving.

How much caffeine in Mountain Dew?

Mountain Dew has a caffeine content of 55.0 mg.

Soft drinks (12-ounce)	caffeine (mg)
Mountain Dew	55.0
Mountain Dew Code Red	55.0
Diet Mountain Dew	55.0

How is caffeine in flavors of Mountain Dew?

Different flavors of Mountain Dew may contain varying amounts of caffeine. The classic version has the highest caffeine content, while variations such as Diet Mountain Dew and Code Red are typically caffeine-free. Other popular flavors such as Baja Blast, Voltage, and Game Fuel have a moderate amount of caffeine.

Is the Mountain Dew high in caffeine?

Mountain Dew, one of the most readily available sodas, is known for its high caffeine content. A 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains approximately 54-55mg of caffeine. According to my caffeine review site, I use a standard known as DMD. If a beverage has the same or higher caffeine content than Diet Mountain Dew, it is deemed a genuine energy drink.

Caffeine in Mountain Dew compared to other drinks

Mountain Dew contains 4.5–5.6 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. In comparison, drip coffee has up to 20 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, while a shot of espresso contains 45–50 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Robusta beans have even higher caffeine content. While Mountain Dew may provide a perceived larger “boost” due to the ability to consume more volume, ounce per ounce, coffee emerges as the clear victor.

Average Caffeine Content	MG of Caffeine
Black Insomnia Coffee	1105
Bang Energy	300
Red Bull	80
Mountain Dew	54
Sprite	0

Comparing caffeine content in Mountain Dew vs coffee

When comparing caffeine content, coffee takes the lead. An 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee can have anywhere between 95 to 150 mg of caffeine, depending on the beans, grind, and brewing method. In contrast, a 12-ounce can of original Mountain Dew contains a mere 55 mg of caffeine. Even the zero-sugar version only has 68 mg per 12 ounces, perhaps compensating for the absence of a sugar rush. While some varieties of Mountain Dew, like Game Fuel and Kick Start, have 90 mg in a 16-ounce can, it still falls short when compared to coffee.

How much caffeine in Mountain Dew compared to tea?

A 12 oz serving of Mountain Dew contains about 54 mg of caffeine, an amount relatively lower than that found in a 12 oz serving of coffee at approximately 136 mg. In comparison, black tea surpasses Mountain Dew in caffeine content, with approximately 63 mg per serving.

Is Mountain Dew the caffeine good source?

Mountain Dew is not a good source of caffeine if you are looking for an actual kick. While it is one of the highest caffeinated sodas on the market, a 12-ounce cup of black coffee typically contains 120 to 150 mg of caffeine, making it a better option for those seeking caffeine energy. Additionally, considering the high sugar content in a can of Mountain Dew, black coffee is a healthier choice.

How long does caffeine from Mountain Dew stay in your system?

According to the FDA, the half-life of caffeine, which is the time it takes for the initial amount to reduce by half, is approximately four to six hours. This implies that for up to six hours after consuming a caffeinated beverage, half of the caffeine remains in your body, keeping you awake. If it’s bedtime, this may potentially hinder your ability to fall or stay asleep.

The benefits of drinking caffeinated Mountain Dew

Caffeinated Mountain Dew offers numerous benefits for those seeking a beverage with a kick. Whether you prefer to enjoy it directly from the bottle or can, or explore the possibilities of creating personalized drinks, there are plenty of options available. Additionally, certain variants are sugar-free and low in calories, allowing for guilt-free indulgence. Moreover, Mountain Dew can also enhance the flavor of cocktails or other beverages, making it a versatile addition to any drink.

The risks of drinking caffeinated Mountain Dew

The consumption of caffeinated Mountain Dew poses several health risks:

• Worsening of depressive symptoms due to caffeine content.
• Damage to oral health caused by Mountain Dew.
• Increased risk of stroke associated with soda consumption.
• Higher risk of diabetes linked to high-sugar Mountain Dew.
• Association between soda intake and poor eating habits.
• Impairment of brain development attributed to sodium benzoate in Mountain Dew.
• Inclusion of unhealthy brominated vegetable oil in Mountain Dew.

Where can you buy caffeinated Mountain Dew online?

You can purchase caffeinated Mountain Dew online at Amazon. Additionally, Meadow Ridge Coffee offers a wide array of coffee options if you’re looking for something different.

How to enjoy a caffeinated Mountain Dew?

To enjoy a caffeinated Mountain Dew, you have a few options. For a quick pick-me-up, drink it straight from the bottle or can. Alternatively, you can mix Mountain Dew with other ingredients to create your own refreshing ice-cold drink. Experiment by adding a dollop of cream, fresh fruit slices, or a splash of orange juice to customize your soda. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even substitute Mountain Dew for regular soda in cocktails to add an extra kick.

More reading: how much caffeine in chocolate

FAQs Mountain Dew have caffeine

Does Mountain Dew have more caffeine than coffee?

Coffee generally contains more caffeine than Mountain Dew. While Mountain Dew has 4.5-5.6 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, drip coffee contains up to 20 mg caffeine per fluid ounce, and a shot of espresso contains 45-50 mg caffeine per fluid ounce. So, ounce per ounce, coffee is the clear winner in terms of caffeine content.

Does Diet Mountain Dew have caffeine?

Yes, Diet Mountain Dew does contain caffeine. The caffeine content in a 12 fl oz serving is approximately 54 mg.

How much caffeine is in a Mountain Dew Kickstart?

For those looking for an extra jolt of energy, Mountain Dew Kickstart Energy Drinks pack a punch with 92mg of caffeine per 16-ounce can. But it’s important to remember that this amount is significantly higher than regular and diet Mountain Dew – so make sure you consume in moderation.

Is there more caffeine in Mountain Dew than Coke?

Based on the analysis conducted in this study, the caffeine content in Mountain Dew (54.8 mg/12 oz) is higher than that in Coca-Cola (33.9 mg/12 oz).

Why does Mountain Dew have so much caffeine?

Mountain Dew has a high caffeine level because it is deliberately formulated that way by its makers. This higher caffeine content serves as a selling point and energizes consumers to “Do the Dew”. While most sodas contain caffeine ranging from 20-75mg per 12oz, Mountain Dew falls on the higher end at around 55mg. Some lesser-known brands like Vault and Sundrop may test even higher, ranging from 65-75mg.