The Mountain Dew brand has been owned by Pepsi Cola Company since 1964 and it has become one of the most popular soda beverages all across the world. When it comes to caffeine, soda, energy drinks, and coffee ranked as the most consumed beverages for the substance. But how much caffeine does a can of Diet Mountain Dew contain?
A 12 oz can of Diet Mountain Dew contains 54 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. This is about half the amount of an 8 oz cup of coffee. It’s not too far off from other soda beverages, as Pepsi Cola has 37 mg of caffeine and Coca-Cola has 39 mg.
How Does the Caffeine Content of Diet Mountain Dew Compare to Other Beverages?
Take a look at some other common caffeinated beverages for comparison.
| Diet Mountain Dew | 55 mg of caffeine |
| Pepsi One | 55.5 mg of caffeine |
| Coca-Cola Classic | 34 mg of caffeine |
| Pepper | 41 mg of caffeine |
| Rockstar Energy Drink | 160 mg of caffeine |
| Red Bull Energy Drink (12-oz can) | 111 mg of caffeine |
| Traditional Black Tea (8-oz) | 47 mg of caffeine |
| Single 1-ounce shot of espresso | 63 mg of caffeine |
Can Caffeine Become Addictive?
Caffeine works as a stimulant when it enters our nervous system. Regular intake of caffeine may lead to physical dependence (aka “addiction”) in some cases. The amount of caffeine in food and beverages varies, but yes, you can become addicted to caffeine, whether it is in small or large amounts.
If you stop taking it abruptly, you may also experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, inability to focus, and insomnia. The FDA recommends that adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day. So that means that consuming an amount in excess of this may in fact lead to addiction and other health-related issues.
Treating Your Caffeine Addiction
Just like with any addiction, it can be difficult to quit caffeine. But there are ways that can make it easier. For example, you can start by simply reducing your caffeine intake by anywhere from 15-30 mg a day. So, if you’re a coffee drinker, this means consuming about a third of your daily cup.
If you’re an avid Diet Mountain Dew Drinker, this may be a little over half of your usual amount. Moderation is the key to overcoming addiction for some people, while others can quit cold turkey–but overcoming it is possible.
Wrapping Things Up
If you’re someone who prefers not to drink coffee, but you love having a bit of caffeine throughout the day, then Diet Mountain Dew just may serve a purpose in your life. However, it’s important to note the side effects that come with consuming too many sugary beverages such as soda daily, which can include diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. So, moderation is always best.
Related Read: Caffeine in Mountain Dew vs. Coke: Which Has More? By How Much?
