In the world of soda giants, there are a few whose names we simply cannot forget. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper are among the most popular and best-known on the market. Dr. Pepper also has the distinction of being the oldest soda out there. Over the years, people have come to love the spicy cherry taste of Dr. Pepper. So much so that Coca-Cola came up with its own version many years ago in hopes of profiting off that love. Mr. Pibb could easily rival Dr. Pepper in taste, or at least many felt that way, but it never garnered the popularity the original spicy drink had. Like with many drinks out there, in 2001, Mr. Pibb was given a rebrand. This rebrand dropped the original name while keeping the formula, and Pibb Xtra was introduced.
Now, if you’re a fan of Pibb Xtra you already know the amazing taste it offers but have you ever wondered about the caffeine content inside? Knowing how much caffeine is in each 12-ounce can of Pibb Xtra you consume is a great way to ensure you aren’t consuming too much. Luckily, a can of Pibb Xtra has a low caffeine content level of only 40 mg per can. Let’s learn a bit more about this spicy drink, its caffeine content, and how you can safely drink Pibb Xtra without worries.
A Cherry Rival Is Born
When discussing the story of Pibb Xtra’s past, Mr. Pibb, the original, must be talked about. Unfortunately, Mr. Pibb’s story isn’t the greatest out there. The drink wasn’t created to offer soda lovers something new. In fact, it was specifically designed to try and imitate the popularity of Dr. Pepper. The Coca-Cola company didn’t even try to hide this fact. They even went as far as to premiere their drink in Waco, Texas, the original birthplace of Dr. Pepper. Also, like Dr. Pepper, Mr. Pibb featured 23 different flavors in the formula.
When Coca-Cola’s version of Dr. Pepper hit the market, it wasn’t called Mr. Pibb. The original name was Peppo. This name was a bit too coincidental for Dr. Pepper so they filed a trademark infringement lawsuit and won it. So, due to the lawsuit, in 1972, Peppo was renamed to Mr. Pibb, and that name stuck for 3 decades until 2001 when Coca-Cola decided to rebrand and Pibb Xtra was introduced.
The Differences Between Mr. Pibb & Pibb Xtra
Yes, there are differences between Pibb Xtra and Mr. Pibb. This isn’t one of those situations where only the name changed. The formula did as well. Something a bit spicy was tossed in. When Coca-Cola decided to pull Mr. Pibb from shelves, they also decided to add cinnamon to the product and market it as a “refreshing, spicy cherry alternative to regular coke.” Of course, this was an attempt to break away from the similarities with Dr. Pepper since Mr. Pibb wasn’t winning that battle.
Another difference of note was availability. When Mr. Pibb was on the shelves, it was widely distributed. Pibb Xtra, and its Cherry, Strawberry, Cherry-Vanilla, and Zero options, aren’t found in every store. You’ll usually find Pibb Xtra in areas where Dr. Pepper isn’t bottled by Coca-Cola companies. You may also get to give it a try in certain restaurant chains that don’t offer Dr. Pepper as an option.
Caffeine Content Comparison
As we’ve already mentioned, the caffeine found in Pibb Xtra is considered a low amount at 40 mg per 12-ounce can. The real question, however, is how that caffeine compares to other popular sodas on the market. Let’s find out!
| Pibb Xtra 12-ounce can | 40 mg of caffeine |
| Dr. Pepper 12-ounce can | 41 mg of caffeine |
| Coca-Cola 12-ounce can | 34 mg of caffeine |
| Pepsi 12-ounce can | 38 mg of caffeine |
| Mountain Dew 12-ounce can | 55 mg of caffeine |
Sodas aren’t the only beverages on the market with caffeine inside. As most people know, one of the go-tos when looking for a kick of caffeine to start the day is coffee. People also drink tea for its caffeine content, even though it’s considered quite low. Energy drinks are another source of caffeine that people who feel they need a big pick-me-up throughout the day turn to. Let’s see how Pibb Xtra stacks up against these caffeinated beverages as well.
| Pibb Xtra 12-ounce can | 40 mg of caffeine |
| Coffee 8-ounce cup | 91 mg of caffeine |
| Tea 8-ounce cup | 25 mg of caffeine |
| Red Bull 8-ounce can | 80 mg of caffeine |
| Monster Energy 16-ounce can | 160 mg of caffeine |
Is the Caffeine in Pibb Xtra Dangerous?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that is found in several of the drinks and food items we enjoy each day. The key to enjoying caffeine, without experiencing negative side effects or results is to have it in moderation. According to The Food and Drug Administration, an adult can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine per day. After that amount, side effects can begin to occur in those who have sensitivities or low tolerances to caffeine.
Here’s a look at those side effects so you can understand what to look for when you’re enjoying Pibb Xtra or other caffeinated beverages or foods:
- Insomnia
- Jitters
- Fast heart rate
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Headache
- Anxiousness
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Pibb Xtra has been through a lot over the years. While the formula may have changed and it may not be as widely available as its predecessor, the caffeine inside each can is the same. Luckily, for those who enjoy this spicy alternative and rival to Dr. Pepper, the 40 mg of caffeine found inside each 12-ounce can is relatively low. The key when drinking Pibb Xtra or any drink containing caffeine is moderation and understanding your tolerance. If you do this, you should be able to enjoy a few cans of Pibb Xtra throughout the day without any major worries.
