Shasta Mountain Rush soda beverage is a perfect drink for those who love caffeine without all the extras. The beverage is made with real fruit and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. It’s also gluten-free and vegan, and it’s great for anyone who wants to stay alert and hydrated while enjoying their favorite activities. But exactly how much caffeine does it have?
Shasta Mountain Rush contains 4.50 mg of caffeine per fl oz. So, a typical 12 fl oz can have a total of 54 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine in Shasta Mountain Rush vs Other Drinks
Here is a simple comparison chart showing how much caffeine is in Shasta Mountain rush compared to other caffeinated drinks.
| Beverage | Caffeine Content |
| Shasta Mountain Rush (12-oz can) | 54 mg |
| Black tea 8-oz | 45 mg |
| Coffee 8-oz | 90 mg |
| Coca-Cola (12-oz can) | 34 mg |
| Mountain Dew (12-oz can) | 54 mg |
| Dr. Pepper (12-oz can) | 41 mg |
| Pepsi Cola (12-oz can) | 39 mg |
Where Is Caffeine Found Naturally?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring chemical found in the seeds, beans, or leaves of certain plants, most notably coffee. It’s also present in tea leaves, yerba mate, and cacao. There is also a synthetic version of caffeine known as “caffeine anhydrous”. The caffeine content of coffee and tea products can vary depending on the brand, type of beans, and brewing method.
Caffeinated beverages will vary in their caffeine content, though most contain anywhere from 40 to 130 mg of caffeine. So, for example, one 8 fl. oz. cup of brewed coffee typically contains about 100mg of caffeine, while the same amount of tea has about 40–70mg of caffeine. Energy drinks typically contain around 80–150mg of caffeine per 8 fl. oz. serving.
How Does Caffeine Affect the Body?
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the amount of mental and physical energy. When ingested, caffeine is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain and enters the central nervous system to produce its effects. Once in the brain, caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine, which is responsible for making us feel sleepy.
When adenosine is blocked, neurons in the brain are less inhibited, which leads to an increase in neurotransmitter chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals are responsible for making us more alert and able to focus.
Caffeine also affects the heart by increasing the force of contraction and blood flow through the body, making it a common ingredient in sports drinks. If consumed in the later part of the day it’s also associated with disturbed sleep (insomnia), especially when caffeine use is high or above 300mg per day.
Ultimately though, there are both upsides and downsides to consuming caffeine. Here are a few:
Pros
Increased focus and mental energy: A single 200mg dose of caffeine has been shown to improve focus and mental energy in people without caffeine sensitivity.
Improved athletic performance: Caffeine has been shown to improve athletic performance, especially in endurance-type sports.
May lower risk of certain cancers: Consuming 3–5 cups of coffee per day has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, including liver, uterine, colon, and endometrial cancers.
May improve memory: Studies have shown that caffeine can increase short-term memory, but it is unclear if this also applies to long-term memory.
Cons
Can disrupt sleep: Caffeine consumed within 6 hours of bedtime may disrupt sleep.
May cause anxiety: People who are caffeine-sensitive may experience anxiety when consuming caffeine.
Increases heart rate: Caffeine may increase heart rate and blood pressure in healthy adults.
Risk of overuse: Regularly consuming high amounts of caffeine can lead to dependence, and cause headaches and a “caffeine crash” if consumed in large amounts.
Unsafe for people with certain health conditions: Caffeine can pose health risks for people with some health conditions, including heart conditions, anxiety disorders, and caffeine sensitivity.
About Caffeine Tolerance
Caffeine is considered an “adenosine antagonist”, which means it blocks the action of adenosine. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of relaxation, sleepiness, and reduces feelings of pain. Because caffeine blocks the action of adenosine, it makes us feel less sleepy and more alert. However, adenosine is also responsible for removing waste products from our brains.
What this means is that when we regularly block the action of adenosine with caffeine, our brains have less room for waste products. This can lead to headaches after caffeine intake is stopped. Caffeine tolerance can develop over time but is different for each person. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and the amount that it takes to trigger a reaction will vary from person to person. Some people may never develop a caffeine tolerance, but for others, it may take just a few weeks.
Recommended Caffeine Intake
The FDA recommends daily caffeine intake of no more than 400 milligrams a day but suggests that pregnant women and young adults be cautious about their caffeine intake. The World Health Organization suggests that healthy adults consume less than 2–4 cups of coffee per day.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should additionally be cautious with their caffeine intake because it may affect their health and the health of their babies. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine due to their smaller body size. Additionally, caffeine tends to hurt children’s sleep and may displace healthy nutrient intake by displacing nutritious foods and beverages in the diet.
Alternatives to Caffeine
If you don’t care for soda or energy drinks, there are many natural alternatives to caffeine that can help you increase energy and focus. These natural alternatives provide a gentle, steady boost of energy, but many of them come with additional health benefits, such as improved memory and focus. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is known as “the thinking tree” because of its ability to improve memory and mental clarity. It can be especially helpful for those who experience symptoms of age-related cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness and mental slowness, as well as for people who are taking certain medications that can affect cognitive function.
Some studies have found that ginkgo biloba can improve memory and attention span and reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, also known as “Indian pennywort”, is a plant native to India that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is thought to increase energy, improve mental clarity, and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Gotu kola may help with symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Generally, it’s considered safe, but some people may experience side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and a bit of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world and is famous for its health benefits. It has been associated with improvements in heart health, weight management, and mental health, including reducing the risk of depression, improving memory, and reducing the risk of dementia.
Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is thought to be responsible for its ability to increase energy and improve mental focus. Green tea does contain caffeine, but it is about half the amount found in coffee, and it takes about twice as long to reach the bloodstream.
White Tea
White tea is a type of tea that is less processed and less oxidized than black and green teas. Studies have found that it contains a higher concentration of antioxidants than green and black teas. White tea may help improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
It may also improve mental health by protecting against cognitive decline and reducing the risk of developing dementia. White tea has fewer caffeine and flavonoid (antioxidant) compounds than green tea, so it is a good alternative for people who want to avoid or reduce caffeine intake.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a type of Chinese tea that is partially oxidized before drying. Studies have found that oolong tea may have health benefits similar to green tea.
It may help improve heart health, promote weight loss, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. It may also improve mental function, including increasing attention span and improving cognitive function.
Conclusion
Shasta Mountain Rush contains 4.50 mg of caffeine per fl oz, and a typical 12 fl oz will have a total of 54 mg of caffeine. It is made with real fruit and no artificial flavors or sweeteners, so is a fairly healthy alternative to most energy drinks, and certainly to cola or other popular sweet, carbonated beverages.
That being said, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks associated with caffeine and to consume it in moderation.
