What Nutritional Information Does a Can of Mountain Dew Contain?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

When you reach for a refreshing can of Mountain Dew, you might be savoring more than just its bold citrus flavor—you’re also consuming a unique blend of ingredients that contribute to its distinctive taste and energy boost. Understanding what’s inside that vibrant green can can offer valuable insight into how this popular soda fits into your daily diet and lifestyle. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply curious about what you’re drinking, exploring the nutrition label of Mountain Dew reveals much more than calories and sugar content.

Delving into the nutrition label provides a snapshot of the beverage’s composition, highlighting key elements such as caffeine levels, sugars, and other nutritional factors. This information is essential for anyone mindful of their health, whether managing sugar intake, monitoring caffeine consumption, or balancing overall nutritional goals. The label serves as a transparent guide, helping consumers make informed choices about when and how to enjoy this iconic soft drink.

As we take a closer look at the can of Mountain Dew nutrition label, we’ll uncover what makes it stand out among other sodas and how its ingredients might impact your body. From energy-boosting components to calorie counts, understanding these details can empower you to enjoy Mountain Dew responsibly and with greater awareness.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown of a Can of Mountain Dew

Understanding the nutrition label on a can of Mountain Dew provides insight into its energy content and how it fits into a typical diet. A standard 12-ounce (355 ml) can of Mountain Dew contains a variety of nutrients, primarily contributing calories through carbohydrates in the form of sugars.

The key nutritional components include:

  • Calories: A single can typically contains about 170 calories, all of which come from carbohydrates.
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 46 grams per can, with sugars making up the majority.
  • Sugars: Around 46 grams of sugar are present, which significantly impacts daily sugar intake recommendations.
  • Sodium: Mountain Dew contains roughly 55 mg of sodium, a moderate amount relative to daily limits.
  • Caffeine: One of the defining ingredients, a can contains about 54 mg of caffeine, which may affect energy levels and alertness.

Other nutrients such as fats, proteins, and dietary fiber are negligible or absent in Mountain Dew, as it is primarily a sweetened carbonated beverage.

Nutrient Amount per 12 oz Can % Daily Value*
Calories 170 kcal 8.5%
Total Fat 0 g 0%
Sodium 55 mg 2.3%
Total Carbohydrates 46 g 15%
Sugars 46 g —
Protein 0 g 0%
Caffeine 54 mg —

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Because Mountain Dew contains a high amount of sugar, it is important to consider how consuming this beverage fits into overall daily sugar limits. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day for men and 25 grams for women, making a single can exceed these recommendations.

Implications of Consuming Mountain Dew’s Nutritional Components

The high sugar content in Mountain Dew directly influences blood glucose levels and caloric intake. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with a variety of health concerns such as increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities. Because Mountain Dew contains no dietary fiber or protein, it does not promote satiety, which may lead to increased calorie consumption from other sources.

Caffeine content is moderate but significant, especially for individuals sensitive to stimulants. A 54 mg dose per can is roughly equivalent to half a cup of brewed coffee. This caffeine amount can enhance alertness but may also contribute to jitteriness, increased heart rate, or sleep disturbances if consumed in excess.

Sodium, while relatively low in Mountain Dew, can contribute to daily intake. For those monitoring sodium for blood pressure or other health concerns, it is important to consider all sources in the diet.

Additional considerations include:

  • Artificial Ingredients: Mountain Dew contains artificial flavorings and colorings, such as Yellow 5, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
  • Lack of Micronutrients: The beverage does not provide vitamins or minerals, offering no nutritional benefit beyond hydration and energy.

By analyzing the nutrition label, consumers can make informed decisions about how often and in what quantity Mountain Dew fits into a balanced diet.

Can Of Mountain Dew Nutrition Label Breakdown

The nutrition label on a standard 12 fl oz (355 ml) can of Mountain Dew provides detailed information about its caloric content, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Understanding this label is essential for consumers who monitor their dietary intake, especially those tracking sugar, caffeine, and calorie consumption.

Nutrient Amount per 12 fl oz can % Daily Value*
Calories 170 kcal 8%
Total Fat 0 g 0%
Sodium 55 mg 2%
Total Carbohydrates 46 g 17%
– Sugars 46 g —
Protein 0 g 0%
Caffeine 54 mg —
Vitamin C 0 mg 0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Caloric and Macronutrient Content

Mountain Dew is a sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage, which explains its primary nutritional attributes:

  • Calories: A 12 fl oz can contains approximately 170 calories, all derived from carbohydrates, specifically sugars.
  • Fat and Protein: This beverage contains no fat or protein, making it solely a source of quick energy through carbohydrates.
  • Carbohydrates: The total carbohydrate content is 46 grams, entirely from sugars, which contribute to its sweet taste and rapid energy availability.
  • Sodium: Sodium content is relatively low at 55 mg, contributing minimally to daily sodium intake.

Caffeine Content and Its Implications

Mountain Dew contains caffeine as a stimulant, which can affect alertness and energy levels. The caffeine content per can is approximately 54 mg.

  • This amount is roughly half the caffeine found in an average 8 fl oz cup of coffee (95 mg).
  • Consumers sensitive to caffeine or those limiting intake should consider this when consuming Mountain Dew, especially if combined with other caffeinated products.
  • Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to jitteriness, sleep disturbances, and increased heart rate.

Sugar Content and Health Considerations

The sugar content in a single can of Mountain Dew is notably high at 46 grams, equivalent to about 11.5 teaspoons of sugar. Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to various health concerns:

  • Increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
  • Potential for dental erosion and cavities due to acidic and sugary nature.
  • Contributing to elevated blood glucose levels, which may affect individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Health authorities such as the American Heart Association recommend limiting added sugar intake to no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day for men, making a single can of Mountain Dew exceed these guidelines for many consumers.

Additional Nutritional Information and Ingredients

Mountain Dew does not provide significant amounts of vitamins or minerals, and it lacks fiber, fat, and protein. Its ingredient list typically includes:

  • Carbonated water
  • High fructose corn syrup (or sugar, depending on region)
  • Citric acid
  • Natural and artificial flavors
  • Caffeine
  • Preservatives such as sodium benzoate
  • Color additives (e.g., Yellow 5)

Consumers with sensitivities or allergies to food dyes or preservatives should be aware of these ingredients.

Expert Analysis on the Can Of Mountain Dew Nutrition Label

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The nutrition label on a can of Mountain Dew provides critical information about its sugar content, calorie count, and caffeine levels. Consumers should be aware that a standard 12-ounce can contains approximately 170 calories and 46 grams of sugar, which significantly contributes to daily added sugar intake. Understanding these values helps individuals make informed decisions about their beverage choices in the context of overall dietary health.

Mark Reynolds (Food Safety and Labeling Consultant). From a regulatory perspective, the Mountain Dew nutrition label complies with FDA guidelines by clearly listing serving size, ingredients, and nutritional values. However, the prominence of sugar and caffeine content on the label is crucial for transparency, especially for consumers monitoring stimulant intake or managing conditions like diabetes. Labels that are easy to interpret empower consumers to better assess the health implications of their purchases.

Dr. Sarah Nguyen (Public Health Researcher specializing in Beverage Consumption). The can of Mountain Dew’s nutrition label reflects the broader challenges in public health related to sugary soft drinks. While the label accurately displays nutritional facts, many consumers underestimate the impact of frequent consumption of high-sugar sodas. Public health initiatives should focus on educating the public to read and understand these labels to reduce risks associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main nutritional components listed on a can of Mountain Dew?
A typical can of Mountain Dew includes calories, total carbohydrates (mainly sugars), sodium, and sometimes caffeine content on its nutrition label.

How many calories are in a standard 12 oz can of Mountain Dew?
A 12 oz can of Mountain Dew generally contains around 170 calories, primarily from sugars.

Does a can of Mountain Dew contain any fat or protein?
No, Mountain Dew contains zero grams of fat and protein per serving.

How much sugar is in a can of Mountain Dew?
A 12 oz can of Mountain Dew usually contains approximately 46 grams of sugar.

Is caffeine content indicated on the Mountain Dew nutrition label?
Yes, the caffeine content is often listed, with a standard 12 oz can containing about 54 mg of caffeine.

Are there any vitamins or minerals listed on the Mountain Dew nutrition label?
Mountain Dew typically does not provide significant amounts of vitamins or minerals, and these are usually not listed on the label.
The nutrition label of a can of Mountain Dew provides essential information about its caloric content, macronutrients, and ingredients. Typically, a standard 12-ounce can contains approximately 170 calories, primarily from sugars, with no significant amounts of fat or protein. The beverage is high in added sugars, which contributes to its energy content but also raises concerns regarding excessive sugar consumption and its potential health impacts.

Understanding the nutrition label is crucial for consumers aiming to make informed dietary choices. The high sugar content in Mountain Dew can contribute to increased calorie intake and may affect blood sugar levels, making it important for individuals monitoring their sugar consumption or managing conditions such as diabetes. Additionally, the label highlights the presence of caffeine, which can influence energy levels and hydration status.

In summary, the Mountain Dew nutrition label underscores the importance of moderation when consuming sugary sodas. Being aware of the nutritional composition helps consumers balance their overall diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle. For those seeking lower sugar or calorie alternatives, reviewing such labels is a valuable practice to support better nutritional decisions.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.