Have you ever wondered just how much sugar is in Mountain Dew and what the health implications are from drinking it? With an unmistakable bright yellow color and zesty lemon-lime taste, Mountain Dew has been a favorite of soda drinkers throughout the decades. But as more information has come out about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, there’s worry that this beloved pop could be adding to unhealthy diets. We’re going to take a deep dive into how much sugar is actually in Mountain Dew, any potential harmful effects associated with its intake and some healthier alternatives for your daily drink routine. Let’s get started!
What is Mountain Dew?
Mountain Dew is a fizzy, caffeinated lemon-lime soda made by PepsiCo. It contains high fructose corn syrup, citric acid and natural flavorings like orange juice concentrate and grapefruit juice concentrate for its signature taste. It’s also one of the most popular American sodas, with over 1.4 billion cases sold in 2019 alone.

History of Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew was created by two Tennessee beverage bottlers, Barney and Ally Hartman, in 1940. Initially named “Mountain Dew,” the drink was formulated to be a “pick-me-up” for mountain dew drinkers. It quickly became popular in the Southern United States and expanded from there. Eventually it became one of the most popular soft drinks in the world, available in nearly every country.
How much sugar is in Mountain Dew?
How much sugar is in mountain dew? Mountain Dew contains a staggering 57.1 grams of sugar per 20-ounce bottle, making it one of the highest-sugar drinks available on the market. This means that when you drink a single bottle of Mountain Dew, you are consuming nearly 20 teaspoons of sugar.
To put this into perspective, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that women should consume no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day and men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons. This means that a single bottle of Mountain Dew is well over the daily recommended limit for both genders.

How much cafeine is in Mountain Dew?
Mountain Dew contains 54 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can. This is slightly higher than other popular sodas, such as Coke and Pepsi, which contain 34 mg and 37 mg respectively.
However, if you’re looking for a greater caffeine content, you may want to try Mountain Dew’s sister product, Mountain Dew Code Red. This variant contains 73 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can.
What are the health implications of drinking Mountain Dew?
The high sugar content of Mountain Dew poses a serious health risk to those who are consuming it on a regular basis. Excessive amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, the citric acid found in Mountain Dew has been linked to erosion of tooth enamel which can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Given the amount of sugar in Mountain Dew, it is best to limit your intake or consider healthier alternatives such as flavored sparkling water or unsweetened tea.

Is Mountain Dew bad for you?
Mountain Dew can certainly be bad for you if consumed in excessive amounts. The high sugar content of the drink can lead to weight gain, diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease.
Additionally, the citric acid found in Mountain Dew has been linked to erosion of tooth enamel which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Therefore, it is best to limit your intake of Mountain Dew or consider healthier alternatives such as flavored sparkling water or unsweetened tea.
Hopefully this article has shed some light on how much sugar is in Mountain Dew and the potential health risks associated with its consumption. By making healthier beverage choices, you can help keep yourself safe and healthy.
Mountain Dew ingredients
Mountain Dew contains high levels of caffeine as well as other ingredients including citric acid, sodium benzoate and natural flavors. However, the main ingredient in Mountain Dew is sugar. In every 20-ounce bottle there is 57.1 grams of sugar, which equates to nearly 20 teaspoons.
Additionally, the citric acid found in Mountain Dew has been linked to erosion of tooth enamel which can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
How to make your own Mountain Dew?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to Mountain Dew, you can make your own version at home with just a few simple ingredients.
To start, combine two cups of sparkling water with one tablespoon each of lime juice and orange juice. Next, add in one teaspoon of honey or agave nectar for sweetness and stir the mixture together. Finally, add a pinch of sea salt and enjoy!
This DIY version of Mountain Dew is a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine without the high sugar content that comes with the store-bought version. Plus, you can adjust how sweet or tart it is according to your own tastes.
Tips for reducing your Mountain Dew consumption
Drinking an excessive amount of Mountain Dew can lead to a number of health problems. To reduce how much you drink, start by setting limits for yourself. For example, you could limit yourself to one 20-ounce bottle per day or choose to drink only on certain days of the week.
Additionally, it may help to replace Mountain Dew with healthier alternatives such as sparkling water, unsweetened tea or fruit-infused water. Not only are these beverages lower in sugar, but they also contain beneficial vitamins and minerals that can help support a healthy lifestyle.
By making small changes to how you drink Mountain Dew and opting for healthier alternatives, you can help keep yourself safe and healthy.
Mountain Dew recipes
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Mountain Dew without all the added sugar, there are some great recipes out there that can help.
One popular recipe is a variation of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. Simply mix together 1/2 cup of chilled Mountain Dew, one ounce of vodka and two ounces of ginger beer in a copper mug. Garnish with fresh lime slices and enjoy!
You can also use Mountain Dew as an ingredient in a variety of baked goods such as muffins, breads, cakes and cupcakes. Just substitute equal parts of the soda for liquid ingredients such as milk or water to get that signature sweetness without all the sugar.

No matter how you choose to enjoy Mountain Dew, make sure to do so in moderation. Drinking excessive amounts of the sugary beverage can lead to a number of health problems, so it is best to limit how much you consume. By making healthier choices and opting for homemade recipes when possible, you can help keep yourself safe and healthy.
How to enjoy Mountain Dew without all the added sugar?
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Mountain Dew without all the added sugar, there are some great recipes out there that can help. One popular recipe is a variation of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. Simply mix together 1/2 cup of chilled Mountain Dew, one ounce of vodka and two ounces of ginger beer in a copper mug. Garnish with fresh lime slices and enjoy!
You can also use Mountain Dew as an ingredient in a variety of baked goods such as muffins, breads, cakes and cupcakes. Just substitute equal parts of the soda for liquid ingredients such as milk or water to get that signature sweetness without all the sugar.
Additionally, you could mix Mountain Dew with sparkling water and a few drops of stevia or your favorite natural sweetener for a healthier version of the soda. This option is great for those looking to cut down on their sugar intake without sacrificing taste!
Alternatives to drinking Mountain Dew
If you’re looking for an alternative to drinking Mountain Dew, there are a number of other beverages that may be better for your health.
Flavored sparkling water is a great option as it provides the carbonation and flavor of soda without the added sugar. Additionally, unsweetened tea is another good choice as it contains beneficial antioxidants and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
Fruit-infused water is also a great option as it can provide the sweetness of soda without all the added sugar. To make your own, simply infuse water with fresh or frozen fruits like strawberries, oranges or lemons for some natural flavor.
By experimenting with different options, you can find healthier alternatives to Mountain Dew that fit your tastes and help keep your health in check.

Conclusion: How much sugar is in Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew contains high levels of sugar which may lead to a number of health risks. To reduce how much you drink, start by setting limits for yourself and opt for healthier alternatives such as flavored sparkling water or unsweetened tea.
Additionally, there are some great recipes out there that use Mountain Dew as an ingredient which can help you get the flavor without all the added sugar. By making small changes to how you drink Mountain Dew, you can help keep yourself safe and healthy.
FAQs Mountain Dew
How can I keep safe and healthy when drinking Mountain Dew?
Make sure to drink in moderation and opt for healthier alternatives whenever possible. Additionally, you can also make your own recipes with Mountain Dew to get the flavor without all the added sugar. By making small changes to how you drink Mountain Dew, you can help keep yourself safe and healthy.
How much sugar is in a can of Mountain Dew?
Mountain Dew packs a punch of sweetness – 11 ½ teaspoons to be exact. While it may be delicious, its high sugar content means that consuming too much can have serious health consequences. To avoid these potential risks and still enjoy some flavor in your beverage, opt for healthier alternatives such as flavored sparkling water or unsweetened tea instead!
How much sugar in a 330ml can of Mountain Dew?
Consuming only a single 330ml can of Mountain Dew is like drinking 11 ½ teaspoons worth of sugar straight! That’s definitely something to think twice about. It’s no wonder that consuming excessive amounts of sugar has serious health consequences, so taking the preventive step and opting for healthier alternatives pays off in the long run.
How much sugar is in a 12 oz can of Diet Mountain Dew?
Enjoy Per Can’s Low Calorie Dew without worrying–it has zero calories, no saturated fats (less than 1% of your daily value), and an impressively low sodium content at just 50 mg per serving. Plus you get a mild 54mg caffeine boost with each can.
Is Mountain Dew bad for your health?
Mountain Dew is loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, which can be bad for your health in the long run. Consuming too much of it can lead to serious health risks such as obesity and diabetes. To reduce how much you drink, start by setting limits for yourself and opt for healthier alternatives such as flavored sparkling water or unsweetened tea. By making small changes to how you drink Mountain Dew, you can help keep yourself safe and healthy.
Does Mountain Dew use real sugar?
No, real sugar is not used in the making of Mountain Dew. Instead, alternative sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium are used. By using these sweeteners, Mountain Dew is able to maintain its delicious taste while keeping production costs affordable.
Is Mountain Dew the Sugariest drink?
Stay away from Mountain Dew unless you’re looking for a massive sugar overload – it has 72.3 grams of fructose and 121.57 total sugars per liter! Mug Root Beer isn’t much better, containing 66.9 grams of fructose and 114 g/l in total. If you want something sweet with less guilt (but still not great), try Minute Maid Apple Juice – 65g Fructose but 109 g/L overall sugar content.
Can I drink Mountain Dew daily?
Excessive consumption of sugary drinks like Mountain Dew can have serious effects on your overall health, potentially leading to issues such as diabetes and obesity. To protect yourself from these risks while still enjoying the flavor you love, set limits for yourself and make healthier choices like flavored sparkling water or unsweetened tea instead.
Is Mountain Dew diet or zero sugar better?
Mtn Dew gives you two amazing options to satisfy your craving for a bold yet refreshing beverage. With Mtn Dew Zero Sugar, you get the same great taste without any extra calories or sugar – and an even more energizing pick-me-up thanks to its higher caffeine content per serving! For those who don’t want to skip on flavor but are watching their intake, Diet Mtn Dew is still there with only 10 calories in 20 oz of deliciousness.
Is Mountain Dew or Pepsi healthier?
It can be hard to resist picking up a sugary soda every once in awhile, but beware: both Pepsi and Mountain Dew come with their own sets of risks. While Pepsi contains less sugar than its fizzy counterpart – 10 grams instead of 11 ½ teaspoons – it’s still important to stay mindful when deciding what drinks you consume on the regular. If your goal is reducing caffeine consumption or just cutting down on added sugars, consider swapping out sugary sodas for healthier alternatives like sparkling water or unsweetened tea.
Susan Muskat is a professional chef with over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry. After working in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, she opened her own restaurant, Moose and Sadie’s, which quickly became a local favorite. Susan is also the author of a blog all about recipes, guidelines, cooking tips, and knowledge from professional chefs. She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for food with others.