Updated at: 24-06-2023 - By: John Lau

Caffeine lovers, rejoice! Or maybe not? The ever-popular Mountain Dew has quite a reputation for its caffeine kick, making it a go-to soft drink for many seeking that extra burst of energy.

However, our friends up north in Canada may have a different experience with this beloved beverage. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the buzz around Mountain Dew’s caffeine content in Canada and uncover some surprising truths about this iconic green drink.

Understanding Mountain Dew’s Caffeine Content

Does Mountain Dew Have Caffeine In Canada

Mountain Dew in the United States contains 54 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces, significantly higher than other soda brands.

Caffeine Content In Mountain Dew In The US

In the United States, Mountain Dew is known for its high caffeine content, making it a popular choice among those seeking an energy-boosting beverage. A 12 fl oz (355 ml) can of regular Mountain Dew contains an impressive 54 milligrams of caffeine—the equivalent to around half a cup of coffee—earning it the reputation as one of the most caffeinated sodas at this serving size.

As consumers become increasingly aware and mindful about their daily caffeine intake, some may seek out beverages with lower stimulant content. Yet others may find solace in knowing that there are options like Mountain Dew available when they need a quick pick-me-up during long working hours or help staying alert on late-night drives.

The Difference In Caffeine Content Between Mountain Dew In The US And Canada

A key contrast between Mountain Dew in the US and Canada lies in their caffeine content levels. In the United States, a 12 fluid oz serving of this popular soda contains 54mg of caffeine, while its Canadian counterpart has slightly less at 48mg per same volume.

The reason behind this variance can largely be attributed to regulations that govern caffeinated beverages in both countries. For instance, Canadian guidelines mandate lower permitted levels of caffeine compared to US policies.

Nevertheless, Mountain Dew’s caffeine content remains among the highest for sodas worldwide.

The Controversy Surrounding Mountain Dew’s Caffeine Content In Canada

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Many Canadians are surprised to learn that their favorite soda, Mountain Dew, does not contain caffeine due to a law prohibiting light-colored soft drinks from having caffeine.

However, there is still some controversy surrounding the topic as differences in Canadian and US Mountain Dews have caused misconceptions.

Differences Between Mountain Dew In Canada And The US

Although Mountain Dew is a popular carbonated beverage enjoyed in both Canada and the United States, there are some key differences between the two versions of this drink.

Primarily, these distinctions lie within its caffeine content and formulation. In the US market, Mountain Dew contains 54 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid oz serving—comparable to what you’d find in Canadian Mountain Dew as well.

An example that highlights this difference can be seen with the introduction of Mountain Dew Zero—a recent addition to the brand’s lineup containing approximately 68 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid oz serving—which has prompted further debate on Canada’s regulatory stance regarding caffeinated beverages versus that of its southern neighbor.

In an effort to adhere to health concerns and scrutiny from groups such as Alcoholism patients who may be sensitive to excessive amounts of stimulants like caffeine, companies operating within the beverage industry must comply with strict guidelines imposed by governing bodies like Health Canada and The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Misconceptions About Caffeine In Canadian Mountain Dew

Many people believe that Mountain Dew in Canada does not contain caffeine due to a law prohibiting light-colored soft drinks from having caffeine. However, this misconception was cleared up in 2012 when the law changed to allow for natural sources of caffeine.

Canadian Mountain Dew contains the same amount of caffeine as its US counterpart, with 54-72mg per can. The controversy surrounding Mountain Dew’s caffeine content in Canada arises from misunderstandings about Canadian laws regarding caffeine and confusion over variations such as Mountain Dew Zero.

Does Canadian Mountain Dew Contain Caffeine?

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Canadian Mountain Dew is often thought to be caffeine-free, but this is a common misconception; most cans contain around 30-50 mg of caffeine per serving.

Canadian Regulations On Caffeine In Soft Drinks

In Canada, the use of caffeine in soft drinks is permitted by law, subject to maximum limits. For many years, cola-type beverages could contain up to 200 ppm (parts per million) of caffeine.

In 2012, Canadian regulations changed to allow the addition of natural caffeine to soft drinks. This change in regulation restored caffeine content to Mountain Dew sold in Canada and other drinks containing natural sources of caffeine like guarana and yerba mate.

Mountain Dew’s Canadian Ingredient List

It’s no secret that Mountain Dew is a popular soda in Canada, but what exactly goes into it? According to the Canadian ingredient list, Mountain Dew contains carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine-free cola nut extract and yellow 5.

That’s right – unlike its American counterpart which has caffeine as one of its main ingredients – Canadian Mountain Dew is caffeine-free due to Canada’s strict regulations on light-colored soft drinks containing caffeine.

Comparison Of Caffeine Content In Canadian And US Mountain Dew

Despite the misconceptions, the caffeine content in both Canadian and US Mountain Dew is actually the same. To better understand the caffeine content in these beverages, let’s compare the amounts found in different Mountain Dew products in the US and Canada.

 

Mountain Dew Product Caffeine Content in US (per 12 oz) Caffeine Content in Canada (per 12 oz)
Regular Mountain Dew 54 mg 54 mg
Diet Mountain Dew 54 mg 54 mg
Mountain Dew Zero 68 mg Not available

 

The table above highlights that both regular and diet Mountain Dew contain 54 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid oz in both the US and Canada. While Mountain Dew Zero has a higher caffeine content of 68 mg per 12 fluid oz, it is currently not available in Canada.

It’s important for those struggling with alcoholism to be aware of the caffeine content in their beverages, as excessive caffeine consumption can exacerbate existing mental health issues and interfere with recovery.

The Variations Of Mountain Dew In Canada

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Mountain Dew in Canada has variations such as the white-colored soda called Mountain Dew White Out and the energy drink, Dew Fuel.

Mountain Dew White Out

One of the variations of Mountain Dew available in Canada is White Out. This unique flavor has a smooth citrus taste with hints of vanilla, making it a refreshing drink for any occasion.

While it may not be as popular as the original or Code Red flavors, Mountain Dew White Out still has a dedicated fan base and is worth giving a try if you’re looking for something different.

Dew Fuel

Dew Fuel is a variation of Mountain Dew that was introduced in Canada as an energy drink. It contains caffeine, taurine, and other ingredients typically found in energy drinks.

However, it’s important to note that the exact amount of caffeine in Dew Fuel has not been disclosed. While some people may enjoy the boost from Dew Fuel, it’s important to be aware of your caffeine intake and consume it in moderation.

Alternatives To Caffeinated Mountain Dew In Canada

Canadian Mountain Dew contains caffeine, which might not be suitable for people who struggle with alcoholism. Here are some alternatives to caffeinated Mountain Dew in Canada:

  1. Caffeine-free soda alternatives: Look for other carbonated soda options that do not contain caffeine, such as Sprite or 7-Up.
  2. Low-caffeine sodas: Some sodas have lower levels of caffeine and may be a better option than regular Mountain Dew. Try ginger ale or root beer.
  3. Non-caffeinated Mountain Dew: Mountain Dew Throwback and Voltage do not contain caffeine but still offer the same great taste.
  4. Health Canada‘s caffeine guidelines: Check out Health Canada’s guidelines on recommended daily caffeine intake to make informed decisions on your beverage choices.
  5. Alternative soft drink options: There are several other non-caffeinated soft drink brands available in Canada, including Crush, Fanta, and Dr. Pepper.
  6. Carbonated beverage variations: Other carbonated drinks such as sparkling water or tonic water can provide you with the fizz you crave without the added caffeine.

By choosing alternative beverages that are either low in caffeine or completely caffeine-free, those struggling with alcoholism can continue to enjoy their favorite carbonated beverages without the added risk of triggering addiction struggles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are wondering whether Mountain Dew has caffeine in Canada, the answer is no; due to a Canadian law, light-colored soft drinks cannot contain caffeine.

While some Canadians may believe otherwise, most cans of Mountain Dew in Canada have minimal amounts of caffeine ranging from 30-50 mg. However, fans of the bold and refreshing taste of Mountain Dew need not worry as there are variations such as Dew Fuel and White Out that do contain caffeine.