How Much Caffeine Is In a Can of Sprite?

How Much Caffeine Is In a Can of Sprite?

Sean Gregory
5 minute read

The original Sprite is a lemon lime citrus flavored soda that has a crisp and refreshing taste and added texture due to it's carbonation.

A popular carbonated beverage created by the Coca-Cola Company, Sprite was first launched in West Germany and brought to the United States in 1961 to compete against 7-Up

With so many Americans consuming caffeine on a daily basis knowing the caffeine level of your favorite beverages can be important so you stay within safe limits.

Most cola beverages have some amount of caffeine in them which would likely lead you to wonder if Sprite is caffeinated? Well, you might be surprised.

 

How Much Caffeine Does Sprite Have?

 Serving Size Caffeine (MG) Sugar (G)
12 oz Can 0 38
 

Sprite, which is a lemon lime flavored soft drink, is caffeine free. While most carbonated soda's have caffeine added to them, Sprite has always been a caffeine-free option for those who crave a soda but do not want the caffeine.

Since 7-Up was Pepsi's caffeine free lemon lime citrus option Coca-Cola likely decided to keep Sprite caffeine free to compete. You will find most versions of this clear citrus beverage by other brands will also be caffeine free, with the exception of Mountain Dew which is one of the most caffeinated sodas on the market.

 

Sprite's Caffeine Level: Caffeine Free

Sprite is marketed as caffeine free which means unlike decaffeinated drinks which will have some caffeine in them, Sprite has zero caffeine per serving.

Many drinkers experience an energy boost from Sprite but this is due to the high sugar content. However, sugar "boosts" often are followed by a sharp crash which can create a craving for another can. This is why Sprite can actually keep you awake for a short time after consuming.

 

Is Sprite A Good Source Of Caffeine?

According to the FDA the suggested safe limit for daily caffeine consumption in otherwise healthy adults is 400 mg's per day. While some may be able to consume more without any adverse side effects it may not be healthy for others to do so. 

Since Sprite has zero mg of caffeine per can the average person can consume several of these without adding any caffeine to their daily limit. Keep in mind caffeine is found in many other drinks and foods so you will need to count all sources within a single day.

For energy boost purposes Sprite will not be the best choice since it lacks caffeine. Consider coffee or tea if that is the result you are looking for.

 

Caffeine In Sprite Compared To Coffee

Since Sprite does not have any measurable caffeine in a 12 ounce can it is not a great option for those looking for some energy. A typical 12 ounce cup of coffee will have between 120 and 150 mg's.

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HOW LONG DOES CAFFEINE STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM?

Caffeine has a half-life of 6 hours, meaning that half of the amount you consumed will be out of your body within 6 hours. The other half will take another 4-6 hours to leave, so that means you'll need to wait 12 hours for complete clearance from your system. But this is just an average; some people may clear it more quickly than others due to individual factors such as age and genetics.

 

Comparison to other drinks

Average Caffeine Content MG of Caffeine
Black Insomnia Coffee 1105
Bang Energy 300
80
Coca-Cola Classic 34
Sprite 0

 

Sprite's Sugar Content: High

According to Heart.org, the average adult should consume no more than 30-40 grams of sugar per day. Since Sprite has 38 grams in just one can, drinking more than one a day is not considered a healthy option and can lead to weight gain and other sugar related health issues.

Drinks with sugar levels this high run the risk of causing tooth decay if consumed on a daily basis.

One can of Sprite also has 140 calories which makes it a less than ideal option for those looking to cut calories. If sugar is a concern you may want to check out their zero sugar option.

 

Ingredients In Sprite:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate (to Protect Taste).100% Natural Flavors.
  

Other Sprite Varieties

  • Original Sprite
  • Zero Sugar
  • Cherry
  • Lymonade
  • Tropical Mix

  

Where Can You Buy Sprite Online?

You can use your prime membership and buy Sprite and other soda flavors on Amazon.

Looking for something else? Check out all the coffee options from Meadow Ridge Coffee.

  

Conclusion

Although Sprite has a fruit flavor and clear appearance it is loaded with sugar (high fructose corn syrup) and other preservatives which make Sprite a less than healthy drink option and one which should only be consumed in moderation.

For those looking for a caffeine energy boost, Sprite will not be the best option since there is no caffeine in the drink. However if you are looking for a refreshingly crisp lemon lime flavored drink and enjoy something carbonated, then Sprite might be a good choice. 

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