Is Sprite Caffeine-Free?

Many people enjoy the crisp, citrusy flavor of Sprite, a lemon-lime soft drink made by Coca-Cola.

However, some sodas are high in caffeine, so you might be curious whether Sprite is caffeinated, particularly if you’re trying to cut back on stimulants.

This article examines whether Sprite contains caffeine and who might want to avoid it or other soft drinks.

Caffeine and nutritional content

Sprite — like most non-cola soft drinks — is free of caffeine.

The primary components of Sprite are water, high-fructose corn syrup, and natural lemon and lime flavorings. It also includes citric acid, sodium citrate, and sodium benzoate as preservatives (1).

Although Sprite lacks caffeine, it’s high in sugar and can therefore raise your energy levels in a manner similar to caffeine.

A 12-ounce (375-ml) can of Sprite contains 140 calories and 38 grams of carbohydrates, all from added sugars (1).

After consuming it, most people experience a rapid rise in blood glucose. This can lead to a burst of energy followed by a crash, which may include feelings of jitteriness and/or anxiety (2).

Similar symptoms — anxiety, nervousness, or shakiness — can also follow excessive caffeine intake (3).

Thus, while Sprite does not contain caffeine, drinking large amounts can produce an energy surge and side effects that resemble those caused by caffeine.

Summary: Sprite is a clear lemon-lime soda without caffeine but is high in added sugars. Consequently, it can cause a short-lived energy boost similar to that of caffeine.

Most people should limit Sprite and other sodas

Excess consumption of added sugars is associated with higher risks of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues (4).

The American Heart Association recommends a daily maximum of 36 grams (9 teaspoons) of added sugar for adult men and 25 grams (6 teaspoons) for adult women (5).

Just one 12-ounce (375-ml) can of Sprite, which contains 38 grams of added sugar, exceeds these suggested limits (1).

For that reason, consumption of Sprite and other sugar-sweetened beverages should be moderated within a balanced diet.

Additionally, people with diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar control should be especially cautious about drinking Sprite, particularly if they frequently consume other high-sugar foods.

Summary: One 12-ounce (375-ml) can of Sprite supplies more added sugar than recommended for a day. Therefore, intake of Sprite and similar sugary drinks should be limited.

What about Sprite Zero Sugar?

Sprite Zero Sugar is also caffeine-free but uses the artificial sweetener aspartame instead of sugar (6).

Because it contains no added sugars, some people view it as a healthier alternative.

However, evidence on the long-term safety of artificial sweeteners is incomplete. Research into how these sweeteners affect appetite, weight gain, cancer, and diabetes risk has generally produced mixed and inconclusive findings (7).

Consequently, more comprehensive studies are needed before declaring Sprite Zero Sugar a definitively healthier option than regular Sprite.

Summary: Sprite Zero Sugar replaces added sugar with the artificial sweetener aspartame. While often considered a lower-calorie option, studies on the effects of artificial sweeteners in people have been inconclusive.

Healthier substitutions for Sprite

If you like Sprite but want to cut back, there are several healthier alternatives to try.

To create a sugar-free lemon-lime beverage at home, mix club soda with fresh lemon and lime juice.

You might also enjoy naturally flavored sparkling waters, such as La Croix, which contain no added sugars.

If you’re not avoiding caffeine and drink Sprite for an energy lift from sugar, consider tea or coffee instead. These drinks contain caffeine and are naturally free of added sugars.

Summary: If you want to reduce sugar but still enjoy a lemon-lime taste, opt for naturally flavored sparkling water. If you seek a caffeinated pick-me-up without added sugars, try unsweetened coffee or tea.

The bottom line

Sprite is a caffeine-free lemon-lime soft drink.

However, its high added-sugar content can cause a quick surge of energy, so Sprite and other sugary drinks should be consumed sparingly.

Although Sprite Zero Sugar contains no sugar, the long-term health effects of its artificial sweetener are not fully established, and healthier options are available.

For instance, lemon-lime sparkling water is a better caffeine-free choice. If you want caffeine without added sugars, unsweetened coffee or tea are good alternatives.