How Much Caffeine Is in Diet Sunkist?

Diet Sunkist is a low-calorie orange soda that provides a taste similar to the original Sunkist, without the high level of sugar and calories 1. As a result, Diet Sunkist is more appropriate for reduced-calorie weight loss plans or for those watching their sugar intake. According to the official website for Sunkist, Diet Sunkist did not emerge until after Cadbury Schweppes acquired the license to produce Sunkist Orange Soda in 1986; regular Sunkist was launched nationally in 1979 1.

Caffeine Content

According to the caffeine content database at soft drink website Energy Fiend, each 12-oz. serving of Diet Sunkist 1 orange soda contains 42 mg of caffeine 1. This equates to a total of 3.5 mg of caffeine per ounce. If you are a coffee drinker, this amount of caffeine is unlikely to have a substantial effect on you, as Energy Fiend notes that coffee tends to have much higher levels of caffeine; a Starbucks grande, for instance, contains 20.6 mg per ounce.

Diet Drinks With More Caffeine

Comparison of Caffeine Contents in Soft Drinks

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Diet Sunkist Orange Soda is not the most caffeinated diet drink, according to the information from Energy Fiend 1. The website notes that Diet Mountain Dew contains 4.6 mg per ounce, or 55 mg of caffeine in a 12-oz. serving. In addition, Diet Coke contains 45 mg per serving, while Diet Pepsi Max contains 69 mg per serving.

Diet Drinks With Less Caffeine

However, Energy Fiend also notes that Diet Sunkist Orange Soda is not the least caffeinated diet beverage, either 1. Although many drinks do contain more than 42 mg of caffeine per 12-oz. serving, Energy Fiend notes that Diet Pepsi contains 36 mg of caffeine per serving, or 3 mg per ounce. Diet Cherry Coca-Cola is also lower in caffeine than Diet Sunkist, with 34 mg per serving, or 2.8 mg per ounce. Other low-caffeine diet drinks include Diet Mr. Pibb and Diet A&W Cream Soda.

Caffeine Benefits

Calories in Bacardi and Diet Coke

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Caffeine is known as an energy-boosting ingredient, but its benefits extend beyond the ability to keep you awake. Some research suggests caffeine may enhance your cognitive abilities, as well. A detailed review of caffeine-related studies published in the October 2010 issue of the journal "Nutrition" indicates that caffeine may enhance your short-term memory, focus and problem-solving ability compared with a placebo 2.

Caffeine Side Effects

Although caffeine has some benefits, it does have potential side effects 3. According to the supplement information website Drugs.com, the most common side effects associated with caffeine use include dizziness, irritability, nausea and nervousness 3. However, the website notes that these are not the only possible side effects, and that some other effects require medical attention. These side effects include hives, swelling, difficulty sleeping, vomiting and shaking. Drugs.com notes that studies involving caffeine showed side effects to be present at dosages of 250 mg, which would equate to around 71 oz 3. of Diet Sunkist 1.