Which Soft Drinks Do Not Contain Caffeine?

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It gives people an extra boost of energy when they need it most.

If you’re sensitive to it, consider switching to caffeine-free soda. It tastes just like the real thing, but it doesn’t give you the jitters.

What Is Caffeine?

According to MedlinePlus, caffeine is a bitter substance that naturally occurs in over 60 plant species, including coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, and cocoa pods. Synthetic caffeine is used in some medications, like pain relievers and cold medicines, as well as soda and energy drinks.

Many packaged foods and beverages list the amount of caffeine on the label. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that for healthy adults, 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine (two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee) per day is unlikely to cause any adverse effects.

Certain populations, including pregnant people and those taking certain medications, are more vulnerable to caffeine’s effects and should consume it with caution. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant individuals consume 200 mg of caffeine or less per day.

If you’re drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine a day, Mayo Clinic says you might experience some uncomfortable side effects, like:

• Migraine attack or headache
• Insomnia
• Jitters
• Anxiousness
• Nausea
• Unusual bowel movements
• Fast heart rate

Caffeine in Soft Drinks

It’s relatively easy to consume a few servings of soda or energy drinks per day without realizing it. These drinks typically have low nutritional value and are high in calories and sugar, according to MedlinePlus.

Naturally extracted caffeine comes from coffee beans, tea leaves, and kola nuts as well as synthetic procedures, say researchers. The University of Utah lists caffeine levels in 12 ounces of popular soft drinks as:

• Coca-Cola Classic: 34 mg
• Diet Coke: 35.6 mg
• Pepsi-Cola: 37.5
• Sunkist Orange: 40 mg
• Dr. Pepper: 41 mg
• Mountain Dew: 55 mg

Caffeine-Free Soda

If you experience any negative side effects from caffeine, it may be time to talk to your doctor and cut back.

As you reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet, you may go through withdrawals. Symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and depressed mood, says StatPearls.

It’s important to cut back slowly rather than all at once to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.

Caffeine-free soda can be an option for those who are not ready to quit soft drinks. Here are some beverages to consider:

• Coca-Cola No Sugar No Caffeine
• Caffeine Free Diet Coke
• Seagrams Ginger Ale
• Sprite

If you’re cutting back on caffeine and switching over to caffeine-free soda, you may start feeling a little drowsy. This is a common side effect of caffeine withdrawal.

To regain your energy, try going to sleep a little earlier than you normally would. Additionally, morning exercise can give you the adrenaline boost you need to get through the day without caffeine.