Dr Pepper, like many other regular sodas, has sugar. Here we will discuss how much sugar is in this soda. We will also compare the sugar in Dr Pepper to other popular beverages. After you read this article, we think you’ll have a solid idea of Dr Pepper’s sugar and how it compares to other sugary beverages.
Sugar In Dr Pepper
Overall, Dr Pepper is not a healthy beverage. It provides the body with empty calories with almost no beneficial nutrients. A single 12-ounce can will put an individual over the recommended maximum added sugar daily intake of 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women. Keep in mind that all sugar in Dr Pepper is added so it all counts toward the recommended maximum.
| Serving Size | Total Sugar(g) | Added Sugars(g) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 fl. oz. | 24g | 24g |
| 12 fl. oz. | 39g | 39g |
| 16 fl. oz. | 52g | 52g |
| 16.9 fl. oz. | 55g | 55g |
| 20 fl. oz. | 65g | 65g |
Sugar: Dr Pepper vs. Similar Beverages
The sugar in Dr Pepper is similar to nearly all the drinks below. Coca-Cola actually has the same amount of sugar as Dr Pepper, as a reference.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Total Sugar(g) | Added Sugars(g) | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Pepper | 12 fl. oz. | 39g | 39g | 150 |
| Pibb Xtra | 12 fl. oz. | 38g | 38g | 140 |
| Coca-Cola | 12 fl. oz. | 39g | 39g | 140 |
| Cherry Coke | 12 fl. oz. | 42g | 42g | 150 |
| Pepsi | 12 fl. oz. | 41g | 41g | 150 |
| Mtn Dew | 12 fl. oz. | 46g | 46g | 170 |
| Red Bull | 12 fl. oz. | 37g | 37g | 160 |
How Is Dr Pepper Sweetened
Dr Peper is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as is typical with many sodas. The artificial sweetener is made from corn and is chemically similar to table sugar. There is currently no evidence to suggest that HFCS is worse for the body than regular sugar.
Here are the ingredients of regular Dr Pepper: carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate (preservative), and caffeine.
If you prefer not to consume HFCS, be aware that Dr Pepper makes Dr Pepper Made With Real Sugar. Its ingredients are carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate (preservative), and caffeine.
Finally, Dr Pepper also makes Diet Dr Pepper and Zero Sugar Dr Pepper. Both have no sugar or calories and are sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame. Be sure to read our article on Dr Pepper vs. Diet Dr Pepper if you are curious about their differences.
Sources:
drpepper.com
Zeratsky, K. (2020, September 12). What the research says about high-fructose corn syrup. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/high-fructose-corn-syrup/faq-20058201
How too much added sugar affects your health infographic. www.heart.org. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-too-much-added-sugar-affects-your-health-infographic