🔍
Soda

How much sugar is in soda?

Quick answer

A regular 12 oz (355 ml) can of cola has about 39 g of sugar, all of it added, according to Coca-Cola's product page; other sodas range from none (diet) to similar amounts or more. That is about 10 teaspoons (our calculation at 4 g per teaspoon) and, at the FDA's Daily Value of 50 g of added sugars, close to 80% of a day's limit in one can.

Free download

Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF): How long juice, soda, coconut water and bottled water last, opened and unopened. 19 rows, each with its source.

We use your email only for this download and, if you tick the box, to tell you about the pack. No spam. We do not sell it. Delete it any time: contact@drinkstype.com. Privacy policy

Thank you

Your chart is ready

Download the PDF

We use your email only for this download.
In this article
  1. How much sugar is in a can of soda?
  2. How many teaspoons of sugar is that?
  3. How much added sugar is too much?
  4. How do you read a soda label?
  5. Why does sugary soda matter?

How much sugar is in a can of soda?

It depends on the brand and size. A 12 fl oz (355 ml) can of regular cola is around 39 g of sugar, according to Coca-Cola’s own product page for Coca-Cola Classic; other sodas differ, so check the one you drink. Diet and zero-sugar sodas list 0 g sugar because they use other sweeteners. Larger bottles and fountain cups hold more, in proportion to their size.

How many teaspoons of sugar is that?

One teaspoon of sugar is about 4 g. So 39 g is roughly 10 teaspoons (our calculation). A 20 oz bottle of the same drink would be about 1.7 times as much.

How much added sugar is too much?

  • FDA Daily Value: 50 g of added sugars per day, the reference used for the Nutrition Facts label (based on a 2,000 calorie diet). One 39 g can is about 78% of that (our calculation).
  • CDC: children younger than 24 months should not have added sugars.
  • Other health bodies set their own limits; check the current guidance for your country.

How do you read a soda label?

Look at the Nutrition Facts for the serving size first, because some bottles hold more than one serving. Then read “Added Sugars” in grams and the % Daily Value. Ingredients such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, cane juice or fruit juice concentrate all count as added sugar.

Why does sugary soda matter?

CDC says frequently drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay. Soda is not the only source of sugar, but it is an easy one to cut. Water, unsweetened sparkling water and unsweetened tea or coffee have none.

This is general information, not medical advice. If you have diabetes or another condition, ask your doctor.

People also ask

How many grams of sugar are in a 12 oz can of soda?

About 39 g for regular Coca-Cola Classic, all added sugar. Other sodas vary; check the Nutrition Facts.

How many teaspoons of sugar is in a can of soda?

Roughly 10 teaspoons for a 39 g can, at about 4 g per teaspoon (our calculation).

What is the daily limit for added sugar?

The FDA Daily Value is 50 g of added sugars. The CDC says children under 24 months should not have added sugars.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. FDA: Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels, read 5 Nov 2026
  2. CDC: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, read 5 Nov 2026
  3. CDC: Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Nov 2, 2024 · Updated Nov 5, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

What would help you most next?

One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.

More in Soda

All Soda ›