How much sugar is in 1 cup of Mountain Dew

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Be it naturally-occurring or artificially-sweetened, almost every delicious beverage contains sugar. The question is, just how much sugar is in some of our favorite drinks? Here are some interesting (and a little disturbing) sugar counts in popular beverages available on the grocery store shelves:

• A 12 oz can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar
• A 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew contains 77 grams of sugar
• An 8.3 oz can of Red Bull contains 27 grams of sugar
• A 20 oz bottle of Minute Maid Lemonade contains 67 grams of sugar
• An 8 oz glass of Minute Maid Premium Original Orange Juice contains 23 grams of sugar
• A pouch of Pacific Cooler Capri Sun contains 18 grams of sugar
• An 8 oz glass of Nesquik Chocolate Milk contains 29 grams of sugar
• An 11.2 oz bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade contains 30 grams of sugar

What Do These Numbers Mean?

To put this into perspective, picture a teaspoon of granulated sugar. Now picture this: one teaspoon of granulated sugar is equal to four grams of sugar in your drink! Let’s do the math. That last can of Coke you drank contained the equivalent of 9.75 teaspoons of sugar; that last glass of orange juice contained the equivalent of 5.75 teaspoons of sugar; that last Capri Sun you gave to your kid contained the equivalent of 4.5 teaspoons of sugar. You get the idea.

What to Do

Am I saying to avoid all the beverages listed above? Absolutely not. However, as a dentist dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy teeth, I would be remiss not to mention the positive correlation between sugar consumption and dental issues. It is well documented that excessive amounts of sugar coming into contact with your teeth on a consistent basis can lead to cavities and tooth decay.

While it is unrealistic to tell you to cut sugar-ladened beverages completely out of your diet, do try to limit the number you and your children consume in order to lower the risk of developing cavities and other dental issues. When you’re thirsty, try drinking water. That’s what your body really needs! Additionally, it is important to receive routine and to address any plaque buildup missed while brushing and flossing so as to ensure your family’s teeth remain as healthy as possible.

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