Calories in Coca-Cola: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Coca-Cola is the world's best-known soft drink, and a standard 12 oz can contains approximately 140 calories entirely from sugar. A single can packs 39 grams of added sugar, which is close to the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 36 grams for men and exceeds the 25-gram limit for women. Coca-Cola also contains a modest amount of caffeine at 34 mg per 12 oz serving.

Calories by serving size:

All calories in Coca-Cola come from added sugar — it contains no fat, protein, fiber, or significant micronutrients. The 2-liter bottle contains about 5.6 standard servings, totaling roughly 780 calories and 218 grams of sugar for the entire bottle. Choosing smaller portion sizes like the 7.5 oz mini can is a practical way to enjoy Coca-Cola while limiting calorie and sugar intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a can of Coca-Cola?

A standard 12 oz can of Coca-Cola contains 140 calories. Every one of those calories comes from sugar — specifically 39 grams of high-fructose corn syrup or sucrose depending on the market. There is no fat, protein, or fiber in Coca-Cola, making it a source of purely empty calories.

How does Coca-Cola compare to Pepsi in calories?

Coca-Cola and Pepsi are nearly identical nutritionally. A 12 oz can of Coca-Cola has 140 calories and 39 grams of sugar, while a 12 oz can of Pepsi has 150 calories and 41 grams of sugar. The slight difference comes from Pepsi's marginally higher sugar content, but in practical terms the two are essentially interchangeable from a calorie standpoint.

How many fewer calories does Diet Coke have compared to regular Coke?

Diet Coke contains zero calories and zero sugar, compared to 140 calories and 39 grams of sugar in regular Coca-Cola. It achieves its sweetness through artificial sweeteners, primarily aspartame. While Diet Coke eliminates the calorie concern, some research suggests that artificial sweeteners may still influence appetite and gut health, though the evidence remains mixed.

How much sugar is in a can of Coca-Cola?

A 12 oz can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to about 9.75 teaspoons. This exceeds the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 25 grams for women and approaches the 36-gram limit for men — all in a single drink. This sugar is entirely added, providing calories with no nutritional benefit.

Is drinking one soda a day bad for you?

Consuming one 12 oz can of Coca-Cola daily adds 140 calories and 39 grams of added sugar to your diet. Over the course of a year, that amounts to roughly 51,100 extra calories, which could translate to about 14.6 pounds of body weight if not offset by other dietary adjustments. Regular soda consumption is also associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay, so most health guidelines recommend limiting or eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages.