Does the Mountain Dew Baja Blast Have Caffeine?
If you're an avid soda drinker, chances are you’ve tried a Mountain Dew Baja Blast before. The Baja Blast has become a Taco Bell staple, thanks to its unique combination of tropical lime and pineapple flavors.
But, have you ever wondered if a Baja Blast can give you the caffeine you need to keep yourself energized? Today, we’ll look at Baja Blast’s caffeine content, its nutritional information, and whether or not you should drink it for the energy boost you’re looking for. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
What is a Baja Blast?
Mountain Dew Baja Blast is a tropical flavored soft drink that was first introduced by Mountain Dew in 2004. It is only available at Taco Bell restaurant locations in the United States and Canada. Baja Blast has a unique and refreshing taste that many people enjoy.
It is available in both regular and diet versions. Mountain Dew Baja Blast is also available in various other forms, such as slushes and frozen cocktails, at Taco Bell locations. Some fans of the drink have described the flavor of Mountain Dew Baja Blast as similar to a lime slushie or a margarita. It is a popular choice among Mountain Dew fans and has developed a loyal following since its introduction.
Does a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Have Caffeine?
Yes, Mountain Dew Baja Blast contains caffeine. According to the Mountain Dew website, a 12 fl oz (360 mL) serving of Mountain Dew Baja Blast contains 54 mg of caffeine. In general, Baja Blasts contain 4.50 mg of caffeine per fl oz (15.22 mg of caffeine per 100ml)
How Much Caffeine is in a Mountain Dew Baja Blast?
The table below shows how much caffeine is in a Baja Blast based on the different serving sizes offered:
|
Serving Size |
Caffeine (mg) |
Calories |
|
100 ml |
15.2 mg |
47.9 |
|
8 fl oz |
36 mg |
113.3 |
|
12 fl oz |
54 mg |
170 |
Is a Baja Blast High in Caffeine?
When compared to some other energy drinks, Mountain Dew Baja Blast does not have a particularly high caffeine content. For example, a 16 fl oz (473 mL) serving of Red Bull Energy Drink contains 80 mg of caffeine, and a 16 fl oz (473 mL) serving of Monster Energy Drink contains 160 mg of caffeine.
Since a Baja Blast only has 54 mg of caffeine, it won’t provide as much energy as one can of Monster or Red Bull. However, Baja Blasts have more caffeine than most soda beverages.
For example, sodas like Sprite, 7Up, and Ginger Ale have no caffeine at all. Meanwhile, caffeinated sodas like most root beer brands and Diet Dr. Pepper has minimal caffeine content (36 mg for one can).
Ingredients in a Mountain Dew Baja Blast
The ingredients in a Mountain Dew Baja Blast are as follows:
- Natural and artificial flavorings
- High fructose corn syrup
- Citric acid
- Sodium benzoate (preservative)
- Sodium citrate
- Gum arabic
- Calcium disodium EDTA (flavor protector)
- Caffeine
- Carbonated water
- Yellow 5 food coloring
- Blue 1 food coloring
This includes 44 grams of sugar per 12 ounces for a total of 170 calories per serving.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast vs. Coffee
Mountain Dew Baja Blast and black coffee are both beverages that contain caffeine, but they differ in several other aspects. As mentioned before, a Mountain Dew Baja Blast contains around 54 mg of caffeine while a cup of black coffee usually has 80-100 mg of caffeine.
Moreover, black coffee also has potential health benefits, such as improved mental alertness, focus, and even the reduction of certain diseases like Parkinson’s and Type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
Coffee also has less calories since a single cup contains less than five calories. It’s worth mentioning, though, that coffee has a bitter flavor. Therefore, a Baja Blast may taste better to most people, even if it contains more calories and less caffeine.
This also largely depends on where you’re ordering your coffee. If you’re buying from a place like Starbucks, then your coffee order can vary depending on what you put in the drink. Furthermore, if you opt for a caffeinated beverage like their Pink Drink, you’ll reach around the same level of sugar content and calorie count.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast vs. Tea
Tea and Baja Blasts both have similar caffeine contents. A cup of black tea can contain anywhere between 14-60mg of caffeine. However, tea has been shown to be a rich source of antioxidants so it can improve heart health and reduce certain types of cancer.
Similar to coffee, tea has almost zero calories so it’s a healthier option, but tea also has a more bitter flavor than a Baja Blast.
Is Mountain Dew Baja Blast Healthy?
Mountain Dew Baja Blast is not a particularly healthy beverage. It is a sugary soft drink that is high in calories and contains added artificial sweeteners.
The main reason why a Baja Blast is unhealthy is due to its sugar content. There are 59 grams of sugar for a 16 ounce drink. According to AHA, The recommended amount per day is around 36 grams maximum. Drinking one Baja Blast would put you well over this threshold.
Where to Buy Mountain Dew Baja Blast
Mountain Dew Baja Blast is only available at Taco Bell restaurant locations in the United States and Canada. It is not sold in grocery stores or other retail outlets. If you are looking to purchase Mountain Dew Baja Blast, your best option is to visit a Taco Bell restaurant and ask for it by name. Keep in mind that availability may vary by location.
If you’re looking for a consistent and sustainable caffeine option, opt out of a Baja Blast and try a Pzaz Breath Spray instead. You can microdose on caffeine throughout the day, keeping you energized at all times while also avoiding any caffeine crashes.
