An 8.4 oz (250 ml) can of Red Bull contains about 27 grams of sugar, which is over half the American Heart Association’s daily added sugar limit for most adults. This amount is roughly equivalent to the sugar in a 12 oz can of cola and can affect your health depending on your overall diet and conditions.
Red Bull is a widely consumed energy drink known for its caffeine and sugar content. Knowing exactly how much sugar it has helps you decide if it fits your health needs, especially if you watch your sugar intake for diabetes, heart health, or weight management.
This article breaks down the sugar content by can size and compares it with other energy drinks and soda. It also covers who should limit sugar intake and what alternatives you can choose.
What to remember
An 8.4 oz can of Red Bull has 27 g of sugar, more than half the recommended daily added sugar for most adults.
Larger can sizes contain even more sugar, exceeding daily limits in a single serving.
People with diabetes, pregnancy, or heart rhythm issues should be especially cautious about Red Bull’s sugar.
Sugar-free Red Bull versions provide caffeine without added sugar but still contain artificial sweeteners.
Choosing lower-sugar or sugar-free drinks can help avoid sugar crashes and long-term health risks.
Sugar Amounts in Red Bull by Can Size
An 8.4 oz (250 ml) can of Red Bull contains about 27 grams of sugar, which is more than half of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) daily added sugar limit for most adults. Larger can sizes contain proportionally more sugar, quickly adding up if you drink more than one serving.
An 8.4 oz can contains about 27 grams of sugar, a high amount per serving.
Here are the sugar amounts for common Red Bull can sizes: 8.4 oz has 27 g, 12 oz has about 39 g, 16 oz has roughly 52 g, and 20 oz has around 65 g of sugar. Since the AHA recommends no more than 25 g of added sugar daily for women and 36 g for men, even a single 8.4 oz can can exceed or approach these limits.
Added sugar beyond these guidelines can increase the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and heart problems over time. Red Bull’s sugar content is concentrated, so drinking large or multiple cans may raise your daily intake well above safe levels.
Red Bull Can Size
Sugar Content (grams)
8.4 oz (250 ml)
27
12 oz (355 ml)
39
16 oz (473 ml)
52
20 oz (591 ml)
65
Sugar content by Red Bull can size
Drink
Added sugar per serving
Servings
Total
8.4 oz Red Bull
27 g
1
27 g
12 oz Red Bull
39 g
1
39 g
Total
66 g
Daily added sugar limit for women (25 g)
264%
What this means for your daily added sugar intake Totals are calculated from the amounts shown; labels vary by size and brand, so check the one you have.
Check the label
Always look for the serving size and sugar grams on the can to avoid unintentionally exceeding your daily added sugar limit.
Watch your total sugar
Drinking more than one can or mixing Red Bull with other sugary beverages can push your daily added sugar well beyond recommended limits.
Red Bull’s Sugar Compared to Other Drinks
An 8.4 oz can of Red Bull contains about 27 grams of sugar, similar to the sugar in an 8.4 oz Monster Energy and less than the 39 grams in a 12 oz Coca-Cola. Larger energy drinks like Rockstar’s 16 oz can have around 30 grams. This means a single Red Bull delivers a sugar load comparable to many sodas and energy drinks you might reach for.
Sugar-free energy drinks like Bang and 5-hour Energy shots contain no sugar. They use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K to provide sweetness without calories. These sweeteners don’t raise blood sugar but may affect taste and how your body reacts, so they aren’t a perfect swap for everyone.
Drink
Typical Serving Size
Sugar Content (grams)
Red Bull
8.4 oz
27
Monster Energy
8.4 oz
27
Rockstar Energy
16 oz
30
Coca-Cola
12 oz
39
5-hour Energy Shot
2 oz
0
Bang Energy
16 oz
0
Sugar content in popular energy drinks and sodas per serving size
Myth
Sugar-free drinks are always a healthier choice
Fact
Sugar-free drinks avoid added sugar calories but contain artificial sweeteners and stimulants that can affect individuals differently.
Choosing what’s right for you
If you want to cut added sugar, sugar-free energy drinks are an option. Check the ingredient list and notice how your body responds, since artificial sweeteners affect people in different ways.
Who Needs to Limit Red Bull’s Sugar Intake
Yes, 26 to 27 grams of sugar in a Red Bull can is a high amount for most people. It exceeds half the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommended daily added sugar limit, which is 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men. This makes Red Bull’s sugar content significant enough to merit caution, especially if you have health concerns.
Sugar in Red Bull quickly raises your blood sugar, which can be risky if you have diabetes or insulin resistance. Keeping added sugar low helps maintain stable blood sugar and reduces the risk of complications.
People with heart rhythm disorders should also be careful. The caffeine and sugar combination can increase your heart rate and trigger palpitations. Even if your heart condition is controlled, this combo might cause symptoms.
Kidney disease calls for watching sugar closely too. High sugar intake can worsen kidney function by increasing blood pressure and inflammation, which strains kidneys already filtering less waste.
Weight management is another reason to limit Red Bull’s sugar. At about 27 grams of sugar per 8.4 oz can, it adds calories without nutrients. Regular high-sugar drinks can contribute to weight gain and related conditions.
Everyone’s tolerance to sugar varies, so it’s best to consult your healthcare provider or dietitian. They can help set personalized limits that consider your medications, conditions, and overall diet.
Check for symptoms
Stop drinking Red Bull and call your doctor if you notice a racing heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat after consuming it.
When to call your doctor
Severe or worsening palpitations
Blood sugar spikes you can’t control
Symptoms of kidney problems like swelling or decreased urination
Sudden weight changes linked to fluid retention
Watch caffeine too
Red Bull contains caffeine along with sugar, so pay attention to both. If you feel jittery, anxious, or your heart races, consider lowering your intake.
From JuicerAdvices · our own guideEnergy drinks? Page 4 lists the caffeine and sugar in every popular can, side by side.Caffeine & Sugar Drink GuideKnow exactly how much caffeine, sugar and sodium is in 150+ popular drinks, and set daily limits that fit you.Caffeine and sugar in 150+ drinksDaily limits, smart swaps and a cut-back planDaily caffeine and sugar calculator (Excel)$14.99$9.99Get it for $9.99See what's inside and watch the 2-minute video →16-page printable PDF + Excel calculator · instant download · 30-day refund
Sugar-Free Red Bull Varieties and Differences
Sugar-free Red Bull options include Red Bull Sugarfree and Red Bull Zero. Both contain caffeine but no added sugars, making them a choice for those avoiding sugar or managing calories.
Sugar-free versions offer caffeine without added sugars or calories.
Red Bull Sugarfree uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium to replace sugar. It has about 10 calories per 8.4 oz can, compared to roughly 110 calories in the regular version.
Red Bull Zero also contains no sugar and uses a blend of sweeteners. Its calorie count is similarly low, designed to taste closer to the original but without the sugar spike.
People on low-carb or keto diets often prefer these sugar-free versions. They provide the caffeine boost with minimal impact on blood sugar and no added carbs.
Taste-wise, some find sugar-free Red Bulls less sweet or slightly different in flavor. Preferences vary, so trying both can help you decide which suits you best.
Be mindful that artificial sweeteners might cause digestive upset in some people or trigger cravings for sweet foods. Monitoring how you feel after drinking them is a good idea.
Myth
Sugar-free Red Bull has no caffeine and is harmless for everyone
Fact
Both Sugarfree and Zero contain caffeine similar to the original, so they can affect heart rate and sleep. They are not free of stimulant effects.
Try before you switch
If you’re used to regular Red Bull, try a small can of Sugarfree or Zero first to see how your body handles the sweeteners and caffeine.
Product
Sugar (g)
Calories
Red Bull Original
27
110
Red Bull Sugarfree
0
10
Red Bull Zero
0
10
Sugar and calorie content comparison per 8.4 oz can
Managing Your Sugar Intake with Red Bull
An 8.4 oz (250 ml) can of Red Bull packs about 27 grams of sugar, which is over half the American Heart Association’s daily added sugar limit for women (25 grams) and close to the limit for men (36 grams). Knowing this helps you plan your daily sugar intake more carefully.
Always read the nutrition facts label on the can you have, since larger sizes like 12 oz or 16 oz contain proportionally more sugar—up to 52 grams in a 16 oz can, which exceeds recommended daily limits in one serving.
1
Limit your Red Bull servings
Stick to no more than one 8.4 oz can a day if you want to keep added sugar from Red Bull under your daily recommended limit. Drinking more quickly pushes you past safe sugar amounts, increasing risks like blood sugar spikes and energy crashes.
2
Choose sugar-free options when possible
Try Red Bull Sugarfree or Red Bull Zero for the caffeine hit without added sugars. These use artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame K, which have different health considerations but don’t raise blood sugar.
3
Balance your overall sugar intake
Cut added sugars from other foods and drinks if you include Red Bull in your day. Natural sugars from whole fruits don’t count as added sugars and are a better choice for energy and nutrition.
4
Ask your healthcare team for personalized advice
If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other health concerns, check with your doctor or dietitian about how much added sugar is safe for you and whether Red Bull fits your plan.
Check before you drink
Nutrition labels list sugar per serving. If you finish the whole can and it has more than one serving, multiply the sugar accordingly to avoid unintentionally exceeding your daily limit.
Cranberry Juice Sugar Content
An 8 oz glass of cranberry juice cocktail contains about 30 grams of sugar, most of it added. That’s more than the 27 grams in an 8.4 oz Red Bull.
Unsweetened 100% cranberry juice is different: it has only about 7 grams of naturally occurring sugar per 8 oz, but it’s very tart. Most bottled cranberry juice is a cocktail blend with added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup to make it drinkable.
Drink (8 oz)
Total sugar (g)
Added sugar (g)
Cranberry juice cocktail
30
~25
100% cranberry juice, unsweetened
7
0
Red Bull (8.4 oz)
27
27
Cranberry juice cocktail often has more sugar than Red Bull.
Label check
Look for ‘100% juice’ on the label and check the added sugars line. If cranberry juice is a concern for blood sugar, dilute it with sparkling water or choose a light version.
Questions People Ask
Is the sugar in Red Bull natural or added?
The sugar in Red Bull is added sugar, mainly in the form of sucrose and glucose-fructose syrup. It is not naturally occurring from fruit or other whole foods. This means it contributes to your daily added sugar intake, which health guidelines recommend limiting.
Does the sugar content of Red Bull vary by country?
Yes, the sugar content can vary slightly depending on local regulations and formulations, but the standard 8.4 oz (250 ml) can usually contains about 27 grams of sugar worldwide. Always check the nutrition label on the can you buy to be sure.
Can I drink Red Bull if I have diabetes?
It’s best to limit or avoid sugary drinks like Red Bull if you have diabetes, since 27 grams of sugar per can can quickly raise your blood sugar. Sugar-free versions are a safer alternative, but you should discuss any energy drink with your healthcare provider to fit it safely into your diet.
How does Red Bull’s sugar content affect my energy levels?
The sugar in Red Bull provides a quick source of calories that may give a short burst of energy. However, this can be followed by a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to feelings of tiredness or a “crash.” The caffeine content also plays a role in alertness independently of sugar.
How much sugar is in prune juice?
An 8 oz glass of prune juice has about 26 grams of sugar, all of it natural fruit sugar. That’s similar to the 27 grams in an 8.4 oz Red Bull, but prune juice also provides fiber, potassium and sorbitol, which helps with constipation. If you’re watching blood sugar, keep the serving to 4 to 6 oz.
How much sugar is in Diet Coke?
Diet Coke has 0 grams of sugar and 0 calories. It’s sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame potassium. That makes it a sugar-free alternative to regular Red Bull, though it still contains caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
How many grams of sugar does Red Bull have per 100 ml?
Red Bull has about 11 grams of sugar per 100 ml. That works out to 27 grams in an 8.4 oz (250 ml) can, or roughly 2.7 teaspoons of sugar per 100 ml.
How much sugar is in Monster Energy?
An 8.4 oz can of Monster Energy contains about 27 grams of sugar, the same as an 8.4 oz Red Bull. Larger 16 oz cans have about 54 grams, which is more than double the AHA daily limit for women.
How much sugar is in tonic water?
An 8 oz serving of regular tonic water has about 22 grams of sugar, close to the 27 grams in an 8.4 oz Red Bull. Diet tonic water has 0 grams. If you’re watching sugar, check the label because some premium tonic waters have even more.
How many teaspoons of sugar are in a Red Bull?
An 8.4 oz can of Red Bull has about 6.5 teaspoons of sugar. That’s based on 27 grams of sugar and about 4 grams per teaspoon. A 12 oz can has about 8 teaspoons.
How much caffeine is in Snapple Zero Sugar Peach Tea?
Snapple Zero Sugar Peach Tea has about 37 mg of caffeine per 16 oz bottle. That’s less than the 80 mg in an 8.4 oz Red Bull. It also has 0 grams of sugar, making it a lower-caffeine, sugar-free alternative.
How much sugar is in apple juice?
An 8 oz glass of apple juice has about 24 grams of sugar, all of it natural fruit sugar. That’s slightly less than the 27 grams in an 8.4 oz Red Bull, but apple juice lacks the fiber of a whole apple and can raise blood sugar quickly.
Before you go · a welcome giftGet the Caffeine & Sugar Drink Guide for $4.99Know exactly how much caffeine, sugar and sodium is in 150+ popular drinks, and set daily limits that fit you. Normally $14.99; your welcome price saves $10.00. We'll email your link right now.or skip the email and buy it now for $4.99 →One email with your link now. We never share your address.
Caffeine & Sugar Drink GuideKnow exactly how much caffeine, sugar and sodium is in 150+ popular drinks, and set daily limits that fit you.Caffeine and sugar in 150+ drinksDaily limits, smart swaps and a cut-back planDaily caffeine and sugar calculator (Excel)