Does Hi C Have Caffeine? The Complete Guide to Hi C Ingredients in 2025
If you’ve ever wondered does Hi C have caffeine, you’re not alone. For decades, this favorite drink has been enjoyed by families, at home, school and during family gatherings. Kids and families often love hi c because of the tasty, colorful drinks and fun ways they are sold. With so much variety, it’s wise to find out exactly what’s in your drink, just in case you want to avoid getting a caffeine boost.
Today, we’ll explain the ingredients, nutrition facts, caffeination and tell you how Hi-C compares to other drinks.. We’ll answer your questions clearly, including does hi c orange have caffeine, does hi c fruit punch have caffeine, and more.
What is Hi C?
The Coca-Cola Company invented Hi-C as a kind of fruit-flavored beverage back in 1946. Many began to enjoy it for how sweet it was and for the low cost. Most of Hi-C’s advertising is aimed at drawing children and families who want something healthier to drink. You can find it in plenty of tastes, including Orange Lavaburst, Fruit Punch and seasonal drinks such as Ecto Cooler.

You can find Hi-C drinks in juice boxes, cans and bottles, so they’re easy to take up for school or party lunches. For many, the colorful and name brand candies are a favorite from childhood.
The Quick Answer: Does Hi C Have Caffeine?
No, Hi-C does not contain caffeine. None of the regular Hi-C juices, such as orange and fruit punch have any caffeine. Because it lacks caffeine, Hi-C is a favorite among parents who want to offer their children tasty drinks to enjoy.
You can see that none of the listed ingredients in Hi-C include caffeine or stimulants. The company tells us that Hi-C is caffeine-free which is what many parents hope for.
Table: Caffeine Content in Popular Hi-C Flavors
Hi-C Flavor | Caffeine Content (per 8 fl oz serving) |
---|---|
Hi-C Orange Lavaburst | 0 mg (Caffeine-free) |
Hi-C Fruit Punch | 0 mg (Caffeine-free) |
Hi-C Lemonade | 0 mg (Caffeine-free) |
Hi-C Ecto Cooler | 0 mg (Caffeine-free) |
Hi-C Flashin’ Fruit Punch | 0 mg (Caffeine-free) |
Understanding Hi-C’s Ingredient List
Most Hi-C beverages consist of water, high fructose corn syrup (or sugar), various flavors, citric acid and preservatives. A number of flavors get a nutritional boost from added vitamin C.

Common ingredients found in Hi-C are discussed below.
- The core of this drink is water.
- The drink is sweetened with High Fructose Corn Syrup/Sugar.
- Hi-C gets its fruity taste because of Natural and Artificial Flavors.
- It contributes to the tartness and also helps preserve the drink.
- Added so that the product includes vitamin C.
- Sodium benzoate helps prolong how long a product can be stored.
- Artificial Colors are used to achieve brighter and nicer shades of color in the product.
Hi-C’s History and Marketing
In the 1940s, Hi-C was introduced as a friendly and economical drink mix. Over the years, its eye-catching packaging and especially the orange juice box, made it a well-known brand.
- Before, Hi-C was made to deliver a fruit drink that could be kept without needing refrigeration.
- It became very popular among both students and family members.
- This juice is promoted as a flavorful choice for kids that parents know won’t contain caffeine.
- Most schools offer it in their lunch programs and you can buy it at countless convenience stores around the country.
Nutritional Profile of Hi-C
Though Hi-C does not have caffeine, it’s important to check its other nutrition information.
Nutrient | Hi-C Fruit Punch (per 8 fl oz) |
---|---|
Calories | 70 |
Total Sugar | 17 grams (high sugar content) |
Vitamin C | 100% Daily Value (added) |
Sodium | 20 mg |
Artificial Colors | Yes (FD&C Yellow #5, Red #40, etc.) |
Sugar Content
A lot of the sugar in Hi-C comes from high fructose corn syrup or added sugar. Because it tastes sweet and fruity, people should eat it in moderation to keep their calorie intake low and protect their health.
Artificial Ingredients
Some parents stay away from Hi-C because it has both artificial colors and flavors. Even so, they are approved by the FDA and widely found in many beverage products.
Comparing Hi-C to Other Fruit Drinks and Sodas
Check out the comparison of it with other drinks:
Drink Type | Caffeine Content (per 8 fl oz) | Sugar Content (grams) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Hi-C (various) | 0 mg | 17+ | Caffeine-free, high sugar |
Capri Sun | 0 mg | 16-18 | Caffeine-free, natural flavors |
Kool-Aid | 0 mg | 15-18 | Powdered mix, caffeine-free |
Cola (e.g. Coke) | ~23-34 mg | 26-39 | Contains caffeine |
Sports Drinks | 0-35 mg | 6-21 | Some contain caffeine |
You won’t find caffeine in Hi-C and similar fruit drinks, unlike with soda and energy drinks. Still, be careful with the sugar: some fruit drinks actually contain the same or even more sugar than soda.
Why Parents Choose Hi-C as a Caffeine-Free Option
Let’s see why parents choose it as a caffeine free option:

- Neither young nor old children need to worry about caffeine in milk.
- Great for lunch since it doesn’t contain caffeine.
- Strengthens your immune system because it contains vitamin C.
- They are both cheap and available pretty much everywhere.
- Provides lightly sweetened taste without including stimulants.
Doctors usually suggest that young children avoid caffeine to stop them from getting jitters and sleep problems and that’s why Hi-C is a suitable option.
Interesting Facts About Hi-C
- Minute Maid, a part of Coca-Cola, started selling Hi-C for the first time in 1946.
- The original Citrus Twist Carbonation flavor was Orange Lavaburst.
- In the 1980s, “Ecto Cooler” was known as a Ghostbusters special edition.
- For the last 40 years, Hi-C juice boxes have been a regular part of school lunches in the United States.
Conclusion
So, does Hi C have caffeine? The answer is a clear no. You will find that hi-C is always caffeine-free in its top flavors of orange, fruit punch and lemonade. For that reason, juices are a preferred drink among families and children who try to limit caffeine.
Still, because Hi-C has a lot of sugar and artificial substances, eating it in small amounts is advised as part of a proper diet. If you’d like to give your young ones a non-caffeinated fruity drink, Hi-C stands out, do take some time to check the nutrition label first.
FAQs
Q1: Does Hi-C Orange Have Caffeine?
No, Hi-C Orange Lavaburst is completely caffeine-free.
Q2: Is Hi-C Fruit Punch Caffeine-Free?
Yes, Hi-C Fruit Punch does not contain any caffeine.
Q3: Are There Any Hi-C Products with Caffeine?
No, all standard Hi-C products are caffeine-free.