A Closer Look at the Ingredients List
To truly understand the nutritional implications of Mountain Dew, it's essential to examine its core components. The ingredients label reveals a concoction of sugar, acids, preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors. These are carefully formulated to deliver the soda's signature taste, but they also define its nutritional value.
Sweeteners: The Sugar Rush
One of the most significant ingredients in Mountain Dew is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). In the United States, this is the primary sweetener, though variants in other countries or special edition releases (like the limited-run "Throwback") have used real sugar. HFCS provides the intense sweetness characteristic of the beverage but also contributes significantly to its calorie and carbohydrate count. For example, a 12-ounce serving can contain as much as 46 grams of sugar, which is over 11 teaspoons. Regular consumption of such high-sugar beverages is linked to several health concerns, including weight gain, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Acids: Flavor and Preservation
Mountain Dew contains a couple of key acids that serve both to enhance flavor and act as preservatives.
- Citric Acid: Responsible for the drink's tangy, citrus flavor, citric acid is also a powerful food preservative. It is important to note that the high acidity level, particularly in citrus-flavored sodas, is a significant factor in dental enamel erosion and tooth decay.
- Sodium Benzoate: This is another essential preservative in the formula, used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast. When sodium benzoate is combined with citric acid, it can potentially convert into benzene, a known carcinogen, though levels are typically low and safety is managed through the use of chelating agents.
Caffeine: The Stimulant
Regular Mountain Dew contains caffeine, providing a stimulating effect. While not the highest among soft drinks, it is a considerable amount. A standard 12-ounce can contains 54mg of caffeine, slightly higher than a can of Coke. The presence of caffeine can contribute to prolonged consumption, increasing the time your teeth are exposed to the drink's sugars and acids.
Coloring and Emulsifiers
Mountain Dew's famous bright yellow-green color is courtesy of artificial dyes.
- Yellow 5 (Tartrazine): This dye is responsible for the drink's color. Despite urban legends suggesting it affects male fertility, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, some individuals are sensitive to tartrazine, experiencing allergic reactions.
- Gum Arabic: This is a natural emulsifier used to stabilize the ingredients and create a consistent texture, especially in beverages with flavor oils.
- Calcium Disodium EDTA: This chelating agent is included to protect the drink's flavor by preventing metal ions in the water from reacting with other ingredients.
- Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Historically, Mountain Dew contained BVO as an emulsifier. Due to consumer pressure and health concerns, PepsiCo announced its removal in 2014, and it is no longer an ingredient in Mountain Dew in the United States.
Comparing Mountain Dew Varieties
PepsiCo offers several Mountain Dew variants, each with its own ingredient list and nutritional profile. Here is a comparison of regular Mountain Dew, Diet Mountain Dew, and Mountain Dew Zero Sugar.
| Ingredient/Nutrient | Regular Mountain Dew | Diet Mountain Dew | Mountain Dew Zero Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | High Fructose Corn Syrup | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium |
| Calories (12 oz) | ~170 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Sugars (12 oz) | 46g | 0g | 0g |
| Caffeine (12 oz) | 54mg | 54mg | 68mg |
| Preservatives | Sodium Benzoate, Erythorbic Acid | Potassium Benzoate, Calcium Disodium EDTA | Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Disodium EDTA |
| Artificial Colors | Yellow 5 | Yellow 5 | Yellow 5 |
The Shift to Diet and Zero Sugar
The diet and zero-sugar versions replace HFCS with a mix of artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium to achieve a calorie-free profile. While this eliminates the high sugar and calorie count, these alternatives introduce different chemical additives. Some consumers prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, and studies on their long-term health effects are ongoing. Diet and zero-sugar versions often increase caffeine to compensate for the flavor change.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Understanding what goes into a can of Mountain Dew provides critical nutritional context. It is not just water and flavor; it is a blend of sweeteners, acids, and artificial compounds that, while safe for consumption in moderation, can have significant dietary consequences if overconsumed. The high sugar content in the regular version is a major concern, particularly for dental health and weight management, while the diet and zero-sugar variants swap sugar for artificial sweeteners and sometimes higher caffeine levels. For optimal health, it's prudent to view soft drinks like Mountain Dew as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a diet, opting for healthier alternatives like water or unsweetened beverages. To stay informed about food additives, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides resources and analysis on various products.
Key Takeaways
- High Sugar Content: Regular Mountain Dew is loaded with high fructose corn syrup, contributing significantly to its calories and potentially leading to weight gain and other health issues.
- Acidity Concerns: The high levels of citric acid can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental problems.
- Caffeine Kick: A standard can of regular Mountain Dew contains a notable amount of caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant.
- Artificial Additives: The drink contains artificial colors like Yellow 5 and various preservatives and flavor protectors, which are a concern for some consumers.
- BVO Removed: The controversial emulsifier, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), was removed from the formula following public pressure, but is still found in some historical recipes and foreign versions.
- Diet vs. Regular: Diet and Zero Sugar versions replace HFCS with artificial sweeteners, lowering the calorie count but introducing other chemical additives and sometimes higher caffeine.
FAQs
Question: Is Mountain Dew safe to drink? Answer: The ingredients in Mountain Dew are considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA when consumed in moderation. However, due to its high sugar and acid content, excessive consumption can contribute to health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.
Question: What makes Mountain Dew yellow? Answer: The bright yellow-green color of Mountain Dew is primarily due to the artificial food coloring, Yellow 5, also known as tartrazine.
Question: Does Mountain Dew contain brominated vegetable oil (BVO)? Answer: No, as of 2014, PepsiCo removed brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from Mountain Dew in the United States and has since phased it out of its product lines.
Question: Is Diet Mountain Dew healthier than regular Mountain Dew? Answer: Diet Mountain Dew contains no sugar or calories, making it a better option for those managing weight or blood sugar. However, it contains artificial sweeteners and still has a high acidity level and significant caffeine, so it should still be consumed in moderation.
Question: Why is citric acid in Mountain Dew bad for your teeth? Answer: The citric acid in Mountain Dew, along with the high sugar content, can soften and erode tooth enamel. This process is amplified by frequent sipping, which prolongs the acidic attack on your teeth.
Question: How much caffeine is in a can of Mountain Dew? Answer: A standard 12-ounce can of regular Mountain Dew contains 54 milligrams of caffeine.
Question: Why was brominated vegetable oil removed from Mountain Dew? Answer: Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was removed from Mountain Dew due to growing public pressure and health concerns over its use as a food additive. It is banned as a food additive in many countries.
