What is Guarana?
Guarana is a climbing plant native to the Amazon basin, known for its seeds which contain high levels of natural caffeine. It also contains theophylline and theobromine, contributing to its stimulant effects. Traditionally used for energy, guarana seed extract is now common in energy drinks and other beverages designed to boost alertness.
Original Mountain Dew Ingredients: No Guarana
The ingredient list for original Mountain Dew soda does not include guarana seed extract. Its main components are carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, and added caffeine. A 12-ounce can contains approximately 54 mg of caffeine from this additive. Other ingredients include preservatives, sodium citrate, gum arabic, and coloring agents.
Mountain Dew Amp Energy: Guarana Included
In contrast, the Mountain Dew Amp energy drink line is formulated with guarana. Amp Original lists guarana seed extract among its ingredients. The formulation also includes other stimulants and vitamins such as caffeine, taurine, ginseng root extract, and B vitamins (B3, B2, B5, B6, B12), alongside carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and flavorings. This makes it a more potent energy-boosting product compared to the classic soda.
Why the Ingredient Difference Matters
The presence or absence of guarana signifies a key difference between the classic soda and the energy drink variants. Amp Energy's blend of caffeine from multiple sources, including guarana, along with other stimulants like taurine and ginseng, results in a stronger stimulant effect than the standard soda. This is important for consumers, particularly regarding caffeine sensitivity and dietary choices, as the full ingredient list of energy drinks is more complex than that of the classic soda.
Ingredient Comparison: Original vs. Amp
Here is a comparison of key ingredients:
| Feature | Original Mountain Dew | Mountain Dew Amp Original |
|---|---|---|
| Guarana | No | Yes (Guarana Seed Extract) |
| Primary Caffeine Source | Added Caffeine | Added Caffeine + Guarana Seed Extract |
| Other Stimulants | None | Taurine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract |
| Vitamin Content | Minimal or None | B-Vitamins (B3, B2, B5, B6, B12) |
| Sugar | High Fructose Corn Syrup | High Fructose Corn Syrup |
| Typical Caffeine (12 oz) | Approx. 54 mg | Approx. 106 mg (based on 142mg/16oz) |
Always Check the Label
Given the variety of Mountain Dew products, including different flavors, diet versions, and energy lines like Kickstart, it is crucial to check the ingredient label of each specific product. The brand name alone does not guarantee the ingredients. For instance, some varieties might contain ginseng or use real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Reading the label is the only way to confirm the presence of ingredients like guarana.
Conclusion
To answer does Mountain Dew have guarana in it?, it depends on the product. The original Mountain Dew soda does not contain guarana; its caffeine is added separately. However, energy drinks under the Mountain Dew brand, such as Amp, do include guarana seed extract as part of their stimulant blend. This highlights the necessity of reading product labels carefully to understand the ingredients in different Mountain Dew offerings. For more detailed ingredient information across various products, the Mountain Dew Fandom Wiki can be a helpful resource.
