Yes, standard Mountain Dew contains high-fructose corn syrup
For consumers in the United States, a look at the nutrition label on a standard can of Mountain Dew confirms that the soft drink is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This has been the case since at least the 1990s, when soft drink manufacturers, including PepsiCo, largely made the switch from sucrose (table sugar) for economic reasons, primarily due to government subsidies for corn. While the presence of HFCS in soda has been a subject of considerable debate, its use in Mountain Dew is an established fact for the majority of the beverage's market.
Why high-fructose corn syrup is used in soft drinks
HFCS became a popular alternative to table sugar for several key reasons, mostly relating to cost and manufacturing efficiency. These include:
- Lower cost: Government subsidies for corn have historically made HFCS a cheaper option for manufacturers than purchasing and importing cane sugar.
- Manufacturing convenience: HFCS is a liquid sweetener, making it easier to handle and mix into beverages than granulated sugar.
- Flavor stability: In acidic beverages like soda, HFCS is more stable and less prone to crystallization than sucrose.
Is Mountain Dew different in other countries?
The ingredient list for Mountain Dew can vary depending on the country of production.
International Variations
- In Canada, the sweetener is listed as "glucose-fructose," which is another name for high-fructose corn syrup.
- Conversely, some international versions of Mountain Dew use regular sugar instead of HFCS.
- In the European Union, soft drinks are primarily sweetened with sucrose because the supply of HFCS (known as isoglucose) is limited due to past production quotas.
What about other Mountain Dew varieties?
Beyond the standard version, other varieties and special releases of Mountain Dew have used different sweeteners.
- Diet Mountain Dew: This version is sugar-free and was reformulated in 2006 with a blend of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.
- Mountain Dew Zero Sugar: Launched in 2020, this beverage also uses artificial sweeteners to achieve a taste without added sugar.
- Mountain Dew Real Sugar: PepsiCo has periodically released this version, formerly known as "Throwback," which is sweetened with real sugar (sucrose) instead of HFCS.
- Hard Mountain Dew: This alcoholic malt beverage is sweetened with acesulfame potassium and sucralose, not HFCS.
HFCS vs. Sucrose: A Comparison
While both HFCS and sucrose (table sugar) are composed of glucose and fructose, their molecular structures and processing can lead to subtle differences.
| Feature | High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) | Sucrose (Table Sugar) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | A liquid mixture of unbound glucose and fructose. | A crystallized molecule of bonded glucose and fructose. |
| Processing | Corn starch is broken down and enzymatically converted into a liquid syrup. | Harvested from sugarcane or sugar beets, then refined and crystallized. |
| Metabolism | The unbound glucose and fructose are absorbed and metabolized separately. | The bond is broken down in the digestive system, after which the glucose and fructose are absorbed separately. |
| Health Concerns | Associated with increased inflammation and other metabolic issues when consumed in excess. | Excess consumption is also linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. |
| Availability | Very common in US-based processed foods and sodas due to cost-effectiveness. | Common globally, with some countries using it exclusively in soft drinks. |
The health debate surrounding HFCS
From a health perspective, the distinction between HFCS and sucrose is widely debated. Critics of HFCS often point to studies suggesting a link to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, though the science is complex. However, many researchers and health organizations argue that the total amount of added sugar consumed is the more significant health factor, rather than the specific type of sweetener. Both sweeteners can contribute to adverse health outcomes if consumed in excessive quantities. For example, the body metabolizes fructose primarily in the liver, and overconsumption can lead to fat production and other metabolic issues.
Conclusion
For most consumers in the United States, Mountain Dew does contain high-fructose corn syrup as its primary sweetener. This is a result of cost-driven changes made by manufacturers decades ago. However, the presence of HFCS is not universal across all international markets or even within the full range of Mountain Dew products. Variations like Diet and Zero Sugar use alternative, non-caloric sweeteners, and the limited-edition Real Sugar version utilizes cane sugar. While the health debate over whether HFCS is 'worse' than table sugar continues, experts agree that excessive consumption of any added sugar should be limited for better health. The ingredient label remains the most reliable source of information for determining which sweetener is used in a specific product.
