Does Mountain Dew have red dye 40 in it?: A Flavor-by-Flavor Nutrition Guide

According to the Environmental Working Group, certain Mountain Dew flavors like Code Red and Voltage contain Red Dye 40, though the original flavor does not. This guide breaks down the ingredient list to help you understand if your favorite Mountain Dew has red dye 40 in it and its nutritional implications.

Quick Summary

The presence of Red Dye 40 in Mountain Dew depends entirely on the specific flavor. Consumers must check the ingredient label for different varieties, as many contain this controversial artificial color additive.

Key Points

• Flavor Specificity: The presence of Red Dye 40 depends on the specific Mountain Dew flavor, not the brand as a whole.

• Original Formula: The original Mountain Dew contains Yellow #5, not Red Dye 40.

• Common Culprits: Red-colored variants like Code Red and Voltage are known to contain Red Dye 40.

• Controversial Additive: Red Dye 40 is a controversial synthetic dye linked by some studies to health issues like hyperactivity, gut inflammation, and allergic reactions.

• Read Labels: The only definitive way to know if a product contains Red Dye 40 is to check the ingredient list for 'Red 40' or 'Allura Red AC'.

• Healthier Alternatives: Limiting all sugary, processed beverages and choosing naturally-colored foods is a safer dietary approach.

For anyone concerned about their intake of artificial food additives, it's important to understand the ingredients in common beverages. When asking, 'Does Mountain Dew have red dye 40 in it?', the answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather, 'it depends on the flavor.' While the original yellow-green Mountain Dew does not contain Red Dye 40, many of its other popular varieties do. The original formula primarily uses Yellow #5 to achieve its distinct color. This article will explore which flavors to look out for and the broader context of Red Dye 40 in your diet.

Decoding the Mountain Dew Label

To be sure about the contents of any product, reading the ingredients list is essential. Food manufacturers must list all artificial colorings, typically by their full name or their FD&C number. For Red Dye 40, this means looking for one of the following terms:

• Red 40
• FD&C Red No. 40
• Allura Red AC

Since artificial colors are used purely for aesthetic purposes and offer no nutritional value, many people choose to avoid them. By learning to identify these additives on labels, you can make more informed dietary choices.

Mountain Dew Flavors with Red Dye 40

Many Mountain Dew flavors, especially those with red, purple, or dark berry colors, list Red Dye 40 as an ingredient. Here are some varieties confirmed to contain the dye:

• Mountain Dew Code Red: The cherry-flavored soda, by its very name, indicates its use of red coloring, and it contains Red 40.
• Mountain Dew Voltage: This blue-raspberry and ginseng-flavored version includes Blue 1 and Red 40.
• Mountain Dew LiveWire: The orange flavor of LiveWire gets its color from a combination of Yellow #5, Yellow #6, and Red #40.
• Mountain Dew Dark Berry: This flavor contains Blue 1 and Red 40 to achieve its deep color.
• Mountain Dew Game Fuel (Citrus Cherry & Wild Fruit): Both of these popular Game Fuel varieties list Red 40 among their ingredients.

Health Implications of Artificial Dyes

Red Dye 40 is one of the most widely used and controversial artificial food dyes. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for use, research and consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns about its potential health effects. The potential issues linked to Red Dye 40 and other synthetic dyes include:

• Behavioral changes in children: Some studies, including the 2007 Southampton study, have found a link between artificial food dyes and increased hyperactivity in children. While the FDA acknowledges that some children may be sensitive, the European Union requires warning labels on products with certain dyes, leading many companies to use natural alternatives for their products sold there.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as hives or swelling, after consuming Red Dye 40.
• Gut health and inflammation: Emerging animal studies suggest that Red Dye 40 may harm gut health, alter the microbiome, and cause inflammation. More research is needed to determine if this translates to humans.
• Carcinogen contamination: Some analyses have found trace amounts of carcinogens in synthetic dyes, though regulatory bodies maintain that these levels are safe.

It is important to remember that most of these health concerns are topics of ongoing research and debate. However, for those seeking to minimize their intake of synthetic additives, avoiding products like some Mountain Dew flavors containing Red Dye 40 is a clear step.

Making Healthier Choices for Your Diet

Moving away from beverages loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes is a positive step for overall nutrition. Here are some strategies for healthier hydration and dietary choices:

• Read ingredient labels thoroughly: Look beyond the color of a food or drink. Many products contain synthetic dyes where you might not expect them, such as in certain brands of ketchup, salmon, and pickles.
• Choose natural alternatives: Many food brands are offering versions of popular products that use natural colorings derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources.
• Limit processed foods: Artificial dyes are almost exclusively found in highly processed, ultra-processed foods. By reducing your consumption of junk food, you will naturally decrease your exposure to synthetic additives.
• Prioritize whole foods: A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is naturally free of synthetic dyes and provides superior nutritional value.

Mountain Dew Flavor Comparison Table

Feature	Original Mountain Dew	Mountain Dew Code Red	Mountain Dew Voltage
Primary Sweetener	High-fructose corn syrup	High-fructose corn syrup	High-fructose corn syrup
Artificial Colors	Yellow #5	Red #40, Yellow #5, Blue #1	Blue #1, Red #40
Caffeine (per 12 fl oz)	54 mg	54 mg	55 mg

A List of Other Common Foods with Red Dye 40

Beyond Mountain Dew, Red Dye 40 is a ubiquitous additive. Common products that contain it include:

• Candy (Skittles, Starbursts, M&Ms)
• Baked Goods (frostings, colored sprinkles)
• Cereals (Froot Loops, Lucky Charms)
• Gelatins and puddings
• Snack foods (Nacho Cheese Doritos)
• Sports and energy drinks (Gatorade Fruit Punch)

Conclusion

The question of does Mountain Dew have red dye 40 in it? hinges entirely on the specific flavor. While the original beverage uses Yellow #5, many of its variants, including Code Red, Voltage, and various Game Fuel flavors, do contain Red Dye 40. Given the ongoing debate and research surrounding the potential health effects of artificial dyes, especially on sensitive individuals and children, opting for dye-free alternatives or simply reducing intake of ultra-processed foods is a prudent nutritional choice. Always make it a habit to check the ingredient labels and prioritize whole, naturally-colored foods for a healthier diet.

For more information on the health impacts of artificial food dyes, consider checking out the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) at their website: https://www.cspi.org/page/synthetic-food-dyes-health-risks-history-and-policy.

Please note that product formulations can change, and it's always best to verify ingredients on the product packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Dye 40 and why is it used?

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum that is used to enhance or add color to processed foods and beverages, including certain Mountain Dew flavors.

Which Mountain Dew flavors contain Red Dye 40?

Flavors confirmed to contain Red Dye 40 include Mountain Dew Code Red, Voltage, LiveWire, Dark Berry, and some varieties of Game Fuel.

Is Red Dye 40 considered safe to consume?

In the United States, the FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe for consumption within approved limits, though studies and consumer groups have raised concerns about potential health effects.

Does Diet Mountain Dew contain artificial dyes?

Yes, diet versions of flavors that contain Red Dye 40, such as Diet Mountain Dew Code Red, will also list it in their ingredients.

Are Mountain Dew products in Europe dye-free?

European Union regulations require warning labels on foods containing certain artificial dyes. This has prompted many companies to reformulate their products sold in Europe to use natural colorings, including European versions of some Mountain Dew products.

What are some of the health concerns associated with Red Dye 40?

Concerns have been raised regarding potential links between Red Dye 40 and hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and possible gut inflammation, though more research is needed.

How can I avoid consuming Red Dye 40?

To avoid Red Dye 40, carefully read ingredient labels on all packaged foods and beverages. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods and beverages with natural colorings or no colorings is a surefire way to avoid it.

Are there other artificial dyes in Mountain Dew?

Yes, many Mountain Dew flavors contain a mix of artificial dyes. For instance, the original beverage uses Yellow #5, while other flavors may contain Yellow #6, Blue #1, and other colors.