A recent change in federal regulations has prompted a significant shift in the ingredient makeup of many popular beverages, including Sun Drop soda. For decades, brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored drinks to prevent separation of flavorings. Today, however, due to mounting health concerns and regulatory action, Keurig Dr Pepper has removed BVO from the Sun Drop formula, ensuring all new products are BVO-free.
The Shift Away From BVO: Sun Drop's Reformulation
For a long time, Sun Drop was one of the few national soda brands that still contained BVO. The ingredient was integral to its formulation, helping to stabilize the citrus oils and give the soda its cloudy appearance. However, this changed in 2024 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule revoking its authorization for BVO's use in food, effective August 2, 2024, with a one-year compliance period. The action was based on new scientific studies that could no longer establish a reasonable certainty of no harm from BVO's continued use. Keurig Dr Pepper confirmed it was actively reformulating Sun Drop to comply with the new regulation, with reformulation completed by late 2024. This means any Sun Drop purchased now will not contain the additive.
What Is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?
BVO is a complex mixture of plant-derived triglycerides that have been modified by the element bromine. It was used primarily as an emulsifier, stabilizing oil-based flavorings in water-based liquids. This process gives citrus-flavored drinks a uniform, cloudy appearance and prevents the flavoring from separating and floating to the top. The health concerns surrounding BVO stem from studies indicating that high intake levels can lead to bromine accumulation in the body's tissues. Research has linked this buildup to various potential health issues:
- Thyroid problems: Bromine can compete with iodine, which is essential for proper thyroid function, potentially disrupting hormonal balance.
- Neurological symptoms: Excessive bromine accumulation has been associated with neurological effects such as headaches, memory loss, and coordination issues.
- Tissue damage: Animal studies have shown that bromine from BVO can accumulate in fat tissue and organs like the heart and liver.
Comparing the Formulas: Before and After
The removal of BVO is a key change to Sun Drop's recipe, with the new formula using an alternative emulsifier. Other ingredients like sugar and natural flavors remain relatively consistent. Here is a comparison of the typical ingredients in the old vs. new formulas:
| Ingredient | Pre-2025 Sun Drop (with BVO) | Post-2024 Sun Drop (BVO-Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Emulsifier | Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) | Ester Gum |
| Primary Sweetener | High Fructose Corn Syrup | High Fructose Corn Syrup |
| Coloring | Yellow 5 | Yellow 5 |
| Preservative | Sodium Benzoate | Sodium Benzoate |
| Flavoring | Orange Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors | Orange Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors |
| Carbonation | Carbonated Water | Carbonated Water |
A Global Move Against BVO
The FDA's ban of BVO in the U.S. is part of a broader, global regulatory trend. Many countries have already restricted or eliminated the additive due to safety concerns. This timeline illustrates the worldwide action:
- United Kingdom: Banned in the 1970s.
- India: Banned in 1990.
- European Union: Banned in 2008.
- Japan: Banned in 2010.
- Canada: Proposed removal of authorization in May 2024, aligning with new safety data.
- California: Enacted a state-level ban set to take effect in 2027.
How to Check Your Sun Drop for BVO
For consumers, verifying that a product is BVO-free is straightforward. The most reliable method is to check the ingredient label directly. The new, reformulated Sun Drop products will not list "brominated vegetable oil" in the ingredients. As some older stock may still be on shelves during the one-year compliance period, label reading is the best way to be certain. The move represents a significant victory for consumer advocacy groups and showcases a commitment by manufacturers to align with global health standards.
Conclusion
In summary, Sun Drop no longer contains BVO. Following decades of use, the FDA's final ban in 2024, driven by new safety studies, forced the removal of the additive. Manufacturer Keurig Dr Pepper has since completed the reformulation process, replacing BVO with a more benign emulsifier like ester gum. This shift aligns Sun Drop with international regulations and addresses long-standing health concerns associated with the ingredient's potential for toxic buildup. Consumers can now enjoy the beverage knowing it complies with the latest federal safety standards.
