The Artificial Coloring in Original Mountain Dew
Unlike truly clear sodas, which rely on their natural ingredients for a colorless appearance, the vibrant yellow-green hue of Mountain Dew is intentionally added. This coloring agent is Tartrazine, more commonly labeled as Yellow 5. The decision to add this dye came well after the drink's initial formulation. The original Mountain Dew, when it first emerged in the 1940s, was said to have a much milder citrus flavor and lacked this bright coloring. The current version's aesthetic is a marketing choice, designed to enhance its visual appeal and brand identity, setting it apart from competitors.
The Role of Artificial Dyes in Sodas
Artificial food dyes like Yellow 5 are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. While deemed safe for consumption by regulatory bodies in many countries, they have faced scrutiny and even been banned in certain regions due to potential health concerns, including hyperactivity in children. In contrast, the UK version of Mountain Dew uses Beta Carotene, a natural color derived from plants, to achieve its yellow hue, highlighting the difference in ingredient standards across markets.
The Difference Between Clear Sodas and Mountain Dew
The fundamental distinction between Mountain Dew and a clear soda lies in their ingredient lists. True clear sodas, such as Sprite or 7UP, are formulated without added colorants. This absence of artificial dyes is a defining characteristic of the category. While both share a citrus flavor profile, Mountain Dew's inclusion of artificial coloring sets it apart visually and chemically from its clear-soda counterparts.
Comparing Mountain Dew to Clear Sodas
| Feature | Mountain Dew (Original) | Sprite / 7UP (Clear Sodas) |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Bright yellow-green | Transparent, clear |
| Primary Coloring Agent | Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) | None (Colorless) |
| Emulsifier | Formerly contained Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) in the US, now removed. | Do not contain BVO |
| Flavor Profile | Intense, highly-sweetened citrus flavor with a mix of orange and other fruit notes. | Classic lemon-lime flavor profile. |
| Acidity (pH) | Highly acidic, with a pH of around 3.2. | Also acidic, with Diet 7UP having a pH of around 3.7. |
| Caffeine | Contains caffeine. | Caffeine-free |
Why Clear Sodas Are Used in Special Cases
The distinction in coloring becomes particularly relevant in medical contexts, such as the preparation for certain procedures. Many clear liquid diets, like those for colonoscopies, require the consumption of only clear liquids. This means any liquid you can see through, often excluding red, blue, and purple dyes. While some clear liquid diet guidelines may include certain brands of dark or yellow/green sodas, this is often a misconception based on brand recognition rather than a strict interpretation of 'clear'. The original, artificially colored Mountain Dew would typically be excluded, whereas clear sodas like Sprite or Ginger Ale are widely accepted.
The Evolution of the Mountain Dew Brand
Since its inception, Mountain Dew has expanded far beyond its original formula. This evolution has resulted in a wide array of flavors and varieties, some of which are indeed clear. For instance, certain limited editions like Mountain Dew Ice (in some markets) or discontinued variants have been colorless. These examples underscore that while the iconic original is not clear, the brand is not limited to a single color profile. The company's ongoing experimentation with new products continually redefines what consumers can expect from the brand.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Mountain Dew's Clarity
In summary, the question "is Mountain Dew considered a clear soda?" is best answered with a nuanced "no" for the classic version. Its bright, unmistakable color is the result of adding Yellow 5, an artificial food dye. This stands in direct contrast to genuinely clear sodas like Sprite and 7UP, which are uncolored. The confusion may stem from its historical evolution or the release of certain clear variants over the years. However, for anyone adhering to a clear liquid diet or simply curious about the beverage's ingredients, it is important to know that the original Mountain Dew is not a clear liquid.
Additional Considerations and Related Information
- Diet vs. Regular Mountain Dew: Early observations suggested Diet Mountain Dew was cloudier than the regular version, possibly due to different sweeteners or additives, but both are still not considered clear.
- Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): An emulsifier once used in many citrus sodas, including Mountain Dew, BVO was banned in Europe and Japan. PepsiCo removed it from US drinks in recent years, but its prior presence further separated Mountain Dew from simpler, clear soda formulations.
- Citric Acid: Both Mountain Dew and clear citrus sodas contain citric acid, which contributes to their tart flavor and high acidity. This acidity is a concern for dental health, but the presence of artificial color is the key factor distinguishing clarity.
- Health and Ingredients: A deeper understanding of soda ingredients, including Yellow 5, BVO, and high-fructose corn syrup, informs consumer health decisions. Many consumers seek out clearer, more natural alternatives due to these concerns.
Outbound Link: To learn more about the specific ingredients and history of Mountain Dew, visit its entry on the Wikipedia page.
