Understanding the Vegan Definition
Veganism is a lifestyle that aims to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty as much as possible. This principle extends to food, clothing, and any products that involve animal testing.
A Detailed Look at Mountain Dew Voltage Ingredients
Mountain Dew Voltage includes ingredients such as Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Gum Arabic, Calcium Disodium EDTA, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Blue 1, and Red 40. While not directly animal-derived, some ingredients raise ethical concerns for vegans.
The Controversy of Artificial Dyes: Red 40 and Blue 1
Artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 are a primary concern for ethical vegans because they are routinely tested on animals for safety, despite not being made from animal products. This testing, often involving mice, rats, and dogs, conflicts with the vegan stance against animal cruelty.
The Ambiguity of "Natural Flavor"
The term "Natural Flavor" is another area of concern. While many natural flavors are plant-based, they can also come from animal sources. Since the source of Mountain Dew Voltage's natural flavors is not explicitly stated as plant-based by PepsiCo, it remains a potential issue for strict vegans.
The Question of Sugar
Mountain Dew Voltage uses High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), which is generally considered vegan. This avoids the issue associated with some refined cane sugar, which can be processed using bone char derived from cattle bones.
Comparison: Mountain Dew Voltage vs. Truly Vegan Sodas
The following table compares Mountain Dew Voltage with some certified vegan-friendly soda options:
| Feature | Mountain Dew Voltage | Zevia Soda (Certified Vegan) | OLIPOP Prebiotic Soda (Certified Vegan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Testing | Contains dyes (Red 40, Blue 1) that are tested on animals. | Vegan certification ensures no animal testing. | Vegan certification ensures no animal testing. |
| Natural Flavors | Not confirmed as plant-based; potential for animal-derived sources exists. | Specifically uses plant-based natural flavors. | Specifically uses plant-based flavors and botanicals. |
| Sweetener | High Fructose Corn Syrup (generally vegan). | Naturally sweetened with stevia. | Sweetened with fruit juice and botanicals. |
| Overall Vegan Status | Generally considered not vegan by ethical vegans due to animal testing. | Fully vegan and cruelty-free. | Fully vegan and cruelty-free. |
| Health Considerations | High in sugar and artificial ingredients. | Zero calories, zero sugar, and no artificial ingredients. | Contains prebiotics for gut health. |
The Verdict for Ethical Vegans
Whether Mountain Dew Voltage is considered vegan depends on one's definition of veganism. While it lacks direct animal-derived ingredients, ethical vegans typically avoid products that involve animal testing or ambiguous ingredients like undisclosed natural flavors. The use of animal-tested dyes Red 40 and Blue 1 means Mountain Dew Voltage is not considered cruelty-free by most ethical vegans. For those seeking certified vegan options, alternatives are available. Researching ingredients through resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) can also be helpful.
Conclusion
Mountain Dew Voltage does not align with the ethical principles of most vegans due to the use of artificial dyes tested on animals and the lack of clarity on natural flavor sourcing. Consumers committed to a cruelty-free lifestyle may prefer certified vegan soft drink alternatives. Making informed choices involves examining both ingredients and the practices behind their production.
