The bright, citrusy flavor and energetic kick of Mountain Dew have made it a staple in the American soft drink market. But what exactly goes into the distinctive yellow-green beverage? A closer look at the standard ingredient list reveals a complex mix of sweeteners, preservatives, flavor agents, and artificial colors, each serving a specific purpose in creating the final product.
The Core Ingredients of Mountain Dew
At its foundation, Mountain Dew consists of several key ingredients that are common across many soft drinks, with a few unique additions that define its flavor profile. Below is a breakdown of the standard ingredients found in a can of Mountain Dew in the United States:
- Carbonated Water: The base of any soda, responsible for the fizz.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup: This is the primary sweetener used in the majority of U.S. formulations, giving the drink its sweetness.
- Concentrated Orange Juice: A significant contributor to the beverage's citrus flavor. The juice is processed to remove excess water, concentrating its flavor and requiring less storage space.
- Citric Acid: A natural sour flavoring agent that enhances the citrus taste and acts as a preservative to keep the product fresh on shelves.
- Natural Flavor: This vague term covers the proprietary blend of flavors derived from a real food source, like orange, that creates the unique Mountain Dew taste.
- Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness): A preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and mold.
- Caffeine: A stimulant that provides the energetic boost Mountain Dew is known for. A 12-ounce can contains about 54 mg of caffeine.
- Sodium Citrate: An acidity regulator that controls the soda's sourness.
- Gum Arabic: An emulsifier and stabilizer derived from the acacia tree. It prevents the flavor components, particularly oils, from separating from the water.
- Calcium Disodium EDTA (to Protect Flavor): A chelating agent that binds to metal ions in the water, preventing them from causing oxidation and flavor degradation.
- Yellow 5: An artificial food coloring, also known as tartrazine, that gives the drink its signature bright yellow-green color.
The Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a highly processed sweetener that has replaced sugar in many American sodas, including Mountain Dew. A single 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 46 grams of added sugar, almost double the recommended daily limit for women set by the American Heart Association. Regular consumption of such high sugar levels is linked to a range of health issues, including weight gain, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and significant dental problems. While the "Real Sugar" version exists, most standard Mountain Dew sold in the U.S. is sweetened with HFCS.
The Role of Controversial Additives
Some ingredients found in Mountain Dew have raised more concern and scrutiny over time. Understanding their purpose and history is important for making informed choices about consumption.
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
Yellow 5 is a synthetic food dye that creates Mountain Dew's distinctive color. While approved for use by regulatory bodies in many countries, it requires a warning label in some places because a small percentage of the population may experience allergic reactions, including hives, itching, and bronchial asthma, often correlated with aspirin sensitivity. A persistent urban legend claimed that Yellow 5 lowered sperm count, but this has been scientifically disproven.
Gum Arabic
Less controversial than other additives, gum arabic, or acacia gum, is a natural resin harvested from acacia trees. In Mountain Dew, it acts as a stabilizing agent, preventing the citrus flavor oils from separating and floating to the top. It is also used in many other food products and even has prebiotic properties.
The Removal of Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
For many years, some varieties of Mountain Dew contained brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an ingredient used as an emulsifier to keep flavorings suspended. BVO became a source of concern due to potential adverse health effects linked to excessive bromine accumulation in the body. In response to public pressure and evolving health concerns, PepsiCo removed BVO from Mountain Dew formulations in the U.S. in 2020. The FDA officially revoked its authorization for BVO in July 2024.
Comparison: Mountain Dew vs. Other Sodas
To put Mountain Dew's ingredient profile into perspective, here's a comparison table with Coca-Cola, another major competitor, based on standard 12-ounce can formulations:
| Feature | Mountain Dew (12 oz can) | Coca-Cola (12 oz can) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 | 140 |
| Sugar | 46g | 39g |
| Primary Sweetener | High Fructose Corn Syrup | High Fructose Corn Syrup |
| Caffeine | 54mg | 34mg |
| Acidity (pH) | ~3.1 | ~2.5 |
| Key Flavor | Citrus (Orange Juice, Natural Flavor) | Kola Nut Extract, Natural Flavor |
| Artificial Coloring | Yellow 5 | Caramel Color |
As the comparison shows, Mountain Dew contains more calories, sugar, and caffeine than Coca-Cola per serving. Furthermore, while both are highly acidic, the combination of sugar and citric acid in Mountain Dew is particularly aggressive in contributing to tooth enamel erosion.
Conclusion: A Look at the Overall Composition
Mountain Dew is a complex beverage formulated to deliver a powerful citrus flavor and an energetic boost. Its ingredient list reveals a combination of common soda components like carbonated water and high fructose corn syrup, alongside specific additions like concentrated orange juice, citric acid, and the artificial coloring Yellow 5. The removal of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) marked a significant recent change in its U.S. formula. While the distinct taste is appealing to many, the high sugar and caffeine content are significant factors to consider for anyone concerned about their health. Understanding what does Mountain Dew have in it allows consumers to make an informed choice, balancing their enjoyment with awareness of the nutritional and health implications. For more information on the ingredients and nutritional facts, check the official PepsiCo product facts site.
