What is Mountain Dew Voltage Made Of?
Mountain Dew Voltage is known for its bold raspberry citrus flavor with a hint of ginseng. The full ingredient list reveals a combination of core soda components, flavoring agents, preservatives, and colorants. A typical can includes the following ingredients:
- Carbonated Water: The foundation of any soda, providing its signature fizz.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup: The primary sweetener, contributing to the drink's high sugar content.
- Natural Flavor: This proprietary blend creates the distinct raspberry citrus profile that defines Voltage.
- Citric Acid: Provides a tart, citrusy flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness): A preservative used to prevent microbial growth and maintain product quality over time.
- Caffeine: A stimulant that provides an energizing effect, with a typical 12-ounce can containing 55 mg.
- Sodium Citrate: An acidity regulator that helps maintain the soda's pH level.
- Gum Arabic: A stabilizer that helps prevent ingredients from separating.
- Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor): A chelating agent that binds to metal ions, preventing them from causing oxidation and flavor degradation.
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract: A unique botanical addition that contributes a slightly herbal, earthy note to the overall flavor profile.
- Blue 1 & Red 40: Synthetic food colorants that give the soda its distinctive blue appearance.
The Flavor Profile: Raspberry, Citrus, and Ginseng
The most prominent elements of Mountain Dew Voltage's taste are the combination of fruit and herbal notes. The raspberry and citrus flavors provide a sweet and tangy experience that is different from the original Mountain Dew's lemon-lime profile. The inclusion of ginseng root extract is a notable difference, adding a subtle, earthy layer that adds complexity to the drink's overall flavor. This unique combination is what helped it win the "DEWmocracy" competition and become a fan-favorite.
Comparison: Mountain Dew Voltage vs. Original Mountain Dew
While both beverages share many foundational ingredients, their taste, appearance, and some components are different. This table highlights some key distinctions.
| Feature | Mountain Dew Voltage | Original Mountain Dew |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Raspberry and citrus with ginseng | Lemon and lime flavor |
| Color | Bright blue | Neon green-yellow |
| Unique Additive | Panax Ginseng Root Extract | No ginseng extract |
| Sweetener | Primarily High Fructose Corn Syrup | Primarily High Fructose Corn Syrup |
| Caffeine (12oz) | 55 mg | 54 mg |
Potential Health Considerations
As with most sweetened carbonated beverages, Mountain Dew Voltage contains a high amount of added sugar. A standard 12-ounce can contains 46 grams of added sugar, which accounts for 91% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to various health concerns, including obesity, tooth decay, and Type 2 diabetes. The drink also contains food dyes, which have been a subject of concern for some consumers.
Conclusion
Mountain Dew Voltage's unique blend of raspberry, citrus, and ginseng creates its signature flavor and appearance. The product relies on a list of ingredients common to many sodas, including carbonated water and high fructose corn syrup, but adds ginseng root extract and a mix of food colorants to achieve its distinct identity. While it remains a popular choice for its bold taste, consumers should be mindful of its high sugar content. Understanding what does Mountain Dew Voltage have in it allows drinkers to make informed choices about their beverage consumption while still enjoying this fan-favorite soda.
Where to find the ingredients and nutrition facts?
For the most up-to-date and specific information, always refer to the nutrition label on the product packaging. Online grocery stores like Publix and H-E-B also list the ingredients and nutrition facts for their products, including Mountain Dew Voltage. The official Mountain Dew website is another excellent resource for product details.
