The Origins of Diet and Zero Sugar DEW
Diet Mountain Dew has a longer history, first introduced in 1984 as "Sugar-Free Mountain Dew" before being renamed to its current name in 1986. It has undergone formula changes over the years, most notably in 2006 when it received a "Tuned Up Taste" involving a blend of sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium to replace the original aspartame-exclusive formula.
Mountain Dew Zero Sugar is the newer player in the market, making its debut in the United States in January 2020. Its introduction led to some speculation that it would replace Diet Mountain Dew, but PepsiCo confirmed that both products would continue to be sold alongside each other to give consumers more choice. The launch of a dedicated 'Zero Sugar' line was a strategic move to offer a product that tasted more like the original full-sugar Mountain Dew, aligning with a broader industry trend seen with beverages like Coke Zero.
The Key Differences: Calories, Caffeine, and Ingredients
The most immediate differences between the two beverages lie in their nutritional content and composition. These variations, while seemingly small, create noticeable differences in taste and impact.
Calories
- Diet Mountain Dew: This beverage contains a very low number of calories, specifically 10 calories per 20 oz serving. While close to zero, it is not calorie-free.
- Mountain Dew Zero Sugar: True to its name, this product contains zero calories per serving, including the 20 oz bottle size. This is a key selling point for consumers who want to eliminate all calories from their soda intake.
Caffeine
- Diet Mountain Dew: This beverage contains a moderate amount of caffeine, with 54 mg per 12 oz can, which is the same amount as regular Mountain Dew.
- Mountain Dew Zero Sugar: This product has a higher caffeine content, with 68 mg per 12 oz can, representing a 20% increase over both the diet and regular versions. This makes it a better choice for those seeking a more pronounced energy boost from their citrus soda.
Sweeteners and Ingredients
Both drinks rely on artificial sweeteners to achieve their low-calorie status, but they use different combinations and include different ingredients. The distinct blends are crucial to the final taste profile.
- Diet Mountain Dew: This version uses a blend of sweeteners that includes sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium. A comparison of ingredients also indicates that Diet Mountain Dew does not contain concentrated orange juice.
- Mountain Dew Zero Sugar: To mimic the flavor of the full-sugar original, Zero Sugar uses a slightly different formulation. Critically, it includes concentrated orange juice, an ingredient absent from Diet Dew. This addition helps Zero Sugar achieve a taste that is closer to the original citrus flavor profile.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Diet Mountain Dew | Mountain Dew Zero Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 10 per 20 oz serving | Zero per 20 oz serving |
| Caffeine | 54 mg per 12 oz can | 68 mg per 12 oz can |
| Primary Sweeteners | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose |
| Concentrated Orange Juice | No | Yes |
| Taste Profile | Lighter, distinct "diet" flavor | Tries to closely match original MTN DEW |
Flavor Profile: Finding Your Preference
For many drinkers, the most important differentiator is taste. While both products offer a citrusy, sweet experience, loyalists and new consumers often have a strong preference for one over the other. Zero Sugar was explicitly designed to taste more like the original full-sugar Mountain Dew, aiming for a richer flavor profile. Many consumers report that it successfully minimizes the specific aftertaste sometimes associated with diet sodas.
Diet Mountain Dew, by contrast, has a flavor that many longtime drinkers have become accustomed to. Some describe it as having a sharper, more lemon-lime note compared to the Zero Sugar version. This distinctive, long-established taste is why it retains its loyal following, even with the presence of a calorie-free alternative.
Ultimately, deciding which product has the better taste comes down to personal preference. A blind taste test can be a good way to discover which formula your palate prefers without being influenced by branding or expectations. Some people are completely indifferent, claiming they taste no difference whatsoever.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Diet Mountain Dew and Mountain Dew Zero Sugar depends on what you value most in a beverage. Consider the following scenarios:
- For the lowest possible calorie count: If your goal is to consume absolutely no calories from your soda, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar is the clear winner with its true zero-calorie status.
- For the highest energy boost: The extra caffeine in Mountain Dew Zero Sugar makes it the better choice for those needing a more potent pick-me-up.
- For a familiar diet taste: If you have been a longtime fan of Diet Mountain Dew and prefer its specific flavor, it remains a consistent and reliable option.
- For a taste closer to the original: If you miss the flavor of full-sugar Mountain Dew, Zero Sugar's inclusion of concentrated orange juice might make it a more satisfying substitute.
Conclusion
While both Diet Mountain Dew and Mountain Dew Zero Sugar are designed for reduced-calorie consumption, they are not the same product. The primary differences lie in the calorie count (10 vs. 0), caffeine level (lower vs. higher), and subtle ingredient variations, including the presence of concentrated orange juice in the Zero Sugar version. These distinctions result in unique flavor profiles that appeal to different palates. With both products coexisting in the market, consumers have the luxury of choosing based on their specific priorities, whether it be a true zero-calorie count, a higher caffeine kick, or a specific flavor preference.
