Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Original Diet

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Concentrated Orange Juice, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Potassium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Citrus Pectin, Aspartame, Potassium Citrate, Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Sucralose, Gum Arabic, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Yellow #5

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rating:

Mountain Dew Original Diet earns a single green leaf rating on our health-conscious scale. This rating reflects the product’s composition, which includes a variety of ingredients that do not align with cleaner food options.

The beverage is not organic and contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), factors that reduce its standing on our scale. The presence of citric acid is noted as an added sugar, contributing to the product’s low score. Furthermore, the inclusion of artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium, aspartame, and sucralose significantly detracts from its healthfulness. These sweeteners are often scrutinized for their potential negative health effects.

Additionally, the drink contains several additives that raise concerns. Natural flavoring, often a term for various undisclosed chemical compounds, is included in the product. Calcium disodium EDTA, used to protect flavor, and sodium citrate are also present; both are considered potentially harmful additives. Moreover, sodium benzoate, a preservative, has been linked to health issues when combined with certain ingredients. Lastly, the artificial color Yellow 5 is associated with adverse effects and is a known harmful additive.

The cumulative presence of these elements justifies the low rating. Mountain Dew Original Diet’s formulation does not meet the criteria for a cleaner, healthier food option. The product’s composition, featuring non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and harmful additives, underlines the necessity for consumers seeking healthier alternatives to steer clear of this beverage. By providing this evaluation, our aim is to guide consumers toward choices that better serve their health and well-being in a market saturated with products that compromise these values.