Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Baja Blast® Zero Sugar

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Potassium Citrate, Caffeine, Sucralose, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Gum Arabic, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Yellow #5, Blue #1

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Mountain Dew Baja Blast® Zero Sugar earns a green leaf rating of 1/5 on our website, signaling a product that falls significantly short of cleaner food standards. This beverage is not organic, contains GMO ingredients, and is riddled with multiple non-nutritive sweeteners and artificial colors, which contribute to its low score.

The drink is not organic, detracting from its natural quality. The absence of non-GMO ingredients raises concerns about potential health and environmental impacts. Citric Acid, while naturally occurring, is counted as an added sugar due to its processed form used in food products. The presence of Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose, both artificial sweeteners, along with Sucrose and Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, contribute to the list of harmful added sugars. These sweeteners are often criticized for their potential health effects.

Moreover, the inclusion of “Natural and Artificial Flavor” is problematic. These terms are vague and can cover a wide range of undisclosed chemicals. Calcium Disodium EDTA is used to preserve flavor but is also scrutinized for its safety. The product also contains Artificial Flavor, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, all known for their adverse effects on health. While the beverage does not technically contain high fructose corn syrup, the use of the term “Artificial Flavor” in the scoring penalizes the product as if it did, due to the negative health implications associated with such ingredients.

The health implications of these ingredients are significant. Artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Blue 1 have been linked to hyperactivity in children and other potential health risks. Sodium Benzoate has been connected to the deterioration of cellular health.

Based on these factors, Mountain Dew Baja Blast® Zero Sugar presents a plethora of concerns. It is laden with artificial ingredients and lacks the qualities of a cleaner, more health-conscious food option. Consumers looking for healthier beverages are advised to consider alternatives that align better with their dietary values.