Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Spark

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Gum Arabic, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Glycerol Ester Of Rosin, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Red #40

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Mountain Dew Spark earns a 1/5 green leaf rating, signaling it is a product you should consider avoiding. This beverage is not organic, contains genetically modified ingredients, and is laden with added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, which is a major concern for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. The presence of citric acid and fructose further contributes to the sugar content, while corn syrup stands out as a particularly harmful sugar additive.

The list of ingredients also includes several potentially harmful additives. Natural flavors, which can encompass a wide range of chemical components, are present without clear disclosure of their specific makeup. Sodium citrate, while often used to regulate acidity, appears alongside calcium disodium EDTA, a preservative known to protect flavor but also raise health concerns. Furthermore, glycerol ester of rosin is included, which is generally recognized as safe but may not align with cleaner eating standards.

Red 40 and sodium benzoate, categorized as known harmful additives, are particularly alarming. Red 40, an artificial dye, has been linked to hyperactivity in children and other potential health risks. Sodium benzoate, a preservative, can form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C, which is often found in beverages like Mountain Dew Spark.

Given these considerations, Mountain Dew Spark’s composition includes several ingredients that are inconsistent with a diet focused on clean, healthy food choices. The product lacks organic certification, uses GMOs, and contains a variety of added sugars and questionable additives. The 1/5 green leaf rating reflects the product’s position as a less desirable choice for consumers prioritizing their health and the quality of their food intake. Those seeking cleaner, more wholesome options would be well-advised to explore alternatives to Mountain Dew Spark.