Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Kickstart® Black Cherry

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, White Grape Juice Concentrate, Citric Acid, Caramel Color, Natural Flavors, Sodium Hexametaphosphate (to Protect Flavor), Potassium Sorbate (Preserves Freshness), Gum Arabic, Caffeine, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Sucralose, Red #40, Glycerol Ester of Rosin, Calcium Disodium EDTA (to Protect Flavor), Salt, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Mountain Dew Kickstart® Black Cherry is a product our analysis strongly advises consumers to avoid. This beverage does not meet the criteria for a cleaner food option due to its composition of various ingredients that raise health concerns.

The drink is not organic, and it contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), factors that immediately detract from its potential health value. A significant issue with this product is its high content of added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, which is known for its negative impact on health. Additionally, the inclusion of artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium and sucralose contributes to the product’s low score. These sweeteners, along with sucrose and sucrose acetate isobutyrate, compound the concerns regarding the beverage’s sugar content.

Beyond sugars, the Mountain Dew Kickstart® Black Cherry contains a range of additives that are considered potentially harmful. Natural flavors, while seemingly benign, are often proprietary blends of ingredients that lack transparency. Preservatives such as potassium sorbate and calcium disodium EDTA are included to extend shelf life but come with their own health risks. The beverage also includes artificial colors like Red 40 and caramel color, which have been linked to various health issues.

The presence of high fructose corn syrup is particularly troubling due to its association with obesity and other metabolic diseases. This syrup is a highly concentrated form of fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance and increased belly fat when consumed in excessive amounts.

Given the product’s ingredient list and the lack of positive attributes such as being organic or non-GMO, it is clear that Mountain Dew Kickstart® Black Cherry falls short of being a clean food option. The 1/5 green leaves rating reflects a product that is best left on the shelf, as it does not align with the healthier choices that consumers are increasingly seeking.