Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Baja Blast®

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Caffeine, Gum Arabic, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Yellow #5, Blue #1

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Green Leaf Rating: 1/5

Mountain Dew Baja Blast® garners the lowest possible green leaf rating on our scale, emphasizing a need for caution for those seeking healthier food and beverage options. This product is not organic and includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which immediately detracts from its potential healthfulness. A closer look at the ingredients list reveals the presence of high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener linked to various health concerns, which heavily impacts its score.

The beverage also contains a significant amount of added sugars, such as citric acid and fructose, further diminishing its nutritional value. More concerning is the inclusion of sucrose and sucrose acetate isobutyrate, which are additional forms of harmful added sugars. These ingredients contribute to the product’s overall negative assessment.

Beyond sugars, Mountain Dew Baja Blast® contains several additives that raise red flags. The terms ‘natural and artificial flavor’ may encompass a wide range of chemical compounds, some of which may have adverse effects on health. Similarly, artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Blue 1 have been the subject of debate regarding their safety and potential health risks.

The preservative sodium benzoate is another controversial ingredient found in this product. While it serves to maintain freshness, it has been linked to health concerns when combined with certain artificial colors. Additionally, ingredients such as calcium disodium EDTA and sodium citrate are used to protect flavor and adjust acidity, yet they also contribute to the product’s low rating due to potential health implications.

Given these factors, Mountain Dew Baja Blast® receives a green leaf rating of 1/5. The combination of non-organic, GMO ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, added sugars, and potentially harmful additives makes this beverage a less desirable choice for consumers prioritizing clean eating. The product’s composition aligns with our lowest rating, prompting our recommendation to opt for healthier alternatives.