Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Code Red

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Concentrated Orange Juice, Citric Acid, Sodium Polyphosphates (To Protect Flavor), Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Natural Flavor, Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Gum Arabic, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Red #40, Yellow #5, Blue #1

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Mountain Dew Code Red earns a 1/5 green leaf rating, signaling a product that consumers aiming for cleaner food options should likely avoid. This beverage is not organic and includes genetically modified ingredients, which immediately impacts its standing on our scale. The presence of added sugars, particularly high fructose corn syrup, further detracts from its health profile.

The product’s ingredient list reveals multiple areas of concern. Not only does it contain high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener linked to various health issues, but it also includes additional artificial sugars like fructose and citric acid. The inclusion of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors, sodium citrate, and calcium disodium EDTA raises additional red flags. Moreover, the beverage contains color additives like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, which are known for their controversial effects on health.

The preservative sodium benzoate is another contentious ingredient found in Mountain Dew Code Red. Research has linked it to potential health risks when combined with certain additives. The cumulative effect of these ingredients, none of which contribute positively to health, underscores the low rating assigned to this product.

Mountain Dew Code Red is a product whose components do not align with the criteria for cleaner, healthier food options. It relies on artificial substances for preservation, flavor, and color, rather than natural, wholesome ingredients. For those seeking to maintain a clean diet, this beverage does not meet the standards that would warrant its inclusion. The 1/5 green leaf rating serves as a clear indicator of its position at the bottom of the health-conscious consumer’s choice list.