Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Kickstart® Fruit Punch

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, White Grape Juice Concentrate, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sodium Polyphosphates (To Protect Flavor), Potassium Sorbate (Preserves Freshness), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Gum Arabic, Caffeine, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Sucralose, Red #40, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Glycerol Ester Of Rosin, Yellow #5, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Mountain Dew Kickstart® Fruit Punch earns a rating of 1 out of 5 green leaves on our scale, indicating the lowest possible score for cleaner food options. This beverage is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, factors that significantly reduce its standing on our health-conscious index.

The product’s ingredient list includes high fructose corn syrup and a variety of artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and sucrose acetate isobutyrate. These are recognized for their negative impact on a healthy diet. Furthermore, the presence of artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are linked to potential health concerns, further diminish its score.

Mountain Dew Kickstart® Fruit Punch also contains additives like sodium polyphosphates, potassium sorbate, and calcium disodium EDTA. These chemicals serve various functions, such as flavor protection and preservation, but their inclusion raises questions regarding the necessity of such additives in food products aimed at health-minded consumers.

The beverage includes vitamins such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), niacinamide (Vitamin B3), calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5), and pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6). While vitamins are essential nutrients, their presence does not offset the negative impact of the other ingredients.

This product’s composition reflects a reliance on substances that are at odds with the goal of providing cleaner food options. The extensive use of artificial ingredients and sweeteners, combined with the absence of organic or non-GMO components, leads to a poor evaluation.

Consumers looking for healthier beverages would be well-advised to consider alternatives to Mountain Dew Kickstart® Fruit Punch. The product’s ingredient profile does not align with the principles of clean eating, and its rating reflects its position as a less desirable choice within the crowded marketplace of food options.