Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Kickstart® Orange Citrus

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water , High Fructose Corn Syrup and Contains 2% Or Less Of : Caramel Color , Natural Flavors , Artificial Flavors , Sodium benzoate ( Preservative ) , Citric Acid , Phosphoric Acid , Caffeine , Malic Acid , Red #40 .

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Mountain Dew Kickstart® Orange Citrus earns a rating of 1 out of 5 green leaves on our website, indicating the lowest recommendation for cleaner food options. This beverage falls short in several critical areas concerning health and ingredient quality.

The product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which already puts it at a disadvantage. It contains a variety of added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, which is a major drawback due to its association with adverse health effects. The presence of artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium and sucralose further detracts from its healthfulness. These sweeteners are controversial and have been linked to potential health concerns.

Moreover, the drink includes multiple additives that are considered harmful. Natural flavors, which are often undisclosed mixtures of substances, raise questions about their origins and effects. Preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, along with artificial colors such as Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, have been associated with negative health impacts and are, therefore, penalized in our scoring system.

The inclusion of high fructose corn syrup is particularly concerning, leading to a significant reduction in the product’s score. High fructose corn syrup has been implicated in various health issues, including obesity and insulin resistance, making it a critical factor in our assessment.

Mountain Dew Kickstart® Orange Citrus contains vitamins such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), niacinamide (Vitamin B3), calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5), and pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6). However, the potential benefits of these vitamins are overshadowed by the negative impact of the aforementioned ingredients.

Based on our comprehensive review process, which prioritizes healthful, organic, and non-GMO ingredients while penalizing the inclusion of added sugars, harmful additives, and artificial components, this product receives our lowest possible endorsement. Consumers seeking cleaner food and beverage options are advised to consider alternatives that align better with health-conscious choices.