Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Original Zero Sugar

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Potassium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Citrus Pectin, Aspartame, Potassium Citrate, Caffeine, Gum Arabic, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Sucralose, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Yellow #5

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Mountain Dew Original Zero Sugar earns a green leaf rating of 1/5 on our scale, signaling it as a product to avoid for those seeking cleaner food options. This beverage is not organic, contains GMO ingredients, and is formulated with multiple artificial sweeteners and additives that our evaluation deems harmful.

The product lacks organic certification, indicating the use of conventional agricultural practices that may involve synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Its inclusion of genetically modified ingredients raises concerns for consumers prioritizing natural genetic structures in their food sources.

Citric Acid, while naturally occurring in citrus fruits, is often synthetically produced for use in beverages and can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. The beverage also contains a trio of artificial sweeteners: Acesulfame Potassium, Aspartame, and Sucralose. These sweeteners are controversial due to potential health risks and are generally unfavorable in clean eating circles.

Furthermore, Mountain Dew Original Zero Sugar includes ingredients such as Natural Flavor and Calcium Disodium EDTA, which can be ambiguous in their composition and potential effects on health. The presence of Yellow 5, a synthetic dye, is particularly concerning due to its association with hypersensitivity reactions and other health risks.

The combination of these elements positions Mountain Dew Original Zero Sugar at the lowest end of our rating scale. The product’s formulation does not align with the principles of clean eating, which emphasize natural, minimally processed foods free from artificial additives and genetically modified organisms.

For those dedicated to consuming cleaner, healthier food and beverage options, this product does not meet the criteria. It represents the type of offering our website aims to steer consumers away from, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing ingredient lists and making informed choices in a market saturated with unhealthy alternatives.