Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Spark Zero Sugar

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Aspartame, Potassium Citrate, Natural Flavors, Caffeine, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Gum Arabic, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Sucralose, Glycerol Ester Of Rosin, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Red #40

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

The Mountain Dew Spark Zero Sugar receives a rating of 1/5 green leaves, indicating it is on the bottom tier of cleaner food options according to our standards. This product is not organic, and the use of genetically modified (GMO) ingredients results in an immediate deduction from its score. The inclusion of citric acid is considered an added sugar and a negative mark against the product’s health profile.

Furthermore, the presence of artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium, aspartame, and sucralose raises concerns regarding their potential health impacts, leading to a further reduction in its rating. The product also contains a variety of additives that are flagged as potentially harmful, including unspecified natural flavors, calcium disodium EDTA, and the preservative sodium benzoate. The addition of Red 40, a synthetic dye, and glycerol ester of rosin, a food additive derived from pine stumps, are considered known harmful additives that contribute to the product’s low score.

Mountain Dew Spark Zero Sugar is a beverage that has not met the criteria for a cleaner food option due to its composition of non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and a range of harmful or potentially harmful additives. The product’s ingredient list reflects choices that prioritize shelf stability and visual appeal over health considerations. The rating reflects a clear stance: consumers seeking cleaner, healthier food and beverage options should avoid this product. This beverage exemplifies the type of product our website aims to steer consumers away from, guiding them towards choices that support a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner diet.