Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Summer Freeze Zero Sugar

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Potassium Citrate, Caffeine, Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Sucralose, Gum Arabic, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Potassium Sorbate (Preserves Freshness), Blue #1, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Red #40

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Mountain Dew Summer Freeze Zero Sugar is a beverage that our evaluation deems as having significant room for improvement in terms of healthfulness. It does not qualify as organic, nor does it utilize non-GMO ingredients, which contributes to its low score. The presence of added sugars, despite being a zero-sugar product, is due to the inclusion of citric acid, which functions as a preservative and adds a sour taste but can also be considered an added sugar in this context.

The product contains a range of artificial sweeteners, including acesulfame potassium, aspartame, and sucralose, which are widely used in the industry but have been met with health concerns from consumers and health advocates. The sweetener sucrose acetate isobutyrate also contributes to the negative scoring, as it is another form of added sugar.

In addition to sweeteners, the Mountain Dew Summer Freeze Zero Sugar has various additives that raise concerns. These include artificial flavors, potassium sorbate, and calcium disodium EDTA, which are common in processed foods but have been questioned for their long-term health effects. Moreover, the beverage contains artificial colors, specifically Blue 1 and Red 40, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children and other potential health risks.

The product’s use of high fructose corn syrup, listed under artificial flavors, further impacts the health score. This ingredient is associated with numerous health issues, including obesity and diabetes, and is a substantial factor in the product’s low rating.

The evaluation of the Mountain Dew Summer Freeze Zero Sugar leads to the recommendation to avoid this product. It contains a multitude of ingredients that are flagged for their potential negative impact on health, including artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. The product’s failure to be organic or non-GMO also contributes to its minimal green leaf rating. Consumers seeking cleaner food options would be well-advised to consider alternatives that prioritize natural ingredients and transparency in their formulations.