Mountain Dew

Flavor:

Voltage

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Gum Arabic, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Blue #1, Red #40

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Mountain Dew Voltage earns a 1/5 green leaf rating, signaling a strong recommendation to avoid this food product. This beverage is not organic and contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are red flags for consumers seeking cleaner food options. The presence of added sugars, specifically citric acid and fructose, further detracts from its healthfulness. More concerning is the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a sweetener linked to various health issues, which significantly impacts the product’s rating.

The list of ingredients raises additional concerns. It includes artificial colors Blue 1 and Red 40, both of which are associated with potential health risks and are unnecessary for a product’s nutritional value. Sodium benzoate, a preservative, is another ingredient that carries a risk of adverse health effects. The inclusion of natural flavors is also problematic; although the term ‘natural’ may seem reassuring, it is often a cover for a variety of chemical additives that do not have to be disclosed in detail to consumers.

Mountain Dew Voltage also contains calcium disodium EDTA and sodium citrate, additives used to stabilize flavor and preserve freshness, yet they contribute to the product’s poor rating due to their potential health implications. Additionally, the use of Panax ginseng root extract does little to mitigate the negative impact of the other ingredients.

Given the combination of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and harmful additives, Mountain Dew Voltage is positioned as an unhealthy choice within the crowded market of food products. The 1/5 green leaf rating reflects the product’s alignment with a diet that prioritizes clean, healthy eating. Consumers are advised to seek alternatives that do not contain such a range of concerning ingredients, particularly when better options are available that support a wholesome diet.