Diet Mtn Dew is a popular soft drink that offers the taste of Mountain Dew without the calories. This article explores the ingredients found in Diet Mtn Dew, examining their purpose and potential health implications. We will analyze the components listed on product labels and delve into some of the controversies surrounding artificial sweeteners, colors, and other additives used in the beverage.
What is Diet Mtn Dew?
Diet Mtn Dew aims to provide the "great, exhilarating taste of Mountain Dew, without the calories." It is marketed as "The Only Diet With Dew In It." It is available in various forms, including bottles and as a drink mix for SodaStream. The SodaStream Diet Mtn Dew drink mix allows consumers to create their favorite beverage at home with fewer calories by adding the mix to fresh sparkling water.
Key Ingredients and Nutritional Information
A closer look at the ingredients and nutritional information is essential to understanding what makes up Diet Mtn Dew.
Diet Mtn Dew Bottles
A 16 fl oz bottle of Caffeine-Free Diet Mtn Dew contains:
- Calories: 0
- Servings Per Container: 1
- It is caffeine-free.
SodaStream Diet Mtn Dew
The SodaStream Diet Mtn Dew drink mix (14.9 fl oz) contains:
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- Calories: 0 per serving
- Servings Per Container: 24
- Serving Size: About 1 1/3 Tbsp (18 mL) makes 12 fl oz (360 mL)
Controversial Ingredients
While Diet Mtn Dew offers a zero-calorie alternative to regular Mountain Dew, some of its ingredients have raised concerns among health experts and consumer advocacy groups.
Artificial Sweeteners
Diet Mtn Dew uses artificial sweeteners to achieve its sweet taste without adding calories. Common artificial sweeteners include aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. These sweeteners have been the subject of debate regarding their safety and potential health effects.
The FDA considers aspartame, acesulfame potassium and sucralose to be "generally recognized as safe," but manufacturers do not need to present significant, peer-reviewed research to get a food additive into that category, Dr.
A World Health Organization (WHO) director noted that assessments of aspartame have indicated that while safety is not a major concern at commonly used doses, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.
A 2023 observational study found an association between aspartame and stroke, and between acesulfame potassium and sucralose with higher coronary artery disease risk.
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Artificial Colors
The artificial color Yellow 5, also known as tatrazine, has been flagged, especially for young children. Numerous epidemiological studies show an association with behavioral changes, including irritability, restlessness, depression, and difficulty sleeping. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has sponsored legislation in California that would call for removing artificial dyes from foods eaten by kids in schools.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors can contain synthetic chemicals, and safety evaluations may not be completely thorough.
Other Additives
Other controversial ingredients include:
- Calcium Disodium EDTA: A slightly salty powder that has been found to be related to digestive issues if consumed in very high amounts.
- Sodium Benzoate: Has been associated (without evidence of cause and effect), through various studies, with children’s hyperactivity, increased anxiety, hormone level disruption, and disrupted liver and kidney function, according to a 2022 study published in Nutrients.
Health Recommendations
Health experts recommend staying hydrated by drinking water. Drinking sodas with sugar or artificial sweeteners is “a poor role model for the young whose habits are forming,” according to Alice H. Lichtenstein, professor of nutrition science and senior scientist at the Tufts University Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. “It is better to never start drinking sweetened beverages than to have to shift away from them.”
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