Is Mountain Dew Real Sugar Discontinued?
Mountain Dew, a popular citrus-flavored soft drink, has been a staple in many households for decades. In recent years, the brand has faced controversy over its sweeteners, with some fans calling for the return of real sugar. So, is Mountain Dew real sugar discontinued? Let’s dive into the details.
The History of Mountain Dew’s Sweeteners
Mountain Dew was first introduced in the 1940s as a soft drink with a unique blend of citrus flavors. Initially, the drink contained high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as its primary sweetener. In the 1980s, the company introduced a new formula that replaced HFCS with sucralose, a popular artificial sweetener. This change was met with criticism from some fans who preferred the original formula.
The Rise of Sugar-Free Mountain Dew
In the early 2000s, Mountain Dew introduced a sugar-free version of the drink, sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame potassium. This move was seen as a response to the growing demand for low-calorie and sugar-free beverages. The sugar-free version quickly gained popularity, especially among health-conscious consumers.
The Controversy Over High Fructose Corn Syrup
In the 2010s, concerns about the health effects of HFCS began to surface. Critics argued that HFCS was linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. In response, Mountain Dew began to phase out HFCS in favor of HFCS-90, a variant with a lower fructose content.
The Introduction of Real Sugar Mountain Dew
In 2019, Mountain Dew launched a limited-edition Real Sugar version of the drink, sweetened with real sugar (sucrose) instead of artificial sweeteners. The move was seen as a nod to the original formula and a response to consumer demand. The Real Sugar version was marketed as a premium product, with a slightly sweeter taste and a more natural flavor profile.
Is Mountain Dew Real Sugar Discontinued?
So, is Mountain Dew real sugar discontinued? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. In 2020, Mountain Dew announced that it would discontinue the Real Sugar version of the drink due to low sales. However, the company has since reintroduced a new version of Real Sugar Mountain Dew, sweetened with a blend of real sugar and HFCS-90.
What’s the Verdict?
While Mountain Dew Real Sugar is no longer available in its original form, the brand has committed to using a blend of real sugar and HFCS-90 in its new version. This move is seen as a compromise between fans who prefer the taste of real sugar and those who are concerned about the health effects of HFCS.
Comparison of Mountain Dew Sweeteners
| Sweetener | Description | Health Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) | Corn syrup processed to contain 55% fructose | Linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems |
| Sucralose | Artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than sugar | May cause digestive issues and interact with medications |
| Aspartame | Artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar | May cause headaches, digestive issues, and interact with medications |
| Real Sugar (Sucrose) | Natural sweetener derived from sugarcane or sugar beets | Generally considered safe in moderation |
Conclusion
Mountain Dew’s history with sweeteners has been marked by controversy and change. While the brand has faced criticism for its use of artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup, it has also responded to consumer demand by introducing a Real Sugar version of the drink. While the Real Sugar version is no longer available in its original form, the brand’s commitment to using a blend of real sugar and HFCS-90 is a step in the right direction. Ultimately, the choice between Mountain Dew’s various sweeteners comes down to personal preference and individual health concerns.