Key findings
- 1Current Mountain Dew labels no longer list brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an emulsifier whose FDA authorization was revoked in 2024
- 2The formulation uses concentrated orange juice as a flavor base combined with high fructose corn syrup, synthetic preservatives, and a chelating agent
- 3Less processed alternatives include sparkling water with real citrus juice, or homemade citrus sodas using carbonated water and fresh juice
What goes into Mountain Dew products?
Mountain Dew's formulation begins with concentrated orange juice as a flavor base; unusual for a neon-yellow soda. High fructose corn syrup provides sweetness through an enzymatically converted corn starch syrup. Sodium benzoate acts as a preservative, while erythorbic acid (a synthetic antioxidant) prevents oxidation. Calcium disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds metal ions to prevent off-flavors and color degradation. Gum arabic (an emulsifier from acacia tree sap) keeps the flavoring oils suspended in the water-based liquid. Yellow 5 (tartrazine) creates the signature color. Current labels no longer list brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an emulsifier made from vegetable oil modified with bromine, whose FDA authorization was revoked in 2024.
How 20 mountain dew products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Mountain Dew brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a mountain dew label
- 1
Calcium disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds metal ions to prevent off-flavors and color degradation in the beverage
- 2
Sodium benzoate is a preservative that inhibits microbial growth, and it can form trace amounts of benzene when combined with ascorbic acid under certain conditions
- 3
Gum arabic keeps flavoring oils suspended in the liquid, without it, the oils would float to the surface
- 4
Yellow 5 (tartrazine) is a synthetic dye that creates the signature neon-yellow color
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Frequently asked questions
Did Mountain Dew contain brominated vegetable oil?
Yes, earlier formulations listed brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a vegetable oil modified with bromine, used as an emulsifier to keep citrus flavoring oils suspended in the liquid. Current labels no longer list it, and the FDA revoked its authorization in 2024.
What is the yellow color in Mountain Dew?
The neon-yellow color comes from Yellow 5 (tartrazine), a synthetic dye. It is one of six artificial colors that require a warning label in the European Union. Real citrus juice does not produce this color intensity.
Is Mountain Dew more processed than other sodas?
Of the 20 Mountain Dew products we score, 18 are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 2 are Level 3. Its less common ingredients include gum arabic, calcium disodium EDTA, and erythorbic acid, which simpler cola formulations usually do not list. Search another soda to see its products' own scores.