Mountain Dew, Code Red, Flavored Dew Soda, Cherry, Cherry
Processing Score
12.5Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
—/10No Data
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
012000386060
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Nutrition data isn't available for this product.
Imported and store-brand products often ship without a structured nutrition label, so we leave it blank rather than estimate.
Ingredients
15 listed · 6 flagged for reviewCARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVES FRESHNESS), NATURAL FLAVOR, CAFFEINE, SODIUM CITRATE, GUM ARABIC, CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA, RED 40, BROMINATED VEGETABLE OIL, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?
In our analysis, Mountain Dew, Code Red, Flavored Dew Soda, Cherry, Cherry scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
- Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness)): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
- Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
- Other Additives (Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Caffeine): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
- Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
Within Soda, this product is more processed than about 64% of the 6,804 products we've analyzed.
Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.
What These Ingredients Tell Us
We group Mountain Dew, Code Red, Flavored Dew Soda, Cherry, Cherry's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.
- Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker
In this product: Gum Arabic.
Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Citric Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sodium Citrate, Calcium Disodium Edta.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Brominated Vegetable Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
This product is part of our wider analysis. It features in our Sparkling Water vs Soda and Kombucha vs Soda comparisons.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
Apple Real Fruit Soda, Apple
Hotlips
1.05.0
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Extra Ginger Beer
Soco
1.05.0
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Green Bee, All Natural Soda, Lemon Sting
1.05.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Green Bee, All Natural Soda, Lemon Sting, Lemon Sting
Green Bee
1.05.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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