Mountain Dew does not contain orange juice; its flavor is primarily citrus, derived from artificial flavors and other ingredients.
Mountain Dew is one of the most popular citrus-flavored sodas, but many wonder about its ingredients. A common question is whether Mountain Dew contains orange juice. Let’s examine the facts about this iconic beverage’s composition.
The Ingredients in Mountain Dew
While Mountain Dew has a citrus flavor profile, its formula doesn’t include orange juice as a primary ingredient. The current U.S. formula contains:
- Carbonated water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Concentrated orange juice (small amount)
- Citric acid
- Natural flavors
- Sodium benzoate
- Caffeine
- Sodium citrate
- Erythorbic acid
- Gum arabic
- Calcium disodium EDTA
- Brominated vegetable oil (removed in 2020)
- Yellow 5 food coloring
Orange Juice Content in Mountain Dew
American Mountain Dew does contain a small amount of orange juice concentrate, though it’s not a significant percentage of the formula. The orange juice contributes to the citrus flavor profile but isn’t the dominant taste.
Interestingly, Canadian Mountain Dew recently removed orange juice concentrate from its formula entirely, making the two national versions slightly different. This change went largely unnoticed by consumers.
Why People Think Mountain Dew Contains Orange Juice
Several factors contribute to the misconception that Mountain Dew contains substantial orange juice:
- Citrus flavor profile: The drink’s taste suggests orange or lemon-lime flavors
- Historical marketing: Early promotions highlighted citrus ingredients
- Color association: The green hue makes people think of lime or orange
- Original formula: Earlier versions may have contained more juice content
Mountain Dew’s Flavor Profile
Despite the small amount of orange juice concentrate, Mountain Dew’s primary flavor comes from a blend of:
| Flavor Component | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Lemon | Bright, tart notes |
| Lime | Crisp, refreshing quality |
| Orange | Subtle sweetness |
| Other citrus | Complexity and depth |
How Mountain Dew Compares to Other Citrus Sodas
Unlike some orange sodas that contain significant juice content, Mountain Dew is primarily a flavored carbonated beverage. For comparison:
- Fresh orange juice contains 100% juice
- Orange sodas like Fanta contain about 2-5% juice
- Mountain Dew contains less than 1% orange juice concentrate
If you’re looking for actual citrus beverages, consider a quality citrus juicer to make fresh drinks at home.
The Evolution of Mountain Dew’s Formula
Mountain Dew has undergone several formula changes since its 1940s creation:
- Original 1940s formula (whiskey mixer)
- 1958 revised formula (carbonated soft drink)
- 1961 Tip Corporation version
- 1990s high fructose corn syrup addition
- 2019 removal of brominated vegetable oil
- 2023 Canadian version removed orange juice
Nutritional Considerations
While Mountain Dew contains minimal orange juice, it’s important to note its nutritional profile:
- High in sugar (77g per 20oz bottle)
- Contains caffeine (91mg per 20oz)
- Artificial colors and preservatives
- No significant vitamin content from orange juice
For a healthier citrus option, consider making your own juice blends using a nutritionally balanced approach.
Regional Variations
Mountain Dew formulas vary internationally:
| Country | Orange Juice Content | Notable Differences |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Contains small amount | Original formula with most flavors |
| Canada | None (since 2022-2023) | Slightly smoother taste |
| United Kingdom | Varies by version | Marketed as energy drink |
As this comparison shows, the presence of orange juice in Mountain Dew depends on where you’re drinking it.
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