# Mountain Dew > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Mountain Dew - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Beverages - **Size:** 20 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mountain-dew-20-oz - **Slug:** `mountain-dew-20-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients (high-fructose corn syrup), multiple additives (preservatives, colorants, emulsifiers, EDTA), and flavorings typical of ultra-processed foods, placing it in NOVA group 4. ## Review Mountain Dew 20 fl oz is a bright, neon-green citrus-flavored soda that lives in the soft drink aisle and cold grab-and-go coolers of American grocery stores, shelved beside other citrus sodas, colas, and energy drinks. You’re likely to spot it stacked near six-packs, next to mixers and single-serve bottles by the checkout. It fits impulsive runs—road trips, game-day snack shopping, late-night study sessions, or party stock-ups—where a high-sugar, caffeinated boost is desired. The brand leans hard into youth culture and high-energy lifestyle marketing, evoking gaming, extreme sports, and a rebellious, fun-seeking demographic of teens and young adults. Labels play up bold logos and bright colors rather than health claims; you’ll see “natural flavor” listed but no organic or low-sugar certification, and the front-of-package imagery emphasizes excitement more than nutrition. In plain terms, this product is highly processed: it’s made from industrial sweeteners, flavor concentrates, preservatives, colorants, and stabilizers. Sensory notes: intensely sweet with a pronounced citrus aroma, sharp carbonation that tingles the tongue, and a syrupy finish that lingers; caffeine adds a perceptible bite. Packaging is typically lightweight plastic with a screw cap, easy to toss in a cooler or cupholder; the ritual often involves cracking a chilled bottle, pouring over ice or sipping straight from the bottle during social or solo activities. Overall, Mountain Dew functions as a convenient, high-impact treat—an indulgence that signals energy and fun more than nourishment, firmly embedded in American convenience-culture. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 290 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 105mg (5% DV) - **Total carbs:** 77g (28% DV) - **Total sugars:** 77g - **Added sugars:** 77g (154% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Concentrated Orange Juice, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Gum Arabic, Erythorbic Acid (Preserves Freshness), Calcium Disodium EDTA (to Protect Flavor), Yellow 5. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Yellow 5** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, road-trip, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, convenient ## FAQ ### Is Mountain Dew healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! Mountain Dew is high in sugar, with 46 grams per serving, which can lead to a quick energy boost but might not be the best choice for regular consumption if you’re watching your sugar intake. Think of it more as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple! ### Is Mountain Dew vegan? Nope, Mountain Dew isn't vegan. While it doesn't contain any direct animal products, it does have some ingredients that might raise eyebrows, like the natural flavors, which can sometimes include animal-derived components. If you're strictly vegan, it’s best to steer clear. ### Is Mountain Dew gluten-free? Yes, Mountain Dew is gluten-free! So if you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or dietary preferences, you can enjoy a refreshing sip without worry. Just keep an eye on cross-contamination if you’re super sensitive! ### Does Mountain Dew contain seed oils? Nope, Mountain Dew doesn’t contain any seed oils. It’s primarily made up of carbonated water and sweeteners, so you won’t find any of those controversial oils lurking in the ingredient list. It’s a straightforward beverage in that regard! ### Does Mountain Dew contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in Mountain Dew. Instead, it gets its sweetness from high fructose corn syrup, which is a common sweetener but not the same as those zero-calorie alternatives. So if you’re looking for a sugar rush, this is your drink! ### Is Mountain Dew high in sugar? Absolutely, Mountain Dew is high in sugar! With 46 grams of added sugars per serving, it definitely qualifies as a sugary beverage. If you're counting your sugar intake, keep this one for special occasions rather than everyday hydration! ### What are healthier alternatives to Mountain Dew? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider sparkling water infused with natural fruit flavors. Brands like LaCroix or even homemade fruit-infused water can satisfy your fizz craving without the sugar overload. Or try a light lemonade for a sweet-tart fix without as much sugar! ### Can kids drink Mountain Dew? While kids can technically drink Mountain Dew, moderation is key! With its high sugar content and caffeine, it might be better reserved for special occasions rather than a daily drink. There are plenty of healthier options out there for everyday hydration! ### Is Mountain Dew good for weight loss? Mountain Dew isn’t exactly a weight-loss champion! With its high sugar content, it can contribute to extra calories that might not be the most helpful if you’re trying to shed pounds. If you’re on a weight loss journey, you might want to opt for lower-calorie drinks instead. ### Is Mountain Dew ultra-processed? Yes, Mountain Dew is considered ultra-processed. It contains multiple ingredients, including preservatives and artificial colors, which means it’s not a minimally processed food. While it can be fun to enjoy, it’s always good to balance it with whole foods in your diet! ## Related products - [Gatorade Zero Orange 8 Pack 20 oz Bottles](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gatorade-zero-orange-8-pack-20-oz-bottles-160-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gatorade-zero-orange-8-pack-20-oz-bottles-160-oz - [Green Mountain K-Cups, Hazelnut](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-mountain-coffee-roasters-k-cups-hazelnut-1060-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/green-mountain-coffee-roasters-k-cups-hazelnut-1060-oz - [Twining's Tea Black Tea Lady Grey](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/twinings-twinings-tea-black-tea-lady-grey-20-ct) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/twinings-twinings-tea-black-tea-lady-grey-20-ct - [New England Coffee K-Cups, Decaffeinated Colombian](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/new-england-coffee-k-cups-decaffeinated-colombian-480-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/new-england-coffee-k-cups-decaffeinated-colombian-480-oz - [Spindrift Pink Lemonade Sparkling Water 8pk](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/spindrift-pink-lemonade-sparkling-water-8pk-96-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/spindrift-pink-lemonade-sparkling-water-8pk-96-oz - [Core Hydration Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/core-hydration-water-3040-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/core-hydration-water-3040-oz - [So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage, Vanilla](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/so-delicious-coconut-milk-beverage-vanilla-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/so-delicious-coconut-milk-beverage-vanilla-32-oz - [Chock Full O'nuts Coffee, Ground, Arabica, Medium, Heavenly Hazelnut 10.2 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chock-full-onuts-coffee-ground-arabica-medium-heavenly-hazelnut-102-oz-1020-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chock-full-onuts-coffee-ground-arabica-medium-heavenly-hazelnut-102-oz-1020-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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