Diet Mountain Dew is a popular carbonated beverage that is known for its citrus flavor. While it is marketed as having a “citrus taste,” it does not actually contain any orange juice. Instead, the citrus flavor in Diet Mountain Dew comes from concentrated orange juice, which is one of the ingredients listed on the label.
The ingredients listed on the Diet Mountain Dew label include carbonated water, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, citrus pectin, potassium benzoate (preserves freshness), aspartame potassium citrate, caffeine, sodium citrate, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, gum arabic, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), and calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor).
Concentrated orange juice is used in the formulation of Diet Mountain Dew to provide a citrus flavor. However, it is important to note that the orange juice is in a concentrated form, meaning it has been processed and reduced in volume. This allows for a more intense orange flavor without adding excessive liquid to the beverage.
In addition to concentrated orange juice, Diet Mountain Dew also contains other ingredients that contribute to its flavor and overall composition. Citric acid is commonly used as a flavor enhancer and provides a tart taste. Natural flavor is a broad term that can refer to a variety of ingredients derived from natural sources, which may contribute to the overall citrus taste of the drink.
To preserve the freshness of the beverage, potassium benzoate and sodium benzoate are included as preservatives. These ingredients help prevent the growth of microorganisms that could cause spoilage. Calcium disodium EDTA is also added to protect the flavor of the beverage by preventing the degradation of certain components.
Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame potassium citrate, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, are used in Diet Mountain Dew instead of sugar to create a low-calorie or calorie-free alternative. These sweeteners provide the desired sweetness without adding significant calories to the beverage.
Caffeine is another notable ingredient in Diet Mountain Dew. It is a stimulant that can provide an energy boost and is commonly found in many carbonated beverages. Sodium citrate is included to help regulate acidity levels in the drink, while gum arabic is a natural thickening agent that helps to stabilize the beverage.
While Diet Mountain Dew does not contain actual orange juice, the inclusion of concentrated orange juice and other ingredients provides it with a citrus flavor. It is important to read the ingredient list and nutritional information on the label to fully understand the composition of any beverage and make informed choices based on individual dietary preferences and restrictions.