The ingredients listed for Diet Mountain Dew are 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). From this list, it is clear that there is indeed orange juice in Diet Mountain Dew.
However, it is important to note that the orange juice used in the beverage is in the form of concentrated orange juice. Concentrated orange juice is made by removing the water content from freshly squeezed orange juice, resulting in a more concentrated flavor. This allows for a more intense orange taste to be added to the beverage without adding excessive amounts of liquid.
Citric acid is also listed as an ingredient in Diet Mountain Dew. Citric acid is a natural preservative commonly found in citrus fruits, including oranges. It is used in beverages to provide a tart and acidic flavor, as well as to help extend the shelf life of the product.
Natural flavor is another ingredient listed in Diet Mountain Dew. This term refers to flavors derived from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, or spices. In the case of Diet Mountain Dew, the natural flavor is likely used to enhance the orange taste of the beverage.
It is worth mentioning that Diet Mountain Dew also contains artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. These sweeteners are used in place of sugar to provide a sweet taste without adding calories. They are commonly used in diet beverages to offer a low-calorie alternative to traditional sugary drinks.
While Diet Mountain Dew does contain concentrated orange juice, it is important to note that the juice is not the main ingredient in the beverage. The concentrated orange juice is used in conjunction with other ingredients, such as citric acid and natural flavor, to create the distinct orange taste of Diet Mountain Dew.