Is Mountain Dew an Energy Drink?

Mountain Dew is one of the most popular carbonated drinks in the world. You can buy it almost anywhere and it comes in a variety of flavors, too.

But is Mountain Dew an energy drink? Technically speaking, no. You see, energy drinks are typically marketed as such because they contain high quantities of caffeine and other energy-boosting ingredients.

Unfortunately for Mountain Dew drinkers (but fortunately for our general health), this beverage doesn’t fit that bill. That said, there are several reasons why you might think that Mountain Dew is an energy drink.

In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about Mountain Dew and whether or not it’s an energy drink. Let’s begin!

What’s the Difference Between Mountain Dew and an Energy Drink?

Energy drinks come in many different forms, but they all contain certain key ingredients. Chief among these are caffeine and various other stimulants.

Energy drinks are also often loaded with taurine, B vitamins, and other ingredients that can have positive effects on the body.

So, if Mountain Dew doesn’t have caffeine or any of the other ingredients common in energy drinks, then what makes people think of it as an energy drink?

Well, one reason is the type of marketing used by PepsiCo to sell Mountain Dew. The beverage’s slogan is “Just Add Pep” and the company has spent decades marketing it as the ultimate beverage for “extreme” activities.

This might have led some consumers to believe that the drink was an energy drink. Another reason why some people think of Mountain Dew as an energy drink is the sheer amount of sugar in a single serving. Soda of any kind is not recommended as part of a healthy diet, and Mountain Dew has a lot of sugar.

Does Mountain Dew Have Caffeine?

Energy drinks often contain high numbers of caffeine. Indeed, this is one of their main selling points: to provide the consumer with an energy boost.

So, does Mountain Dew have caffeine? Well, it used to, but PepsiCo has recently decided to remove caffeine from the drink.

This is a significant change, especially considering that Mountain Dew was one of the most caffeinated beverages on the market. But what exactly prompted this decision?

Well, there are several factors behind this decision. For starters, the company wants to be more appealing to health-conscious consumers and children who have not yet developed a taste for coffee or tea.

There have also been several studies linking high levels of caffeine consumption to health issues. So, removing the caffeine from Mountain Dew makes the drink more appealing to a wider audience.

How Does Mountain Dew Compare to Other Sodas?

Now that we know that Mountain Dew doesn’t have caffeine and it isn’t an energy drink, what are the nutritional stats of this soda?

Let’s take a look. One of the reasons that Mountain Dew was marketed as an energy drink in the first place is the very high level of sugar (40 grams) in a single can. That’s a lot of sugar for one beverage, and it’s especially dangerous for younger drinkers and people who are dieting.

The caffeine content of Mountain Dew used to be extremely high, but the newly caffeine-free version still has a lot of sugar. With all that sugar, the calories in a can of Mountain Dew can add up quickly and potentially lead to weight gain.

How Is Mountain Dew Similar to Energy Drinks?

Like we just noted, Mountain Dew used to be an energy drink. Since it no longer contains caffeine, however, it falls into a different category now. But how is Mountain Dew similar to energy drinks?

Well, one reason behind soda’s popularity is that it’s a source of B vitamins. This can be great for people who want an energy boost but don’t drink coffee or tea. The high level of sugar in Mountain Dew can also provide energy, albeit in a much less healthy way than caffeine.

In fact, a large amount of sugar in a single can of Mountain Dew can easily cause blood sugar spikes and subsequent dips in energy. This is not a sustainable source of energy, and it can also lead to serious health issues.

What is the Healthiest Option When Drinking Mountain Dew?

There are so many ways to drink Mountain Dew, from straight-up soda to the more recent Mountain Dew-flavored protein shakes.

All of these drinks provide you with a big jolt of sugar and caffeine, which will provide you with a short-term burst of energy but come with long-term health consequences.

There are much healthier ways to drink Mountain Dew that provide the same satisfying flavor without the negative health effects. One such option is to make it into a soda float. Simply pour in a can of Mountain Dew and then add some vanilla ice cream to the top.

This is a great dessert or snack that provides the same burst of energy without sugar overload. Another great option is to make a Mountain Dew smoothie. Simply blend together some Mountain Dew and frozen fruit for a cool and sweet beverage that provides a lot of energy without the sugar crash.

Conclusion

Mountain Dew is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but it’s not an energy drink. While it used to contain caffeine, the drink is now caffeine-free. Despite this, many people still think of Mountain Dew as an energy drink thanks to its marketing as an extreme sports beverage and its high sugar content.

Mountain Dew is definitely not a health beverage, but it’s not an energy drink, either. It’s just a sugary soda that provides a burst of energy that will leave you crashing shortly thereafter. If you want to get the same flavor without the negative health effects, try making a soda float or a smoothie.