Introduction
When it comes to determining how much sugar is in a single can of Mountain Dew, it’s important to note that the amount of sugar in each can varies depending on several factors. For example, different countries will have slight variations in the amount of sugar contained in their recipe for Mountain Dew. Additionally, the specific size and type of can you have affects the total amount of sugar it contains. To get an accurate reading, it’s important to know what type and size of can you are using in order to determine exactly how much sugar is found inside Mountain Dew.
Generally speaking, 12 ounces (about 340 milliliters) of Mountain Dew contains 46 grams (about 8 teaspoons) of sugar. This translates to around 164 calories solely from the added sugars found within a single can. It’s important to note that this amount does not cover any natural occurring sugars inherent within various ingredients used in Mountain Dew’s recipe; therefore, the true level of sugars present may be higher than what is stated above.
Nutritional Facts
Knowing the nutritional facts of food and drinks are an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. In this section, we are going to take a look at the nutritional facts of a popular soft drink, Mountain Dew. Let’s dive in and find out how many grams of sugar is contained in a can of Mountain Dew.
Amount of Sugar in Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is a soft drink that has become very popular in recent years, especially among young people. This beverage contains several ingredients such as caffeine, sodium and sugar. However, it is the amount of sugar that is particularly concerning for some consumers.
In a 16oz can of regular Mountain Dew, there are 56g of sugar – almost twice as much as Coca-Cola which contains 33g.
The sugar content in Mountain Dew increases when more than one can is consumed – if you’re having several cans a day then you could be consuming over 200g of sugar from these drinks alone! This amount is well over the recommended daily intake for adults (25g) and double the recommended allowance for children (12-25g).
It’s important to keep track of your intake, not just your caloric intake but also your daily allowance of added sugars. Added sugars can be contributed to snacks, sweets and soft drinks alike. Tracking all this consumption can help prevent diabetes and other health complications in the future.
Other Nutritional Components of Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew’s nutritional facts label on the cans and bottles list more than just the Sugar information. There are other components associated with the beverage such as Carbohydrates, Fat, Protein and various vitamins and minerals.
Depending on the variation of Mountain Dew being ingested – for example original, diet or a citrus/fruit flavor variety – there may be different values for each respective element.
- Carbohydrates – The primary carbohydrate found in regular Mountain Dew is sucrose which contains 45 g per 12 fluid ounces of soda combined with fructose mostly from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Low calories mountain dew alternative beverages typically contain artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
- Fat – Mountain Dew has zero fat content in it.
- Protein – Protein content is listed as zero grams in regular carbonated drinks like Mountain Dew. Diet varieties usually have a similar value since most protein sources use lactose as an additive which diet drinks avoid.
- Vitamins & Minerals – Various vitamins and minerals have insignificant amounts except small levels of Vitamin B12 contained usually over 0-1% Daily Value (DV). Caffeine is also listed separately since although it is not an essential mineral or vitamin nutrient and has no dietary value per se, its presence can affect individuals differently; therefore depending on one’s sensitivity it can be a significant nutritional amount at 54 mg per 12 fl oz serving for original varieties.
Health Effects of Consuming Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is a popular soda that contains a high level of sugar. A 20 ounce bottle of Mountain Dew contains 77 grams of sugar, equivalent to 19 teaspoons of sugar. This high amount of sugar can have drastic effects on one’s health when consumed in large amounts.
This article will discuss the potential health risks associated with consuming Mountain Dew.
Short-term Health Effects
When consumed in moderation, Mountain Dew consists mostly of water and an array of natural and artificial sweeteners and preservatives. However, regular consumption of large amounts of Mountain Dew—more than two cans per day— can have a range of negative effects on your health in the short-term.
The primary component in Mountain Dew is citric acid which can irritate or damage the cells that line the digestive tract. This can lead to indigestion, constipation, nausea, or other gastrointestinal issues and even further conditions such as ulcers or Crohn’s disease. High levels of citric acid can also increase risk of kidney stones, especially in menopausal women. Additionally, caffeine found in most drinks like Mountain Dew can dehydrate you by causing frequent urination and excessive perspiration. This can lead to dizziness, headaches, fatigue and disruption to sleep patterns.
Mountain Dew also contains nearly 20 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels followed by an energy crash. These intense sugar rushes elevate mood for brief moments but potentially induce dangerous health conditions over time if consumed regularly on account of high sugar ingestion such as obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
If consumed responsibly with healthy eating habits other drinks like Mountain Dew are not necessarily unsafe; however it is generally not ideally for people trying to lose weight or stay healthy due its highly harmful effects on health when excessively consumed.
Long-term Health Effects
Consuming too much Mountain Dew can have long-term implications to your health. More than 10% of a person’s daily calories should not come from added sugars, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Consuming large amounts of Mountain Dew puts you at an increased risk for developing many chronic diseases.
In addition to its high sugar content, Mountain Dew also contains artificial ingredients and other additives that can be harmful if consumed in excess. Long-term consumption of Mountain Dew has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Consuming a higher intake of sugar sweetened beverages like Mountain Dew is also associated with negative health effects such as an increased risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Consuming excessive amounts of soda such as Mountain Dew could also increase your risk for developing dental cavities over time due to its high sugar content. The acid found within soda can also damage tooth enamel, leading to discolorations or break down over time. The longer one consumes Mountain dew, the greater their likelihood is of experiencing adverse health outcomes especially if done in combination with unhealthy lifestyle choices like lack thereof exercise and poor nutrition.
Alternatives to Mountain Dew
Consumption of Mountain Dew is best avoided, as it contains high amounts of added sugar and caffeine, which can increase your blood sugar and contribute to health issues in the long run. If you’re looking for alternatives to Mountain Dew that are also low in fat and calories, here are some options:
- Sparkling flavored water: Sparkling flavored waters are a great alternative to Mountain Dew as they provide flavorful refreshment without the added sugar.
- Non-carbonated juices: Non-carbonated juices such as orange, grapefruit, or cranberry provide flavor without added sugar or caffeine. Many juices also contain essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and potassium.
- Homemade beverages: Homemade drinks can include fresh fruit juices mixed with seltzer or soda water for a refreshing twist. Experiment with different combinations of fruits and vegetables for a nutritious yet tasty beverage option.
- Diet sodas: Diet sodas are made with artificial sweeteners which provide fewer calories than regular sugary sodas. However, diet sodas still contain some amount of caffeine so choose wisely if you have trouble sleeping at night or tend to consume several sodas per day.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question “How many grams of sugar in Mountain Dew?” the answer depends on the size of the can or bottle that you purchase. A 12 oz can of Mountain Dew contains 46 grams of sugar, while a 20 oz bottle contains 77 grams of sugar.
While such a large amount of sugar may seem excessive, research has shown that sugary drinks like Mountain Dew provide energy for activities such as exercise and working out.
Therefore, it is important to remember to enjoy sugary drinks like Mountain Dew in moderation. In order to reduce the amount of sugar consumed from beverages like Mountain Dew, experts recommend finding lower-sugar beverages that are just as enjoyable, like sparkling water or unsweetened tea. By moderating your intake of sugary drinks and making healthy beverage choices wherever possible, you can stay healthy while also enjoying a refreshing beverage once in a while.