Mello Yello vs Mountain Dew:
Introduction
Some of the most popular beverages on the market today are sodas of various flavors (Fanta, Sprite, Mountain Dew, or Mello Yello) and fizzy soft drinks like colas (Pepsi or Coca-Cola, etc).
What’s fascinating is that some of these beverages happen to contain caffeine – a central nervous system stimulant which most people associate with drinking their first cup of morning coffee.
Here is a comparison between Mello Yello and Mountain Dew, two popular soft drinks:
History
Mello Yello
It is a caffeinated, citrus-flavored soft drink that is manufactured by The Coca-Cola Company. It was introduced to compete with PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew on March 1, 1979.
In 1987, its logo was updated for the 1st time in history with all uppercase lettering. In 2015, Mello Yello unveiled a new logo with the “MY” emblem in black on yellow.
Mountain Dew
It was first created in Virginia in 1948 and was bottled and sold by the Minges family.
Mountain Dew slightly differs from many of the other carbonated drinks since it contains real orange juice.
In 1964, PepsiCo acquires this soft drink brand. Shortly thereafter, in 1969, the logo was changed as PepsiCo wanted to shift its focus to an outdoorsy and younger generation.
In 1966, this soft drink gained popularity with a new tag – “Ya-Hoo, Mountain Dew!”
In 2010, using a modified formula to meet their strict regulation standards, Mountain Dew Energy is released in the UK.
On April 18, 2016, PepsiCo announced the return of 2 popular favorites – Pitch Black and Baja Blast.
Caffeine
- Mello Yello – 51mg per can;
- Mello Yello Zero – 51mg per can;
- Mountain Dew – 54mg per can;
- Mountain Dew Game Fuel – 121mg per can.
Sugar
- Mello Yello – 47 grams per can;
- Mountain Dew – 53 grams per can.
Ingredients
Mello Yello contains:
- carob bean gum;
- high fructose corn syrup;
- Yellow 5;
- calcium disodium EDTA;
- carbonated water;
- potassium citrate;
- orange juice;
- citric acid;
- sodium (60mg/can);
- concentrated natural flavors.
Mountain Dew contains:
- brominated vegetable oil;
- high fructose corn syrup;
- calcium disodium EDTA;
- sodium citrate;
- carbonated water;
- erythorbic acid;
- sodium benzoate;
- citric acid;
- Yellow 5;
- gum arabic;
- concentrated orange juice;
- natural flavor;
- sodium (47mg/serving).
Side Effects
Mello Yello
High Fructose Corn Syrup
It is a type of artificial sugar made from corn syrup that is widely used as caloric beverages. Moreover, HFCS is used in cereals, baked goods, canned fruits, bread, desserts, ketchup, fruit juices, jams, and jellies.
According to research, excessive intake of high fructose corn syrup may play an important role in obesity.
Moreover, high fructose corn syrup leaves you feeling hungry shortly after eating. This makes you eat more food to satisfy your hunger.
Calcium Disodium EDTA
It is a chemical salt which is used to separate heavy metals from dyes and other compounds.
In soft drinks containing sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid, calcium disodium EDTA helps to prevent the formation of benzene, a potent carcinogen. As a food additive, calcium disodium EDTA helps to prevent flavor or color deterioration.
Overconsumption of foods and drinks containing EDTA can lead to:
- easy bruising;
- little or no urinating;
- pale skin;
- a light-headed feeling like you might pass out;
- chills;
- numbness or tingly feeling;
- fever;
- feeling very thirsty;
- pink or red urine.
Yellow 5
It is widely used in the making of jams, snack foods, potato chips, desserts, candy, soft drinks, pet food, cereals, shampoos and even in some cosmetics.
Yellow 5 may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly people with aspirin intolerance or asthma. Its signs and symptoms include:
- swelling of the tongue, throat, lips, mouth, and neck;
- hives;
- rash.
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Mountain Dew
Brominated Vegetable Oil
It has been used as a food additive in the carbonated beverages industry, mainly to help keep citrus-flavor oils suspended in beverages.
Health concerns about brominated vegetable oil arise from the fact that it contains an element found in brominated flame retardants, called bromine.
Sodium Benzoate
It is a chemical used as a preservative in some foods, like – margarine, pickles, jelly, and jam.
It is also used in soft drinks. Possible side effects include:
- increased urination;
- blurred vision;
- muscle pain or cramps;
- decreased urine;
- vomiting;
- dry mouth;
- nausea;
- fatigue;
- shortness of breath;
- flushed, dry skin;
- sweating;
- fruit-like breath odor;
- seizures;
- increased hunger;
- tingling in the hands, feet, or lips;
- increased thirst;
- loss of appetite;
- irregular heartbeat.
Sodium Citrate
It is the sodium salt of citric acid and is typically used in food as a flavor preservative or enhancer.
Possible short-term side effects may include:
- restlessness;
- allergic reaction;
- weakness;
- dizziness.
Also, individuals with heart problems or too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) should avoid foods and drinks containing sodium citrate.
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Mello Yello vs Mountain Dew – Final Words
Both soft drinks contain a small amount of caffeine (around 50 mg per can), considering that a 16-oz cup of coffee from Starbucks, a grandé, usually has approximately 320 mg of caffeine.
That’s the caffeine equivalent of six cans of Mountain Dew or Mello Yello.
However, it is important to limit both. One can of soda or one cup of coffee per day is usually fine. If you are regularly having more, you should consider switching to beverages higher in nutrients and lower in caffeine.
For instance, consider choosing bottled water (sparkling or plain) or adding an 8-ounce glass of herbal tea or to replace your soda (or coffee) intake.
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Important Note
Pregnant women are commonly advised to limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 mg or less (don’t forget that green and black teas and chocolate also have caffeine), due to concerns about the effect it may have on an unborn baby.
Some people can experience increased anxiety (even full-blown panic attacks) due to caffeine intake.
Also, for anyone suffering from insomnia, it is worth quitting caffeine consumption for several weeks, to see if it will help.
Sources https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10408398.2016.1247252 https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/determination-of-caffeine-in