Is Mountain Dew Kickstart Bad For You?

Mountain Dew Kickstart is the company’s alternative to a better picker-upper. PepsiCo’s chief marketing officer said this kickstart would pose as a replacement for coffee or tea. And as far as health goes, the company proposes that each can is about 80 calories, and because it isn’t marketed as an energy drink, customers feel more relaxed when drinking it. After all, they’re not downing a Coffee from Starbucks with over 300mg of caffeine. And mind you, we don't need more than 400mg a day according to Mayoclinic—4 cups of coffee.

But as you should be familiar with by now, just because a company claims something is healthier, doesn’t mean it is. The sad truth is that “healthy” sells, and when companies slap on a label corresponding to this, pseudo-health-conscious customers eat it up. But we know you’re better than that.

Fewer Calories? Yes.

So let’s dive into this calories claim. 80 calories isn’t so bad compared to other drinks. But what makes the calorie count so low, you may be wondering. Artificial sweeteners. Rule of thumb: question EVERYTHING that has artificial in front of it.

Artificial sweeteners have been scrutinized in several different occasions, and it’s actually kind of confusing. Artificial sweeteners aren’t all made equally, which is why they are approved by the FDA, but there’s always a catch. Research indicates that cancer may be out of the question, but atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, the laundry list goes on and on.

And the thing is, we’re not even entirely sure if cancer is out of the question. After all, the research to determine side effects used only a small sample of artificial sweeteners. Who knows what happens after months and years of adopting to an artificial sweetener type of lifestyle?

Fewer Chemicals? No.

The compelling argument regarding calories has been dispelled. The other, and possibly the main reason consumers are tricked into buying this concoction is from the caffeine.

In addition with artificial sweetener, the Kickstart has some secret weapons that make it appealing and tasty - along with all the other processed, preservative-rich foods that do no good.

And although we were on the fence with artificial sweeteners in regards to cancers, we have gladly jumped off and can ascertain that food dyes are carcinogenic.

There are about 9 food dyes out there willing to intrude and wreak havoc on our biological functions. 3 of them are found in this line of beverage.

Red 40—linked to ADHD

Yellow 6—“Causes an unnecessary risk to the food supply,” says the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Yellow 5—linked to hyperactivity in children, can cause genetic mutations

Lastly, ask yourself if you need an energy drink, a kick start. People that give their body ample time for sleep/recovery, eat to fuel their body, and mentally detox themselves don’t really need a pick-me-up. Besides, who drinks soda for breakfast?

Take away: Don’t fall for health traps made by unhealthy brands. Often times, they’re not as healthy as you think.