Pepsi Max — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Pepsi Max by Pepsi DUMP — score 17/90.

A lab-built diet cola: artificial sweeteners, caramel color, and phosphoric acid dissolved in fizzy water. Zero sugar doesn't make it food.

Why this verdict

• Two artificial sweeteners (aspartame + acesulfame K) engineered to fake sweetness
• Caramel color E150d — a purely cosmetic industrial additive
• Phosphoric acid erodes tooth enamel and is tied to lower bone density
• Zero nutrition — no vitamins, minerals, or real food, just flavored fizzy water
• Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) with a chemistry-set ingredient list

Ingredients (8)

• Carbonated Water (safe) — Basic component of most beverages, provides fizziness.
• Caramel color (E150d) (concerning) — Sulphite-ammonia caramel added purely for cola-brown color; can contain 4-MEI, a compound flagged in animal studies.
• aspartame (moderate) — Artificial sweetener ~200x sweeter than sugar. Approved but heavily debated; keeps the drink at zero calories.
• Acesulfame K (moderate) — Artificial sweetener stacked on top of aspartame to boost sweetness cheaply.
• Phosphoric Acid (caution) — Acidulant giving cola its tang. Erodes tooth enamel and is associated with lower bone density at high soda intake.
• citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.
• sodium citrate (moderate) — Emulsifying salt in the process cheese.
• Flavourings (incl. caffeine) (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend plus caffeine, a mild stimulant. Generic 'flavourings' hide the actual formula.