Pepsi Max — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Pepsi Max by Pepsi DUMP — score 20/90.

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) — Just water and CO2, the neutral base of the drink.
• 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) — Intense artificial sweetener; IARC classifies it as possibly carcinogenic and it keeps the sweet-craving cycle alive.
• Acesulfame K (moderate) — Artificial sweetener; no calories but keeps the taste for intense sweetness alive.
• Phosphoric Acid (concerning) — Adds tartness but erodes tooth enamel and is linked to lower bone density with regular soda consumption.
• citric acid (safe) — Mild acidulant and preservative, generally harmless.
• sodium citrate (safe) — Acidity regulator to balance the pH. Benign.
• Flavourings (incl. caffeine) (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend plus caffeine, a mild stimulant. Generic 'flavourings' hide the actual formula.