Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry — DUMP
Munch or Dump rates Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry by Pepsi DUMP — score 20/90.
This is a fully built-in-a-lab beverage: carbonated water carrying two artificial sweeteners, caramel color, phosphoric acid, a preservative and caffeine. 'Zero sugar' is technically true, but the sweetness is engineered from an aspartame-plus-acesulfame blend rather than removed. There's no nutrition here to speak of, just flavor chemistry.
Why this verdict
- Two artificial sweeteners stacked — aspartame and acesulfame potassium
- Colored with caramel color rather than any real ingredient
- Contains phosphoric acid, which some research links to bone and kidney concerns at high regular intake
- Includes a preservative (potassium sorbate) and added caffeine
- No nutritional value — an entirely synthetic flavored soda
Ingredients (10)
- Carbonated Water (safe) — Basic component of most beverages, provides fizziness.
- caramel color (caution) — Artificial coloring for a browned look, no nutritional purpose.
- Phosphoric Acid (caution) — Acidulant giving cola its tang. Erodes tooth enamel and is associated with lower bone density at high soda intake.
- Natural flavor (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend; minor but not fully transparent.
- aspartame (moderate) — Artificial sweetener ~200x sweeter than sugar. Approved but heavily debated; keeps the drink at zero calories.
- Caffeine (moderate) — Mild stimulant, 43mg per serving. Fine in moderation but makes the drink mildly habit-forming.
- Potassium Sorbate (moderate) — Preservative for shelf life.
- POTASSIUM CITRATE (safe) — Real electrolyte; backs the sports-hydration claim.
- Acesulfame Potassium (caution) — Second artificial sweetener stacked with sucralose.
- citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.