Thums Up — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Thums Up by Cola DUMP — score 17/90.

'Taste the Thunder' is honest advertising in one sense: phosphoric acid strong enough to strip your enamel, added caffeine, and caramel color 150d. The sugar-plus-stevia combo isn't for your health — it's sweetness engineering that lets the sugar number shrink on paper while the formula stays a cola. Thunder, yes. Nutrition, zero.

Why this verdict

• Sugar water at its core — sugar is the second ingredient, delivering fast empty calories in liquid form
• Phosphoric acid (INS 338) gives the sharp bite but is linked to dental erosion and bone/kidney concerns at regular intake
• Dual sweetener system: sugar plus steviol glycosides — sweetness engineered to trim the label numbers, not to make it healthier
• Caramel colour 150d — the ammonia-sulfite process class carrying 4-MEI byproduct concerns
• Added caffeine plus artificial cola flavours — a fully industrial stimulant-flavor formulation with nothing food-like in it

Ingredients (7)

• Carbonated Water (safe) — Basic component of most beverages, provides fizziness.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
• Acidity Regulator (338 / Phosphoric Acid) (moderate) — Gives the sharp tang but is corrosive to tooth enamel and linked to lower bone density in heavy soda drinkers.
• Caffeine (moderate) — Mild stimulant, 43mg per serving. Fine in moderation but makes the drink mildly habit-forming.
• Sweetener (960 / Steviol Glycosides) (moderate) — A second, non-sugar sweetness source layered on top of sugar to amp up the sweetness — engineered palatability.
• Colour (150d / Caramel Color) (moderate) — Purely cosmetic brown dye; class-IV caramel color carries trace 4-MEI, a compound of some concern.
• Flavours (natural, nature-identical & artificial cola) (moderate) — A lab-built cola flavor blend including artificial flavoring substances — designed for craving, not nutrition.

Healthier alternatives

• Kirkland Signature Sparkling Water (Flavored Variety Pack)
• Simple Truth Black Cherry Sparkling Water
• Sparkling Water Black Cherry
• Good & Gather Lime Sparkling Water
• S. Pellegrino Water