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Mountain Dew Kickstart Review - 19 Things You Need to Know

Mountain Dew Kickstart is a line of energy drinks giving you “just the right amount of kick.” Looking at the ingredients, there are only 90 milligrams of caffeine. This is a little more than the caffeine content in your average cup of coffee.

While the claim is to give you the right amount of kick, our research team focused on the benefits of the ingredients. Are the ingredients effective? Are there potential side effects? Then, we compiled our data to give you the bottom line.

Mountain Dew Kickstart can be purchased through their Official Site.

Mountain Dew Kickstart Readers: Noom is offering our readers a risk-free trial, for a limited time. Click here for more information!
Overview

What is Mountain Dew Kickstart?

The new Mountain Dew Kickstart is considered an energy drink but is advertised as a breakfast beverage meant to take the place of your morning coffee or juice.

The drink contains far less caffeine than other popular energy drinks, like Red Bull and Monster, with only 92 mg of caffeine. The official website touts the drink as three in one – Mountain Dew, juice, and caffeine – but does the drink have the “benefits” of all three?

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How Did Mountain Dew Kickstart Start?

The Kickstart Mountain Dew energy drink, made by PepsiCo. Inc., first appeared on the market in February 2013.

The new Mountain Dew Kickstart idea came about when research showed that soda drinkers were looking for an alternative morning drink.

mountain-dew-kickstart-start

Kickstart Mountain Dew came from a breakfast drink that Taco Bell introduced the year before, which combines orange juice with Mountain Dew.

Claims

Mountain Dew Kickstart Claims

According to Mountain Dew Kickstart, it’s a juice with just the right amount of caffeine to give you the boost you need to start your day.

Although it’s carbonated and features Mountain Dew in the recipe, they claim that the 5% juice content is enough to be considered a juice drink by the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA allows energy drink companies to decide if they want to label their drink as an energy drink or dietary supplement. Companies that label their energy drink as a beverage must follow the Nutritional Labeling and Education Act of 1990 and have the conventional Nutritional Facts panel.

If the energy drink is labeled a dietary supplement, they need to follow the Dietary Supplement Health and Education panel, much laxer.

Ingredients

Mountain Dew Kickstart Ingredients

  • Carbonated water
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Natural juice concentrate
  • Caffeine
  • Sodium benzoate

High fructose corn syrup is an inexpensive cane sugar substitute that was introduced in the 70s, according to the National Institutes of Health. Beverages containing this kind of syrup are a common source of excess calories, and therefore weight gain, per the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism

Mountain Dew Kickstart Nutrition Facts

Kickstart by Mountain Dew contains ingredients that will probably raise a few eyebrows for those trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. For example, the beverage comprises several controversial artificial sweeteners, including:

  • Sucralose
  • Acesulfame potassium
  • High fructose corn syrup

High fructose corn syrup is one of the drink’s main ingredients.

Limited use of artificial sweeteners is considered safe, while long-term and excessive use of artificial sweeteners has been linked to severe health issues.

mountain-dew-kickstart-sugar

Too Much Sugar?

Another issue is the amount of sugar in each serving. Each 16-ounce can contains 20g of sugar.

The daily recommended amount of sugar for women is 25g, and for men, it 38g, which means that if you drink two cans of Kickstart by Mountain Dew, you’ve already surpassed your daily amount of allowed sugar intake.

There are 80 Mountain Dew Kickstart calories per serving and 100% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. Considering the Mountain Dew nutritional facts that are available; this is not the ideal beverage if you are looking for something that has nutritional benefits.

Does Mountain Dew Kickstart Work?

If you were to believe Kickstart Mountain Dew commercials, then one drink would give you enough of a boost to get you up and going about your day.

The only thing is that the main active ingredient in this beverage is caffeine, and it contains far less of it compared to other energy drinks and coffee.

The product might be a good option for those who don’t regularly consume caffeine, but that’s pretty much where the buck stops.

Benefits and Results

Mountain Dew Kickstart Benefits and Results

There are only 90 milligrams of caffeine in a 16-ounce can, compared to the 310 milligrams of caffeine in a 16-ounce cup of Starbucks coffee, which may give you the shakes or an upset stomach you don’t have a tolerance for caffeine.

There are only 80 calories in Mountain Dew Kickstart, but much of that is from the drink’s sugars.

mountain-dew-kickstart-benefits

There are none, even with the 5% natural fruit juices, as far as any dietary benefits. The results of drinking Kickstart Mountain Dew energy drink depends on your tolerance for caffeine.

According to Current Neuropharmacology, caffeine has several benefits, including cognitive enhancement and the nervous system’s stimulation. Still, if you are a regular coffee drinker, the amount of caffeine in Mountain Dew Kickstart may not make any difference at all.

Mountain Dew Kickstart Results

Although the official website claims that consuming moderate amounts of Mountain Dew Kickstart is safe, many issues raise concern.

Besides a small dosage of Vitamin C and B, the rest of this beverage’s ingredients are far from healthy.

It contains a high amount of sugar and food dyes, leading to some severe side effects. The amount of caffeine in Mountain Dew Kickstart is not as high as other energy drinks or coffee, so it may not even give you the boost it claims if you have any tolerance to caffeine.

Suppose you are looking for a soda with a little more caffeine. Then this might be the product for you. But if you want something to help you lose weight or give you more energy, there are many other better options.

Details on Mountain Dew Kickstart and Weight Loss

The only unusual ingredient for weight loss is caffeine, but the formula contains such a small amount that it most likely won’t have any effect.

This beverage contains only 20mg more caffeine than regular Mountain Dew. A study published in Food Science and Biotechnology is much less than most dietary drinks that use caffeine as one of their active ingredients for weight loss.

Additionally, Mountain Dew Kickstart contains a lot of sugar, both natural and artificial, which pretty much cancels out any benefit the caffeine may have had in helping with losing weight.

How to Use Mountain Dew Kickstart

According to the official website, Mountain Dew Kickstart is designed to be a morning drink that replaces coffee, juice, or tea. But the Mountain Dew Kickstart commercials show people drinking the beverage at all times during the day – and for several reasons.

They seem to be trying to reach out to energy drink consumers while avoiding the controversy associated with the dangers of consuming energy drinks that contain too much caffeine.

Side Effects

Potential Mountain Dew Kickstart Side Effects

Although the amount of caffeine is small, some people have claimed to experience jitters and diarrhea.

Other side effects of caffeine include:

  • Headaches
  • Agitation
  • Ringing in ears
  • Chest pain

mountain-dew-kickstart-side-effects

Other ingredients in the drink can lead to severe side effects, especially high fructose corn syrup, which is the second ingredient listed after carbonated water.

Product Warnings

Mountain Dew Kickstart Product Warnings

Other than potential allergens, the official website offers no warnings about the ingredients in their products.

On the other hand, if you take a look at the ingredients, there are several factors.

Besides the high amount of sugars, several food dyes that research has shown can be very harmful. Although the FDA approves red 40, research links it to hyperactivity in children.

According to Acta Biomedica, consuming caffeinated energy drinks comes with potential risks. More research needs to be done concerning its side effects, according to Birth Defects Research

Lawsuits

Any Mountain Dew Kickstart Lawsuits?

Although there are no specific lawsuits against Mountain Dew Kickstart, some class-action cases are against similar energy drinks.

There is also an ongoing class-action lawsuit against energy drink companies for improper testing and inadequate labeling.

Mountain Dew Kickstart Flavors

Mountain Dew Kickstart comes in a variety of flavors, including:

  • Black Cherry
  • Blueberry Pomegranate
  • Fruit Punch
  • Mango Lime
  • Midnight Grape
  • Orange Citrus
  • Original
  • Pineapple Orange Mango
  • Raspberry Citrus
Price

Mountain Dew Kickstart Price

The price of Mountain Dew Kickstart varies by location and flavor. However, the product is less expensive compared to other energy drinks.

Where to Buy Kickstart Mountain Dew

Because Mountain Dew Kickstart is produced by the biggest food and beverage companies in the US, the product is not difficult to find.

mountain-dew-kickstart-where-to-buy

However, finding the best Mountain Dew Kickstart flavor is not always as easy. There are ten different flavors, and it also comes as Kickstart Hydrating Boost and Kickstart Recharger.

Is Mountain Dew Kickstart Bad For You?

When you take all the information available about Mountain Dew Kickstart, you have a soda that has a little more caffeine and a little bit of natural fruit flavor.

There has been a lot of research done on soda and the effects on your health. None of it has been positive. We already know that too much sugar can be bad for you, but sugary drinks are the worst.

Sugary drinks, such as Mountain Dew Kickstart, have been linked to weight gain, the American Journal of Public Health states.

Mountain Dew Kickstart also contains empty calories, which means it provides no essential nutrients, such as antioxidants or fiber. Studies have shown that sugary drinks can also be very addictive.

Whenever we eat sugar, dopamine is released, and we feel a sense of pleasure. Our brains are hardwired to seek out anything that releases dopamine.

If you have a predisposition to addiction, you can become a problem and quickly become addicted to consuming sugary drinks.

Mountain Dew Kickstart Alternatives

If you aren’t sold on Mountain Dew Kickstart, there are some popular and well-liked alternatives such as:

Red Bull

This is the top energy drink globally and is available from the Austrian company, Red Bull GmbH.

Monster Energy

This energy drink is produced by Monster Beverage Corporation, which also has 34 different drinks in the United States, including Muscle Monster, Java Monster, and Monster Extra Strength.

5-Hour Energy Shot

The official website claims that a 2-3 ounce shot of this beverage will give you hours of energy and alertness.

Other Alternatives to Mountain Dew Kickstart:

What Users Are Saying

What Users Are Saying

“Less caffeine than a normal energy drink which is good if you’re watching caffeine consumption, but pretty much tastes like a soda.”

“If you’re like me you’re not really into coffee, but you still enjoy a nice caffeine buzz but don’t want diabetes that come with all the sugar in modern energy drinks, this isn’t so bad with about 14gs, still in no way “healthy” but it certainly doesn’t seem as bad as your standard 50 something + grams of sugar”

“Started drinking Kickstart about a year ago. One a day. I liked the flavor, low calories and caffeine. Last month I went for my annual checkup. My doctor told me I was pre-diabetic. I stopped drinking Kickstart. I am now NOT pre-diabetic. Read labels people. High fructose corn syrup, added sugars. This stuff is not good for you period.”

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line on Mountain Dew Kickstart

Still, considering Mountain Dew Kickstart? Well, we like this company’s longevity and that this beverage is readily available, but we have some concerns because any clinical studies do not back mountain Dew Kickstart. Furthermore, we’re skeptical about it containing artificial sweeteners to reduce the sugar amounts and side effects reported by customers.

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Mountain Dew Kickstart

Q:
What is Mountain Dew Kickstart?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart is a breakfast beverage that is advertised as an energy drink. It contains caffeine, juice concentrate, carbonated water, and high fructose corn syrup, among other ingredients.

Q:
How much caffeine does Mountain Dew Kickstart have?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart has 92 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce can. This is less than other popular energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster.

Q:
What are the side effects of Mountain Dew Kickstart?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart side effects, mentioned in customer reviews, included jitteriness, anxiety, sleeplessness and upset stomach.

Q:
What are the ingredients in Mountain Dew Kickstart?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart ingredients include carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, white grape juice concentrate, coconut water concentrate, citric acid, vitamins and minerals

Q:
Is Mountain Dew Kickstart considered a juice drink?
A:

Yes, Mountain Dew Kickstart is considered a juice drink by the Food and Drug Administration, as it contains 5% juice content.

Q:
Where can I buy Mountain Dew Kickstart?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart can be purchased using their Official Site.

Q:
Does Mountain Dew Kickstart work?
A:

There’s no published clinical research showing Mountain Dew Kickstart will help you lose weight. We did find solid science supporting the benefits of caffeine, but the results didn’t back this particular formula.

Q:
How much does Mountain Dew Kickstart cost?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart varies, based upon where you shop for the drink. Several grocery stores and online retailers offer the product for less than $2.

Q:
How should I use Mountain Dew Kickstart?
A:

You should use Mountain Dew Kickstart based upon your needs. You can drink multiple bottles per day, but remember each can contains caffeine.

Q:
Does Mountain Dew Kickstart have any nutritional benefits?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart contains 80 calories per serving and 100% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, but it is not an ideal beverage if you are looking for something with nutritional benefits.

Q:
Is Mountain Dew Kickstart an energy drink?
A:

According to Mountain Dew Kickstart, it is an “enhanced soft drink,” not an energy drink.

Q:
How many calories are in one can of Mountain Dew Kickstart?
A:

One can of Mountain Dew Kickstart contains 80 calories.

Q:
Does Mountain Dew Kickstart come with a guarantee?
A:

There’s no mention of a guarantee with Mountain Dew Kickstart, considering the drink isn’t sold on the official website.

Q:
What is the difference between Mountain Dew and Kickstart?
A:

Kickstart is marketed as an “enhanced” soft drink. While the regular Mountain Dew contains 72 mg of caffeine, Kickstart contains 92 mg. Additionally, Kickstart has more vitamins and minerals.

Q:
How many Kickstart drinks can you drink a day?
A:

The average adult can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine. Since each 16 ounce can of Kickstart contains 92 mg of caffeine, you can theoretically consume 3-4 cans. However, it is important to control your caffeine consumption with other beverages and foods.

Q:
How many Kickstart flavors are there?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart comes in multiple flavors, including:

  • Original Dew
  • Orange Citrus
  • Black Cherry
  • Midnight Grape
  • Fruit Punch
  • Mango Lime
  • Pineapple Orange Mango
  • Blueberry Pomegranate
  • Raspberry Citrus
Q:
Is Mountain Dew Kickstart good for you?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart is a low-calorie soft drink that contains added caffeine and other ingredients. While some argue that the additional caffeine and calories can help you stay alert and energized, it is important to remember that too much caffeine and sugar can have negative effects on your health, such as increased blood pressure and dehydration. Therefore, it is best to limit your intake of Mountain Dew Kickstart and all other caffeinated beverages in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Q:
Is Mountain Dew Kickstart a healthy beverage?
A:

Mountain Dew Kickstart is not a healthy beverage due to its high sugar and artificial sweetener content. However, it may be a good option for those looking for a quick caffeine boost.

118 Mountain Dew Kickstart Reviews

  • America! **** yeah!

    PUPPY MONKEY BABY!

    Reply
  • Do some research online first
    Daniel (Verified Purchase)

    Sounds like so many uneducated people on here. Would you even consider to correct your grammar on the internet? Also anything with caffeine will make your heart beat faster. Coffee is the same exact way and will give you the poops as well. Do some research online first people.

    Reply
    • Your Name

      Puppy Monkey Baby, Puppy Monkey Baby

      Reply
  • Your Name

    China you nasty you cat ,dog,rats,snake, camel hump,lil eyes and big heads

    Reply
    • anonymous

      The mountain dew kick start is awsome yeah maybe it’s sweet so what America dosent. Need you cross eyed. Chinese basterds opion if you don’t like it stay in your own country

      Reply
      • Joseph

        Win!!!! ?.

        Reply
      • anonymus

        Midnight Grape and Fruit Punch are my favorite

        Reply
  • They do better for me
    rene (Verified Purchase)

    I started with kick-start as a trial when they were 1.00. I would buy 20 at a time. They do better for me than monster, red bull, now, etc.

    I work out. It’s an energy drink so yes water and plenty of water should go along with it. As I work out I have hydroxycut along with the kick-start. I get a great sweat within 20 mins. I workout for about 30-40 min cardio.

    The rapid heartbeat will happen of course because it’s suppose to as an energy drink. That’s why you workout. It will dehydrate you that’s why you drink water.

    It’s not for everyone depending on the taste. I like new flavors that are out.

    If you have medical conditions speak with your doctor but remember you can’t drink any of these drinks and just sit down. You have to be active.

    Reply
  • bad side effects
    Your Name (Verified Purchase)

    it has bad side effects

    Reply
    • Daniel

      Kickstart is a great energy drink probably the best out there and it also taste awesome.

      Reply
  • DEEZNUTS

    lol

    Reply
  • it was great
    Lisa (Verified Purchase)

    I tried your watermelon flavor this morning 2/12/16 after a long night up with my sick son and I had to be to work this morning and I wanna say it was great! I was hesitant to try it because most energy drinks make my heart race but this one didn’t and so far I am alert and have energy to feel like I can make it through the day. You definitely have a customer in me. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  • blood pressure medicines
    Barbara

    If u are on blood pressure medicines should u drink this?

    Reply
    • Arnold (Editor)

      This product contains 92 mg of caffeine. If that is acceptable for you, drink with doctor’s approval.

      Reply
  • Feels really good
    sydney (Verified Purchase)

    well its good but later in life my dog ran away and i can feel it so good nigh

    Reply
  • The best drink for me
    anahi rodriguez reyes (Verified Purchase)

    i loved it it is the best drink

    Reply
  • Taste good but not happy
    Destiny (Verified Purchase)

    I had one yesterday and by time I got home about two hours later my heart was beating so bad I just now got up at 2:00pm not very happy. But it taste good!!!

    Reply
    • Your Name

      i agree

      Reply
  • Working great so far
    Joshua (Verified Purchase)

    I had a kickstart about 5 hours ago I feel fine they are amazing

    Reply
    • Nathan

      Really? First of how old are you? Also why does your heartbeat fast that doesn’t happen to me.

      Reply
    • Evan

      Same here no problems and i love the new flavors i love fruit punch and midnight grape. I really recommend kick-start because it has Les calories and sugar than regular mtn dew and it is much better for you than monster and redbull

      Reply
  • Kickstart Victim

    Been addicted to Kickstart since it came out. I think its been 4 years now, and I’m starting to feel sick and ill. I’ve gained weight and I get sick of it every so often. Alot of the time the flavor of it tastes different compared to other kickstarts. Fruit Punch being my favorite. It feels the heaviest in terms of coloring and poisons. Its not the caffiene I’m addicted to. There’s something else in Kickstart that has me hooked. I don’t know what it is but I’ve been its victim for 4 years. I’ve tried to stop. I warn others to stay away from energy drinks all together. Go! Live a free and healthy life before you die in a pile of empty cans. Its full of ingredients used in house cleaners and car cleaners. I warn you as an addict to stay away from Kickstart! Run!

    Reply
  • This is delicious
    Your Name (Verified Purchase)

    Itz delicous im 15 and id ont drink energy drinks that often only one i will is kicjstart

    Reply
    • LovInya Major

      first time drinking energy drinks and it’s good I will by more in the future I am 14 almost 15.

      Reply
  • Ended Up WIth This Product having Diehera
    sharon (Verified Purchase)

    Well I do have to say it does make a difference in the energy level, but it doesn’t do good on the bowels. My daughter, boyfriend, and I all started drinking it and all ended up with diaharia.

    Reply
    • Your Name

      You dont need to drink that much then. I drink one per week, just when I feel the week has caught up to me and I need a boost. The vit. alone will make you poop…just sayin’ – this is defiantly another drink you responsible for how much you consume.

      Reply
  • Good Stuff
    Robert A. Guill (Verified Purchase)

    I love this drink but I get the 12 oz. So its only 14 grams of sugar and it has coconut water. I feel great and never feel a crash and have drink them 5 days a week for about a month and a half. Good stuff.

    Reply
    • Your Name

      and the coconut water !!!

      Reply
  • Best drink that ever come out
    Charles (Verified Purchase)

    Best drink that Pepsi Mountain Dew ever come out with where to get a mountain dew kickstarts everyday 12 a day everyday love it and I don’t get sick without it great job

    Reply
    • JayJ

      Damn bro you savage! I just recently got one this morning I feel fine so far but I’m kinda nervous to have another…. BUT DAMN IT TASTED GOOD!!!

      Reply
    • Bobby

      thats a lot… i usually drink 2 a day when im at work. So that’s one when i get there(because who doesn’t get extremely tired when the get to work) and one during my lunch.

      Reply
  • I fell In a sec
    jesse (Verified Purchase)

    Just drank it rigjt know ill let u know how i fell in a sec…

    Reply
    • Your Name

      Lol… Lol

      Reply
  • Not Suggest For Child
    Julie (Verified Purchase)

    I let me seven ur old drink one and an hr later she was throwing up and breathing hard. Would not suggest this again for a child

    Reply
  • michelle

    I have high blood pressure,anxiety,and depression..all of which i take medications for. Is kick start safe for a person in my position… I am 52 years old and about 50 pounds overweight

    Reply
    • Kayler

      You’ll be fine. Its not like a real energy drink. I take meds too and this is the only thing that doesn’t give me palpitations.

      Reply
      • Your Name

        I don’t think kayler is a doctor so I wouldn’t listen to the stupid advice if you’re 50 pounds overweight it occurred over time it could do that make you gain weight so I don’t know if you really want to drink this gives you anxiety its got caffeine your high blood pressure I just don’t think it would be A good idea for you so I wouldn’t drink it I wouldn’t listen to kayler because Kayler he is not a doctor

        Reply
        • Your Name

          This guy put kyler on blast like a troll kickstart is fine hater

          Reply
    • Your Name

      I am 73..Had one last night..Blood pressure is good..I feel good this morning.
      I am going to drink one occasionaly..

      Reply
    • W

      Drop the freaking drink, go to the gym and exercise. It will make you feel much better than a soda will. Smh

      Reply
      • John_Part

        So much edge.

        Reply
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