Hard Mountain Dew? More Like Hard Mountain Don’t
Hard Mountain Dew is a new alcoholic beverage that recently hit the shelves and has people talking. But what exactly is in this drink? Is it dangerous? Continue reading to find out more about hard mountain dew and the many risks that come with heavily marketed alcoholic beverages.
What is Hard Mountain Dew?
Mountain Dew is an alcoholic malt beverage made from the popular soda brand that comes in four flavors, including original, Baja Blast, Black Cherry, and Watermelon. It contains no caffeine or sugar, has 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), contains 2.2 grams of total carbohydrates, and has 100 calories per 12 ounces. It is currently available in Iowa, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Virginia, and Las Vegas. Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose are used as artificial sweeteners.
Mountain Dew was created in East Tennessee in the 1940s by the Hartland brothers as a citrus-flavored, caffeinated whiskey mixer. “Mountain Dew” was a reference to the illegal corn and sugar-based liquor that was popular in the South after Prohibition, when alcohol couldn’t be sold, known today as moonshine.
In a news release promoting the arrival of hard Mountain Dew, it states that Mountain Dew is returning to its Appalachian roots as the first soft drink brand to offer an alcoholic version of its namesake.
Is Hard Mountain Dew Strong?
The drink contains 5% alcohol by volume or ABV making it a standard strength for a malt beverage. Other popular drinks in this category include White Claw and Truly, which both contain 5% ABV as well. The amount that the drink affects the consumer ultimately depends on their tolerance, weight, the amount they’ve eaten recently, and how much they consume.
Hard seltzers and malt beverages like hard mountain dew are being marketed as a healthful alternative for consumers seeking to limit their carbohydrate or calorie consumption. However, hard seltzers are not necessarily nutritionally sound. In fact, because they are lighter in calories and refreshing, you may find yourself consuming more. These types of alcoholic beverages are frequently associated with alcohol poisoning and other adverse health effects resulting from excessive alcohol consumption.
Is Hard Mountain Dew Available?
Hard Mountain Dew is currently available in seven U.S. states: Iowa, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Virginia, and the city of Las Vegas. As time progresses, hard Mountain Dew will be available in more and more states. The beverage is not available for order online, or in keg form.
What States Sell Hard Mountain Dew?
Currently, hard Mountain Dew is available for purchase in Iowa, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Virginia, and Nevada.
What are the Hard Mountain Dew Flavors?
Hard Mountain Dew is being sold in four different flavors: original, watermelon, black cherry, and Baja blast. There are several packaging options available for hard Mountain Dew. It will be available in 24oz. single-serve cans and a 12-pack 12oz. can Mix Pack, which will include three cans of each flavor.
How Many Calories Are in a Can of Hard Mountain Dew?
One 12-ounce can of hard Mountain Dew contains 100 calories. This is largely due to the zero-calorie sweeteners used in place of sugar to give the drink its sweetness. Although the calorie count is low, artificial, zero-calorie sweeteners should not be considered healthy.
A research report revealed that a high sucralose intake is associated with an elevated risk of diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and bowel disease.
What is the Price of Hard Mountain Dew?
Hard Mountain Dew costs approximately $3 for a single 12-ounce can and anywhere from $16 – $20 for a variety pack.
What is the Caffeine Content?
Hard Mountain Dew contains zero caffeine, unlike the original soft drink which is known for containing a significant amount of caffeine. Caffeine and alcohol are notoriously dangerous when combined, therefore the manufacturers of hard Mountain Dew likely agreed for the beverage to be decaffeinated as to avoid any liability or legal pushback.
Where is Hard Mountain Dew Made?
Hard Mountain Dew is manufactured by the Boston Beer Company located in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston Beer Company produces and sells beer, hard cider, and hard seltzers including Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Angel City, Coney Island, Concrete Beach, Wild Leaf, and Tura beverages.
Dangers Associated with Hard Mountain Dew
Prior laboratory research on alcohol absorption has found that the substitution of sucrose-based alcohol mixers for artificially sweetened ones has a substantial effect on gastric emptying, resulting in higher blood alcohol levels. As mentioned previously, hard Mountain Dew contains various artificial sweeteners, making this beverage very likely to produce high blood alcohol levels.
In addition, People are drinking more malt beverages and seltzers than they otherwise would, because these drinks advertise having fewer calories than beer, wine, or spirits. Furthermore, the unique manufacturing process allows manufacturers to create fruity flavors that are not found in other alcoholic drinks. This is especially alluring to young people and individuals who are under the legal age for consuming alcohol.
Researchers discovered that many of the ads in magazines with a large young readership and on radio stations that target ages 12 to 20 are for beverages popular with young people. “Low-alcohol refreshers” and “malternatives” are advertised exclusively to the youth market. With hard Mountain Dew being a spin-off of a popular soda that is frequently consumed by teenagers, this drink is no stranger to insidious marketing techniques.
Despite hard Mountain Dew being caffeine-free, sugar-free, 100 calories, and only 5% ABV, it is an alcoholic beverage and long-term alcohol use can lead to the development of serious health problems and other issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Liver failure
- Various cancers
- Weakened immune system
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Oasis Recovery
Because hard Mountain Dew is new to the craft malt beverage market, it is important to be aware of the risks that come with consuming this drink. Although it does not necessarily have a high ABV, is caffeine-free, and has only 100 calories, drinking too much can cause serious health problems and addiction can develop.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an alcohol addiction, it’s critical to seek professional assistance immediately. If you don’t seek help as soon as possible, alcohol abuse can cause severe, irreversible side effects. At Oasis Recovery Centre, we target the patient’s needs and concerns with individualized drug rehab programs. Every client is personally evaluated by the medical and clinical team at the start of the program to provide customized treatment plans.
It’s not impossible to overcome an addiction, provided you have the right assistance. To assist you or your loved one in overcoming an addiction to alcohol, we offer a variety of services and treatments. Please get in touch with us immediately to find out more. You no longer have to deal with your alcohol addiction on your own. We’ll get through this together.
