Here you will discover which Dr Pepper sodas have high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and which ones contain other sweeteners. Let’s get into the details!
Dr Pepper & High Fructose Corn Syrup
Regular Dr Pepper contains high fructose corn syrup. It’s a common ingredient in sodas and is the key sweetener in soft drinks like regular Pepsi, Coke, and Mtn Dew.
However, not all varieties of Dr Pepper have HFCS. Diet, zero sugar, and made with real sugar sodas do not have HFCS in them.
| Dr Pepper Product | HFCS (Yes or No)? | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Dr Pepper | Yes | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine. |
| Diet Dr Pepper | No | Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Aspartame, Phosphoric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine. |
| Dr Pepper Zero Sugar | No | Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Aspartame, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine, Acesulfame Potassium, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Phosphate, Dimethylpolysiloxane. |
| Dr Pepper Cherry | Yes | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservatives), Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Malic Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Red 40. |
| Dr Pepper Cherry Zero Sugar | No | Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Malic Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Red 40. |
| Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream | Yes | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Phosphate. |
| Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Zero Sugar | No | Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Phosphate. |
| Dr Pepper Vanilla Float Soda | Yes | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Phosphate. |
| Dr Pepper & Cream Soda | Yes | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Phosphate. |
| Dr Pepper Cream Soda Zero Sugar | No | Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Phosphate. |
| Dr Pepper Made With Real Sugar | No | Carbonated Water, Sugar, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine. |
| Dr Pepper Made With Imperial Cane Sugar | No | Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine. |
HFCS Versus Sugar
Both HFCS and sugar are forms of added sugars that can contribute to health issues when consumed excessively.
HFCS contains roughly equal parts of glucose and fructose, whereas sugar primarily consists of sucrose, which is broken down into equal parts of glucose and fructose during digestion.
Some studies suggest that excessive consumption of fructose, whether from HFCS or sugar, may be linked to metabolic issues, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that it’s the excessive intake of added sugars in general, regardless of the source, that poses health risks.
From what we know about sugar and HFCS, the body processes them about the same. Furthermore, HFCS isn’t any more worse for the body than regular sugar. As The Cooper Institute explains, “scientists have not found anything unique about HFCS that would cause it to be any more obesity-promoting than any other sweetener.”
Moderation and a balanced diet remain key in managing the potential health impact of added sugars like HFCS and sugar. Ultimately, making informed choices about sugar consumption and focusing on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods is advisable for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when it comes to Dr Pepper, whether or not it contains high fructose corn syrup depends on the specific product variant. While some versions of Dr Pepper, such as the regular and cherry varieties, do contain HFCS, others like Diet Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, and several specialty flavors do not.
It’s essential to read the product labels and ingredient lists if you have dietary concerns or preferences. Do not rely on the ingredients here or from any other third party to make your final buying decision. Keep in mind that ingredients may change over time, so it’s a good practice to check product labels periodically for the most up-to-date information.
