Celebrating 125 years of being one of the most unique and popular sodas around, Dr. Pepper is getting rid of its high fructose corn syrup. For now. It’s a temporary move to swap out the ingredient for real sugar, the ingredient formerly used by most soda manufacturers. The nostalgic-tasting soda will be available beginning July 4th weekend through September.

This move comes on the heels of other soda manufacturers doing retro versions of their beverages, like Pepsi Throwback.

What are the health implications? The real sugar is more ideal, as the sugar cane is broken down into what is basically pure sugar. Whereas the high fructose corn syrup that is traditionally used is becoming a health concern for its link as a culprit in the obesity epidemic. The beloved ingredient of the processed food industry is used because the processed sweetener is cheap to produce and extends the shelf life of the foods it is in.

The corn industry will tell us that they are nutritionally the same, but nutritionists will tell you that they’re not. Read our High Fructose Corn Syrup 101 to learn more, or watch this Understanding Sugar video.

So, as always, if you need a drink, stick to water. But if you need a soda, this anniversary Dr. Pepper will be slightly better than the usual. If it’s a sometimes treat instead of an all-the-time diet staple, then sipping some nostalgia can’t hurt.

Also Read:

Sign our Petition Urging Subway to Remove High Fructose Corn Syrup

Eating High Fructose Corn Syrup Worse Than Real Sugar



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How to Wean Yourself off Diet Soda