A couple of words on caffeine. Mountain Dew in Canada has no caffeine in it. In the US, it has a substantial amount. The difference is a result of government regulations. In the US, caffeine can be added as an ingredient (hence, all of these 'new' beverages... caffeinated water, juices, etc.). In Canada, caffeine has to be naturally occuring. Any cola fits into this description (including Dr. Pepper, etc.) Also interesting, any guarana-based beverage also fits into this category (Pepsi's Josta--although we don't have it in Canada).
There are many examples of this. Right now, the sweetener ace-K (acesulfame-potassium) has been given the green light in Canada. Both Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke in Canada use an aspartame/ace-K blend. The difference is incredible! In the US, the FDA has yet to approve it (although that should change in the near future and watch how quick both companies are to market...). For anyone living on a border town (US/Canada), do a taste test... it's really quite a difference.
Another sweetener on its way (now that I'm on sweeteners) is sucralose. Cadbury/Schweppes has really taken to this sweetener in Canada (the Diet Crush line, etc.). This is also awaiting approval in the US.
Now, for Douglas over in Europre, your government regulations vary like mad! I was at a sweetener symposium and saw a presentation on the current status of sweeteners in different European countries... I apologize, but it was too complicated for me to remember any specifics. I do know that some countries have over seven approved (including the old saccharin and cyclamates--does anyone remember Tab?).
Cheers,
Kelly. |
