How Does Mold Thrive on...Nothing?

[Jinx]

We have a plastic jug of Crystal Lite, a sugar-free drink. Mold will form on the walls of the jug. How can mold survive off of nothing? Certainly, there is no sugar. Is the plastic better than we think? Any biologists out there care to explain?

[beowulff]

You sure it isn’t algae, which is photosynthetic?

But, even if it isn’t, Crystal Lite has 5 calories, so there is certainly enough nutrition for mold.

[Red_Stilettos]

There’s also a good chance the walls of the jug aren’t perfectly clean. Remaining biologicals ( proteins, fats, etc.) or bacteria provide plenty of nutrients for mold growth.

[Colibri]

@beowulff

But, even if it isn’t, Crystal Lite has 5 calories, so there is certainly enough nutrition for mold.

Crystal Lite doesn’t contain “nothing.” From here:

Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Maltodextrin, Aspartame, Magnesium Oxide, Contains Less than 2% of Natural Flavor, Acesulfame Potassium, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Color, Red 40.

Plenty there for a mold to live on.

[naita]

@Jinx

We have a plastic jug of Crystal Lite, a sugar-free drink. Mold will form on the walls of the jug. How can mold survive off of nothing? Certainly, there is no sugar. Is the plastic better than we think? Any biologists out there care to explain?

I’m having slight difficulty parsing your description of the situation. Is this a jug you’re keeping around and have had forever, where mould will occasionally form? Is is open, sealed, refilled, what?