Is Cola Zero Sugar Safe? Ingredient Analysis
First-Choice
First-Choice's Cola Zero Sugar is reviewed here as a soft drink. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sodium Benzoate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
This soft drink contains synthetic additives like sodium benzoate (E211) as a preservative and artificial sweeteners (E951, E950). These raise concerns about processed ingredients and potential health implications.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns due to its processed nature.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains carbonated water, a basic ingredient that provides refreshment without additives.
- Natural flavoring is included, which can enhance taste without synthetic alternatives.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns due to its processed nature.
- Artificial sweeteners (E951, E950) may pose health concerns and are often viewed negatively in terms of natural composition.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this soft drink, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Carbonated Water safe in this soft drink?
Good
Carbonated Water is used here as base. Carbonated water serves as the primary ingredient, providing hydration and a refreshing base for the drink.
Role in formula: base
Original: Koolzuurhoudend water
-
Is Caramel Color safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color (E150d) is used for aesthetic purposes, but its synthetic nature raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: kleurstof: E150d
-
Is Aspartame safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame (E951) is an artificial sweetener that is controversial due to potential health risks associated with synthetic additives.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: zoetstof: E951
-
Is Acesulfame Potassium safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Acesulfame Potassium is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame potassium (E950) is another artificial sweetener that raises concerns about its long-term health effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: zoetstof: E950
-
Is Phosphoric Acid safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Phosphoric Acid is used here as acidulant. Phosphoric acid (E338) is used to provide acidity and enhance flavor, but its presence indicates a processed formulation.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: voedingszuur: E338
-
Is Sodium Citrate safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate (E331) acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain pH levels, but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: zuurteregelaar: E331
-
Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that helps prevent spoilage but raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: conserveermiddel: E211
-
Is Caffeine safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Caffeine is used here as flavor. Caffeine is included for its stimulating effects, but its presence in soft drinks can be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cafeine
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this soft drink?
Good
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavoring is used to enhance taste without synthetic alternatives, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natuurlijk aroma
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4202747
More from this brand: First-Choice products in Zerotox
Similar products: soft_drink in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.