Is Cola Zero Sugar, No Calories Safe? Ingredient Analysis
First-Choice
First-Choice's Cola Zero Sugar, No Calories 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 Caramel Color, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes synthetic additives like E211 (sodium benzoate) as a preservative and E951 (aspartame) as a sweetener, raising quality concerns. The presence of artificial color E150d also indicates a processed nature.
Main concern
E211 (sodium benzoate) is a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns.
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 caffeine, which can provide a temporary energy boost.
- E338 (phosphoric acid) is a common acidulant that enhances flavor.
- Natural aroma contributes to the overall taste profile.
Concerns
- E211 (sodium benzoate) is a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns.
- E951 (aspartame) is an artificial sweetener linked to health debates.
- E150d (caramel color) is an artificial colorant that may pose quality issues.
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 the drink's refreshing base without any health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Koolzuurhoudend water
-
Is Caramel Color safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color (E150d) is an artificial colorant used for aesthetic purposes, raising concerns about synthetic additives in the drink.
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 has been subject to health debates, raising concerns about its long-term safety.
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 may raise quality concerns due to its synthetic nature.
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 add acidity and enhance flavor, but its presence in soft drinks can raise safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: voedingszuur: E338
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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 the drink's pH balance, but it 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 prevents 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 synthetic sourcing can raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cafeine
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is used to enhance taste, but the specific sources are often undisclosed, raising transparency issues.
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: 4202591
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.