Is First Choice Cola Zero Safe? Ingredient Analysis
First Choice
First Choice's First Choice Cola Zero 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
This cola contains E211 (sodium benzoate) as a synthetic preservative and E150d (caramel color) as an artificial colorant, raising quality concerns due to their synthetic nature.
Main concern
E211 (sodium benzoate) is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about synthetic additives.
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 enhance alertness and energy levels.
- Low-calorie formulation due to the use of sweeteners E951 and E950.
Concerns
- E211 (sodium benzoate) is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about synthetic additives.
- E150d (caramel color) is an artificial colorant that may indicate a highly processed 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 the beverage's refreshing base without any quality 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 product.
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 provides sweetness without calories but raises concerns about synthetic ingredients.
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 contributes to the product's low-calorie profile but raises quality concerns.
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 may raise concerns about acidity levels in beverages.
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 to maintain pH balance, but it is a processed ingredient with moderate concerns.
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 used to prevent spoilage, raising concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
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 nature raises some 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 processing involved may raise questions about its quality.
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: 4202997
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.