Is Gatorade Zero Citron-Lime Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Gatorade
Gatorade Zero Citron-Lime is one of the soft drink products analyzed by Zerotox for Gatorade. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Ester Gum affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sucralose and acesulfame potassium as artificial sweeteners, raising concerns about synthetic additives. Tartrazine is also present, an artificial colorant linked to potential sensitivities.
Main concern
Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are artificial sweeteners, raising 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
- Water serves as the primary ingredient, ensuring hydration.
- Citric acid and sodium citrate contribute to flavor balance and acidity.
- Gum arabic acts as a stabilizer, enhancing texture and consistency.
Concerns
- Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are artificial sweeteners, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
- Tartrazine is an artificial colorant that may cause sensitivities in some individuals.
- The presence of salt may not be suitable for those monitoring sodium intake.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this soft drink.
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Is Water safe in this soft drink?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is the main component, providing hydration and serving as a solvent for other ingredients.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
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Is Citric Acid safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid adds tartness and acts as a preservative, but its acidity may not be suitable for all consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Sodium Citrate safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate helps regulate acidity and enhances flavor, though it may raise sodium concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: sodium citrate
-
Is Salt safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but may not be ideal for those on sodium-restricted diets.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Monopotassium Phosphate safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Monopotassium Phosphate is used here as buffer. Monopotassium phosphate is used to maintain pH balance, but its synthetic nature raises some concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: monopotassium phosphate
Read the full ingredient profile for Monopotassium Phosphate
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Is Gum Arabic safe in this soft drink?
Good
Gum Arabic is used here as stabilizer. Gum arabic is a natural gum that stabilizes the drink's texture and prevents separation.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: gum arabic
-
Is Sucralose safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Sucralose is used here as sweetener. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that provides sweetness without calories but raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sucralose (37 mg/591 ml)
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Is Acesulfame Potassium safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Acesulfame Potassium is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame potassium is another artificial sweetener that enhances sweetness but is linked to synthetic additive concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: acesulfame potassium (29 mg/ 591 ml)
-
Is Ester Gum safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Ester Gum is used here as emulsifier. Ester gum is a synthetic emulsifier that helps maintain consistency but raises quality concerns due to its artificial nature.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: ester gum
-
Is Natural Flavour safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Natural Flavour is used here as flavor. Natural flavoring enhances taste but lacks transparency regarding its specific components.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavour
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Is Tartrazine safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Tartrazine is used here as colorant. Tartrazine is an artificial colorant that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: tartrazine
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: 3240815
More from this brand: Gatorade 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.