Is Gatorade Zero Sugar Lemon Lime Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Gatorade
Gatorade Zero Sugar Lemon 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 Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Sucralose affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium benzoate (E211) as a preservative and artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame K), raising concerns about synthetic additives. The presence of artificial color (E102) also indicates processing.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises quality 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 water as the primary ingredient, ensuring hydration.
- Includes mineral salts which can help replenish electrolytes.
- Natural flavoring substances provide taste without artificial flavors.
- Stabilizers help maintain product consistency.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns.
- Artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame K) may have mixed safety profiles.
- E102 is an artificial color that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- The presence of multiple synthetic ingredients indicates a highly processed product.
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 serves as the primary ingredient, providing hydration essential for the drink's purpose.
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 is used to regulate acidity, enhancing flavor but can be a concern for those with sensitivities.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: ACIDITY REGULATOR (330)
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain pH balance in the drink.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: MINERAL SALTS
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Is Sodium Hexametaphosphate safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Sodium Hexametaphosphate is used here as sequestrant. Sodium hexametaphosphate is a synthetic sequestrant that raises concerns about synthetic additives in food.
Role in formula: sequestrant
Original: SEQUESTRANTS (452 (385)
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Hexametaphosphate
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Is Natural Flavoring Substances safe in this soft drink?
Good
Natural Flavoring Substances is used here as flavor. Natural flavoring substances enhance taste without the use of artificial flavors, contributing positively to the drink's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: FLAVOUR (NATURAL FLAVOURING SUBSTANCES
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural Flavoring Substances
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Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life but raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: PRESERVATIVE 200
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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 has mixed safety profiles.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SWEETENERS (955.960 a)
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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 may raise health concerns due to its synthetic nature.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SWEETENERS (955.960 a)
-
Is Sodium Alginate safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Sodium Alginate is used here as stabilizer. Sodium alginate is a stabilizer that helps maintain the drink's texture but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: STABILIZER (445 (iii))
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Is Tartrazine safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Tartrazine is used here as colorant. Tartrazine (E102) is an artificial color that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: COLOUR (102)
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: 4234784
More from this brand: Gatorade products in Zerotox
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Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.