Is Pepsi Zero Sugar Safe? Ingredient Analysis
PepsiCo
PepsiCo's Pepsi 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 Caramel Color, Aspartame, Acesulfame K.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
Composition analysis reveals artificial sweeteners (aspartame E951, acesulfame K E950) and synthetic preservatives (sodium benzoate E211) indicating a processed formulation with quality concerns.
Main concern
Includes artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K) which raise health 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 carbonated water, a basic ingredient that provides hydration.
- Natural flavoring substance adds taste without synthetic flavors.
- Low caffeine content (13mg/100g) suitable for moderate consumption.
Concerns
- Includes artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K) which raise health concerns.
- Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that may pose quality issues.
- Coloring agent (caramel color E150d) is artificial and linked to processing concerns.
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 beverage.
Role in formula: base
Original: Carbonated water
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Is Caramel Color safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color (E150d) is an artificial coloring agent used for aesthetic purposes, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: color (150d)
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Is Phosphoric Acid safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Phosphoric Acid is used here as acidulant. Phosphoric acid (E338) is used to enhance acidity and flavor but may raise concerns regarding its effects on dental health.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acidity regulators(338,330)
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Is Citric Acid safe in this soft drink?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid (E330) is a natural acid that enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, generally considered safe.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acidity regulators(338,330)
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Is Aspartame safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame (E951) is an artificial sweetener linked to various health concerns, raising quality and safety issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sweeteners(955,950)
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Is Acesulfame K safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Acesulfame K is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame K (E950) is another artificial sweetener that may pose health risks, contributing to the product's overall concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sweeteners(955,950)
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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 extend shelf life but raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: preservative (211)
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Is Caffeine safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Caffeine is used here as flavor. Caffeine (13mg/100g) is included for its stimulating effects, but its presence in soft drinks can be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: caffeine (13mg/100g)
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Is Natural Flavoring Substance safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Natural Flavoring Substance is used here as flavor. Natural flavoring substances are used to enhance taste, but their exact composition can be unclear, raising transparency issues.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: flavour (natural flavouring substance)
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Is Stabilizer safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Stabilizer is used here as stabilizer. Stabilizer (E436) is used to maintain product consistency, but its synthetic nature may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: stabilizer (436)
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: 4234779
More from this brand: PepsiCo 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.