Is Red Rhubarb Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Somersby
Somersby's Red Rhubarb 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 E150c, Carmine.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes apple wine and sugar, with artificial colors like E150c and carmine. These synthetic additives raise quality concerns, impacting the overall rating.
Main concern
Sugar is present, which raises concerns about excessive sweetness and processed ingredients.
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 apple wine (51%), providing a natural fruit base that contributes to flavor.
- Includes apple juice from concentrate (4%), adding a fruit-derived sweetness.
- Carbonated water enhances the refreshing quality of the drink.
- Natural lemon juice concentrate adds a citrus note, improving taste.
Concerns
- Sugar is present, which raises concerns about excessive sweetness and processed ingredients.
- Artificial colorants like E150c and carmine may indicate a highly processed composition.
- Citric acid as an acidulant can raise concerns about synthetic additives.
- Natural flavoring may lack transparency regarding its specific components.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
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 Apple Wine safe in this soft drink?
Good
Apple Wine is used here as base. Apple wine serves as the primary ingredient, providing a natural fruit base and flavor profile. Its fermentation process contributes to the drink's character.
Role in formula: base
Original: Apfelwein
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Is Water safe in this soft drink?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is essential for diluting and balancing the drink, ensuring a refreshing quality without any safety concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wasser
-
Is Sugar safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, but its presence raises concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Zucker
-
Is Apple Juice From Concentrate safe in this soft drink?
Good
Apple Juice From Concentrate is used here as flavor. Apple juice from concentrate adds natural sweetness and flavor, enhancing the overall fruitiness of the drink.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Apfelsaft aus Apfelsaftkonzentrat
Read the full ingredient profile for Apple Juice From Concentrate
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Is Carbon Dioxide safe in this soft drink?
Good
Carbon Dioxide is used here as flavor. Carbon dioxide is responsible for the drink's fizziness, contributing to its refreshing and enjoyable mouthfeel.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Kohlensäure
-
Is Lemon Juice Concentrate safe in this soft drink?
Good
Lemon Juice Concentrate is used here as flavor. Lemon juice concentrate adds a tartness that balances the sweetness, enhancing the drink's flavor complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Zitronensaftkonzentrat
Read the full ingredient profile for Lemon Juice Concentrate
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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 adjust acidity, but its synthetic nature raises concerns about the overall quality of the drink.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Säuerungsmittel (Citronensäure)
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavoring enhances the drink's taste, but the lack of specificity raises questions about its exact composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natürliches Aroma
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Is Carrot Concentrate safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Carrot Concentrate is used here as colorant. Carrot concentrate is used for coloring, providing a natural source, but its processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: färbendes Konzentrat aus Karotte
-
Is E150c safe in this soft drink?
Bad
E150c is used here as colorant. E150c is a synthetic caramel colorant that may raise concerns about artificial additives in the drink's composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Farbstoffe (E150c)
-
Is Carmine safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Carmine is used here as colorant. Carmine is a natural colorant derived from insects, which may raise ethical concerns and indicates processing.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: echtes Karmin
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: 3877470
More from this brand: Somersby 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.