Is Zero Sugar Cherry Cola Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Harris Teeter
Zero Sugar Cherry Cola is one of the soft drink products analyzed by Zerotox for Harris Teeter. 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 Aspartame affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
This product contains aspartame, a synthetic sweetener, and potassium benzoate, a preservative. These additives indicate a processed composition, raising quality concerns.
Main concern
Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener that raises concerns about artificial 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
- Carbonated water provides a refreshing base without calories.
- Natural flavors contribute to the cherry taste without added sugars.
Concerns
- Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener that raises concerns about artificial additives.
- Potassium benzoate is a preservative that may pose quality issues in processed beverages.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this soft drink.
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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 texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: carbonated water
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Is Caramel Color safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color is used for aesthetic appeal, but it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: caramel color
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Is Phosphoric Acid safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Phosphoric Acid is used here as acidulant. Phosphoric acid adds acidity and enhances flavor, but its presence in soft drinks raises safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: phosphoric acid
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Is Aspartame safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener that provides sweetness without calories, but it raises concerns about artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: aspartame
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Is Potassium Benzoate safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Potassium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Potassium benzoate is used to prevent spoilage, but its synthetic nature raises quality concerns in beverages.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: potassium benzoate
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors enhance the beverage's taste, but the specific composition is often proprietary and less transparent.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
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Is Citric Acid safe in this soft drink?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural acid that adds tartness and balances flavors, contributing positively to the beverage's profile.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Caffeine safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Caffeine is used here as flavor. Caffeine adds a stimulating effect and enhances flavor, but its presence may not be suitable for all consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: caffeine
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: 3276320
More from this brand: Harris Teeter 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.