Is Zero Sugar Kool-Aid On The Go Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Heinz
This page reviews Zero Sugar Kool-Aid On The Go by Heinz as a soft drink. Its current score is 30/100, suggesting that it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Aspartame, Colour, Sweetener 950.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes aspartame and artificial color (E129), both raising significant quality concerns. The presence of synthetic additives indicates a highly processed product.
Main concern
Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener linked to health concerns, impacting overall safety.
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 ascorbic acid, which acts as an antioxidant, potentially supporting freshness.
- Maltodextrin serves as a thickener, enhancing texture in the drink.
Concerns
- Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener linked to health concerns, impacting overall safety.
- Artificial color (E129) raises quality concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential health risks.
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this soft drink and why it matters.
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Is Food Acids safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Food Acids is used here as acidulant. Food acids like citric acid (E330) are used to provide tartness and enhance flavor. While they are common, their processing raises some concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: food acids (296, 330)
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide used to improve texture and mouthfeel. It is derived from starch and raises moderate concerns due to its processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
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Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this soft drink?
Good
Calcium Phosphate is used here as buffer. Calcium phosphate is a mineral used to stabilize pH levels in the drink. It is generally recognized as safe and beneficial.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: calcium phosphate
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Is Aspartame safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that provides sweetness without calories. However, it has been linked to various health concerns, impacting safety.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: aspartame
-
Is Salt safe in this soft drink?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness in the drink. It is a common ingredient that does not raise significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used to improve texture and stability. Its processing raises moderate concerns regarding quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
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Is Colour safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Colour is used here as colorant. Artificial color (E129) is used for visual appeal but raises safety concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential health risks.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: colour (129)
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Is Natural And Artificial Flavour safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Natural And Artificial Flavour is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors enhance taste but can vary in quality. The presence of artificial flavors raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural and artifical flavour
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial Flavour
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Is Sweetener 950 safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Sweetener 950 is used here as sweetener. Sweetener 950 (acesulfame potassium) is an artificial sweetener that raises safety concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential health risks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sweetener 950
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Is Corn Syrup Solids safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Corn Syrup Solids is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup solids are used for sweetness and texture. They are processed and raise moderate concerns regarding quality.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup solids
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Is Ascorbic Acid safe in this soft drink?
Good
Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) acts as an antioxidant, helping to preserve freshness. It is a beneficial ingredient with no significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: acsorbic acid
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Is Antioxidant safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Antioxidant is used here as antioxidant. Antioxidant (E320) is used to prevent spoilage. While it serves a functional purpose, its synthetic nature raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: antioxidant (320)
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: 3213847
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