Why is ICED ENERGY SPARKLING ENERGY DRINK BLUEBERRY LEMONADE classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The drink is labeled NOVA 4 because it is formulated from refined ingredients and a suite of industrial additives, including the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame‑potassium, the preservatives sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, citric and malic acids for acidity, natural flavorings, and color concentrates from carrot and blueberry.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With zero added sugars and only 0.09 g of salt per 100 g, the beverage is low‑impact for blood‑glucose and blood‑pressure management, though the caffeine and artificial sweeteners may still influence insulin sensitivity and blood pressure in sensitive individuals.

Based on its ingredients, is this product suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The listed ingredients are plant‑based and contain no protein or gluten sources, making it compatible with keto and gluten‑free diets; however, the "natural flavors" are marked as possibly non‑vegan and halal status cannot be confirmed without supplier details.

STARBUCKS • 12 fl oz

ICED ENERGY SPARKLING ENERGY DRINK BLUEBERRY LEMONADE

Beverages

Product Insights

ICED ENERGY SPARKLING ENERGY DRINK BLUEBERRY LEMONADE is a carbonated, artificially sweetened beverage marketed by Starbucks. It falls into the artificially sweetened beverages subgroup, carries a NOVA 4 classification and has an unknown Nutri‑Score, delivering only 5 kcal per 100 g with no fat, sugar or protein but modest caffeine (≈0.16 g per serving). The formula relies on multiple additives such as sucralose, acesulfame‑potassium, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and natural flavorings, which make it highly processed despite its low calorie and sugar content.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal5 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average beverage, this drink contains virtually no sugar, fat, or salt and provides only 5 kcal per 100 g, far below the typical 5.69 g sugar, 1.04 g fat and 1.06 g salt found in the category.

Ingredients

Carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, green coffee bean extract, malic acid, sucralose, fruit and vegetable concentrate for color (carrot, blueberry), sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, ginseng extract, acesulfame potassium, niacinamide (vitamin B3), potassium chloride, D-calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), salt, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6).

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