Why is Radler isotonic classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The drink combines industrially produced beer and a soft‑drink blend that includes several isolated ingredients such as fructose syrup, carbon dioxide (E290), magnesium carbonates (E504), zinc lactate, added vitamins, natural lemon flavor, and a stabiliser made from carob seed gum, all of which qualify it for the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar content of Radler isotonic affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 2.8 g of sugars per 100 g (about 14 g in a standard 500 ml can), the beverage contains added sugars that can raise blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes should monitor portion sizes, while its zero‑salt content means it does not add to sodium intake for hypertension management.

Is Radler isotonic suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑derived, so the drink is vegan, but it contains barley malt and barley, which introduce gluten, making it unsuitable for a gluten‑free diet; the presence of fructose syrup and other carbohydrates also means it is not keto‑compatible.

Union • 0.50 l

Radler isotonic

Beverages

Product Insights

Radler isotonic is a 0.5 liter non‑alcoholic radler produced by Union, classified under the Beverages and Sweetened beverages groups and composed of 50 % light non‑alcoholic beer and 50 % soft‑drink base. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C, belongs to NOVA group 4, and provides 22 kcal per 100 g with 2.8 g of sugars, no fat, no salt and negligible protein, making it low in calories and sodium but offering little nutritional benefit. The formulation includes carbon dioxide (E290), magnesium carbonates (E504), fructose syrup, natural lemon flavor, zinc lactate, vitamins and carob seed gum, marking it as an ultra‑processed beverage that may concern consumers seeking minimally processed drinks.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal22 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates5 g

Sugars2.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average non‑alcoholic beverage, this radler contains about one‑sixth the sugar (2.8 g vs 15.7 g per 100 g), no fat or salt and only 22 kcal versus 81 kcal, highlighting its lower calorie and sugar profile despite being ultra‑processed.

Ingredients

light non-alcoholic beer 50% (water, _barley_ malt, _barley_, hop extract), soft drink 50% (water, fructose syrup, concentrated lemon juice (2.7%), concentrated orange juice (1.5%), concentrated lime juice and acerola (0.6%), carbon dioxide, concentrated lemon extract, magnesium carbonates, natural lemon flavor with other natural flavors, zinc lactate, vitamins (niacin, thiamin, vitamin B12), stabilizer (carob seed gum))

84%

35%

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