How does the sugar content in Coca‑Cola affect a diabetic diet?

With 10.6 g of sugars per 100 g (about 26 g in a standard 330 ml can), Coca‑Cola delivers a rapid source of simple carbohydrates that can cause a quick rise in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes unless consumed in very limited quantities and accounted for in carbohydrate counting.

Based on its ingredients, is Coca‑Cola suitable for vegan, keto or gluten‑free diets?

The drink contains no animal‑derived ingredients and therefore is generally considered vegan, it is also gluten‑free, but its high sugar level makes it incompatible with a keto diet, which restricts carbohydrate intake.

Coca-Cola

coca-cola

Q: Why is Coca‑Cola classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Coca‑Cola receives a NOVA 4 rating because it is made from refined ingredients and includes several industrial additives; the label lists caramel colour (E150d), phosphoric acid (E338), natural flavourings and a caffeine flavouring, all of which are manufactured substances added to achieve its colour, acidity, taste and stimulant effect.

Beverages

Product Insights

Coca‑Cola is a carbonated sweetened beverage that belongs to the PNNS groups “Beverages” and “Sweetened beverages”. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting a high sugar content of 10.6 g per 100 g (42 kcal) while containing no fat, saturated fat, protein or salt. The drink is ultra‑processed, containing caramel colour (E150d), phosphoric acid (E338), natural flavourings and caffeine flavouring, which give it its characteristic taste but also contribute to its low nutritional quality.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal42 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates10.6 g

Sugars10.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average soda (15.71 g sugars, 0.73 g fat, 0.35 g salt, 80.74 kcal per 100 g), Coca‑Cola provides less sugar, fat, salt and energy per 100 g.

Ingredients

carbonated water, sugar. colour (caramel e150d). acid (phosphoric acid). natural flavourings. caffeine flavouring. best before: see side of cap or bottle neck. store cool and dry. *bottle made from 30% recycled plastic. label and cap are recyclable but not made from recycled plastic fat: of whi carbo of wh protein salt: *refere (8400kj 1.75l=7

84%

35%

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