Why is Robinsons Apple & Blackcurrant classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The drink is labelled NOVA 4 because its formulation relies on many industrial ingredients and processing steps, including citric acid, malic acid, natural colour anthocyanins, sodium citrate, the artificial sweeteners acesulfame K and sucralose, preservatives potassium sorbate and sodium metabisulphite, and the stabiliser cellulose gum, all of which are added during manufacturing rather than being present in whole foods.

How does the sugar‑free but sweetener‑based formulation affect a diabetic diet?

The product contains zero grams of sugar, so it does not raise blood glucose directly, but the presence of non‑nutritive sweeteners such as acesulfame K and sucralose may trigger individual insulin responses or gastrointestinal sensitivity in some people; overall it can be used as a low‑calorie alternative when consumed in moderation.

Is the apple content in this drink a concern for people with an apple allergy?

Yes. Apple juice makes up 9 % of the beverage and is listed as an allergen, so anyone with an apple allergy should avoid this product to prevent an allergic reaction.

Robinsons • 1 l

Robinsons Apple & Blackcurrant

Beverages

Product Insights

Robinsons Apple & Blackcurrant is a 1 L PET‑bottled fruit‑based soft drink that contains water, concentrated apple (9 %) and blackcurrant (1 %) juices, acids, natural colour, flavouring and a blend of artificial sweeteners. It is classified in the “Beverages” and “Artificially sweetened beverages” PNNS groups, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and the presence of several additives such as citric acid, malic acid, anthocyanins, sodium citrate, acesulfame K, sucralose, potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulphite and cellulose gum. While it is low in calories, sugar and fat, the product does contain allergens (apple and metabisulphite) and a range of synthetic additives, so consumers should weigh the low‑calorie benefit against the additive load.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal2 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates0 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average fruit‑based beverage, this drink contains virtually no sugars, fat or salt, well below typical levels of 5.7 g sugar, 1 g fat and 1 g salt per 100 ml.

Ingredients

water, fruit juices from concerntrate (apple 9%, blackcurrant 1%), acids (citric acid, malic acid), natural colour (anthocyanins), natural flavouring, acidity regulator (sodium citrate), sweeteners (acesulfame k, sucralose), preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulphite ), stabiliser (cellulose gum),

84%

35%

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