Why is Black currant soft drink classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

NOVA 4 covers products that have undergone multiple industrial processes and contain additives; this drink lists citric acid, sodium citrate (with anthocyanin colour), acesulfame K, sucralose, potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulphite and cellulose gum, all of which qualify it as ultra‑processed.

How do the artificial sweeteners in this drink affect people with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake?

Acesulfame K and sucralose provide sweetness without adding measurable carbohydrates or calories, so they do not raise blood glucose directly, but some individuals may experience gastrointestinal sensitivity or prefer to limit non‑nutritive sweeteners for personal health reasons.

Is Black currant soft drink suitable for vegan, halal and gluten‑free diets?

Yes. All listed ingredients are plant‑derived, the product carries a halal label, and there are no gluten‑containing grains or wheat derivatives, making it compatible with vegan, halal and gluten‑free dietary requirements.

Robinsons

Black currant soft drink

Beverages

Product Insights

Black currant soft drink is a plant-based, artificially sweetened beverage classified in the PNNS groups "Beverages" and "Artificially sweetened beverages." It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature and the presence of additives such as acesulfame K, sucralose, potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulphite and cellulose gum, while providing virtually no calories, fat, salt or sugars. Although it is labelled "no added sugar" and contains water and a modest 20 % fruit‑juice concentrate, the drink relies on non-nutritive sweeteners and offers minimal nutritional benefit compared with typical fruit-juice beverages.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal0 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates0 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average 100 g of beverages, this soft drink contains essentially no fat, sugar, salt or calories, far below typical values such as 5.7 g sugar and 70 kcal per 100 g.

Ingredients

Water, Fruit Juices from Concentrate 20% (Blackcurrant 11% Red Grape 9%), Acid (Citric Acid), Natural Flavouring, Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate Natural Colour (Anthocyanins), Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose), Preservatives Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulphite), Stabiliser (Cellulose Gum). Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. SHAKE WELL. †DILUTE 1 PART CONCENTRATE WITH 9 PARTS WATER. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ADD EXTRA WATER IF GIVEN TO TODDLERS. CONTAINS NATURALLY OCCURRING SUGARS orge

84%

35%

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