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

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because it is a highly formulated drink that combines concentrated fruit juices with a range of processed ingredients. Its additive list includes citric acid, malic acid, natural flavouring, sodium citrate, two artificial sweeteners (acesulfame K and sucralose), two preservatives (potassium sorbate and sodium metabisulphite) and a stabiliser (cellulose gum).

How does the presence of artificial sweeteners (acesulfame K and sucralose) affect people with diabetes or those watching their calorie intake?

Both acesulfame K and sucralose provide sweetness without adding measurable calories or raising blood glucose, making the drink suitable for calorie‑controlled or diabetic diets, but some individuals may experience digestive discomfort or prefer to avoid intense‑sweet synthetic compounds.

Is this product suitable for vegan consumers, and does it contain any common allergens?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, so the cordial is vegan, and the label does not contain animal‑derived additives. The only declared allergen is apple, which appears in the fruit‑juice concentrate, so people with an apple allergy should avoid it.

Robinsons

Double Strength Apple And Blackcurrent

Beverages

Product Insights

Double Strength Apple and Blackcurrant is a ready‑to‑mix cordial marketed by Robinsons, classified in the beverage family of artificially sweetened drinks and listed under the PNNS groups Beverages and Artificially sweetened beverages. It carries no Nutri‑Score label and is assigned to NOVA group 4, while its nutrition facts show virtually no sugar, fat or salt and only 2 kcal per 100 ml. Nevertheless, the formula includes several additives such as citric and malic acids, natural flavourings, sodium citrate, preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulphite), artificial sweeteners (acesulfame K, sucralose) and cellulose gum, which may be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal2 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates0 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical beverages, this double‑strength apple‑blackcurrant syrup contains virtually no sugar, fat or salt and only 2 kcal per 100 ml, far below the category averages of 5.7 g sugar, 1 g fat and 1 g salt.

Ingredients

Water, Fruit Juices from Concentrate (Apple 18%, Blackcurrant 2%), Acids (Citric Acid, Malic Acid), Natural Flavouring, Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate), Concentrates (Carrot, Apple, Blueberry, Hibiscus), Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose), Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulphite), Stabiliser (Cellulose Gum)

84%

35%

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