Why is RED BULL Flavoured Drink classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The drink receives a NOVA 4 rating because it is formulated from refined sugar, isolated nutrients, and several food‑industry additives; its additive list includes sodium benzoate (preservative), citric acid (acidity regulator), flavoring agents, coloring substances, and sodium bicarbonate, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed beverages.

How does the high sugar content in RED BULL Flavoured Drink affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

Each 250 ml can provides 42 g of sugar, which can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes in diabetic individuals and contribute to elevated blood pressure in hypertensive consumers, making it unsuitable for regular consumption by those managing these conditions.

Is RED BULL Flavoured Drink suitable for strict vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

The product is not certified vegan because some ingredients such as taurine and choline bitartrate are listed as "maybe" vegan, and it contains a high amount of sugar that exceeds keto limits; however, it does not contain gluten‑derived ingredients, so it is technically gluten‑free.

RED BULL • 250ml

RED BULL FLAVOURED DRINK

Beverages

Product Insights

RED BULL Flavoured Drink is a 250 ml canned energy beverage manufactured in Thailand and sold in Malaysia. It belongs to the Sweetened beverages group, carries a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed classification and has an unknown Nutri‑Score, with 42 g of sugar per serving, no fat, and small amounts of protein and vitamins. The formulation includes stimulants such as taurine, preservatives like sodium benzoate, and a range of B‑vitamins, which together raise concerns about high sugar content and additive load despite providing quick energy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Sugars

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal72 kcal

Fat0 g

Carbohydrates17.6 g

Sugars16.8 g

Proteins0.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average energy‑drink profile, its sugar (16.8 g per 100 g) is slightly above the category average of 15.7 g, while fat (0 g) and protein (0.4 g) are below the typical 0.7 g and 1.1 g respectively.

Ingredients

FLAVOURED DRINK EACH 250 ML CONTAINS: Sucrose (42 g) Taurine (1000 mg) D-glucuronolactone (400 mg) 13.7-Trimethybxanthine (50 mg) Lysine (50 mg) Choline Bitartrate (50 mg) İnositol (50 mg) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) (20 mg) Vitamin B5 (5 mg) Vitamin B6 (4 mg) Vitamin B12 (4 mcg) Contains permitted acidity regulator (Citric acid, Sodium bicarbonate) Permitted preservative (Sodium benzoate) Permitted flavouring substances and colouring substances

84%

35%

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