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

The drink combines refined sugars, dextrose, an acidity regulator (E330), sodium citrate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, vitamin C, a permitted natural colour (E150a) and both a natural flavouring substance and artificial flavouring substances, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods, leading to its NOVA 4 classification.

How does the sugar and salt content of Apple drink affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 12 g of sugar per 100 g, the beverage can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 0.29 g of salt per 100 g adds a moderate sodium load that may contribute to elevated blood pressure in hypertensive individuals; moderation is advised.

Is Apple drink suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, so the drink is vegan and gluten‑free; however, the high carbohydrate content (12 g sugars per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a keto regimen, and although no pork or alcohol ingredients are present, halal certification is not indicated, so consumers should verify its status if needed.

johnson and Johnson • 200 ml

Apple drink

Beverages

Product Insights

Apple drink is a 200 ml carbonated apple‑flavoured beverage produced by Johnson and Johnson, marketed as vegetarian and bearing the Green Dot India label. It belongs to the Beverages and Sweetened beverages groups, carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), delivering 0 g fat, 0 g protein and 12 g of sugars per 100 g together with a moderate 0.29 g of salt. The formulation includes several additives such as citric‑acid (E330), potassium chloride, sodium chloride, colour 150a and both natural and artificial flavourings, which make it unsuitable for low‑sugar or additive‑sensitive diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal50 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates12 g

Sugars12 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average soft‑drink, this apple drink contains less fat (0 g vs 0.73 g) and slightly less salt (0.29 g vs 0.35 g), while its sugar level (12 g) is below the category average of 15.7 g but remains relatively high.

Ingredients

Purified water, Sugar, Dextrose, Apple Juice (reconstituted) 10%, Acidity Regulator (330), Sodium citrate, Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) CONTAINS PERMITTED NATURAL COLOUR (150a) AND ADDED FLAVOURS (NATURAL FLAVORING SUBSTANCE & ARTIFICIAL FLAVORING SUBSTANCES) [APPLE]

84%

35%

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