Why is Red Bull Sugarfree classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The drink is deemed ultra‑processed because it is made from many industrially derived ingredients rather than whole foods. Its additive list includes citric acid, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, caffeine, taurine, the sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame K, vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, B12), caramel colour, riboflavin and the thickener xanthan gum.

How does the caffeine content in Red Bull Sugarfree affect people with hypertension or diabetes?

Each 100 ml provides about 32 mg of caffeine, which can temporarily raise blood pressure and may cause palpitations in sensitive individuals, so people with hypertension should limit intake. Caffeine can also influence blood glucose levels, so diabetics should monitor their response and consume the drink in moderation.

Is phenylalanine present in Red Bull Sugarfree a concern for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

The product carries a phenylalanine warning, indicating that trace amounts may be present, likely from processing aids. People with PKU should avoid the drink or consult a healthcare professional before consumption.

RED BULL • 250 ml

Red Bull Sugarfree

Beverages

Product Insights

Red Bull Sugarfree is a 250 ml aluminum can of sugar‑free energy drink, produced in Austria and sold across Europe and Australia. It belongs to the artificially sweetened beverages family, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4); it provides only 3 kcal and 0 g sugar per 100 g, with low fat and salt, but contains caffeine, taurine and the non‑nutritive sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame K. The formulation also includes several additives such as citric acid, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, xanthan gum, caramel colour, riboflavin and a phenylalanine warning, which may be relevant for individuals with phenylketonuria.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal3 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates0 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average soft drink, Red Bull Sugarfree contains virtually no sugar, fat, saturated fat or salt and supplies only 3 kcal per 100 g, far below the typical 77.7 kcal, 5.75 g sugar and 1.08 g salt found in the category.

Ingredients

Wasser, Säuerungsmittel (Citronensäure), Kohlensäure, Taurin (400 mg/100 ml), Säureregulatoren (Natriumcarbonate, Magnesiumcarbonate), Koffein, Süssungsmittel (Sucralose, Acesulfam K), Vitamine (Niacin, Pantothensäure, B6, B12), Aromen, Verdickungsmittel (Xanthan), Farbstoffe (Zuckerkulör, Riboflavine).

84%

35%

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