Why is Coca‑Cola Zero classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Because it is made from refined ingredients and a blend of food‑science additives, it falls into NOVA 4; its formulation includes carbonated water, caramel colour (E150d), phosphoric acid, trisodium citrate, cyclamate, acesulfame‑K, aspartame, caffeine flavour and a phenylalanine source.

How does the artificial sweetener content of Coca‑Cola Zero affect people with diabetes or high blood pressure?

The drink contains no sugar and only 0.2 kcal per 100 ml, so it does not raise blood glucose directly, making it suitable for diabetic diets, and its sodium level (0.02 g per 100 ml) is negligible for hypertension; however, some research suggests artificial sweeteners may influence insulin response or blood pressure in sensitive individuals, so moderation is advisable.

Is the phenylalanine source in Coca‑Cola Zero a health concern for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Yes; the product contains aspartame, which breaks down into phenylalanine, and the label explicitly warns that it "contains a source of phenylalanine," so people with PKU should avoid it.

Coca-Cola • 450 ml

Coca cola zero

Beverages

Product Insights

Coca‑Cola Zero is a carbonated soft drink that belongs to the artificially sweetened beverages group of the PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with several additives such as caramel colour (E150d), phosphoric acid, citric acid, cyclamate, acesulfame‑K, aspartame and caffeine. While it provides virtually no sugar, fat, or calories (0 g sugar, 0 g fat, 0.2 kcal per 100 ml) and low salt (0.02 g), the presence of artificial sweeteners and a phenylalanine warning may be considered drawbacks for certain consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal0 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates0 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average soft drinks that contain about 5.75 g of sugar, 1.71 g of fat and 1.08 g of salt per 100 g, Coca‑Cola Zero delivers essentially zero sugar, fat and calories and only 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.

Ingredients

Acqua, anidride carbonica, colorante E 150d, edulcoranti ciclammato di sodio, acesulfame K e aspartame, acidificante acido fosforico, aromi naturali, aroma caffeina, correttore di acidità citrato trisodico. Contiene una fonte di fenilalanina. Prodotta Su autorizzazione della The Coca-Cola Company da Coca-Cola HBC

84%

35%

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