Why is Sprite classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Sprite is deemed ultra-processed because its formulation includes several industrial ingredients beyond basic sugar and water, such as carbonic acid (E290), citric acid (E330), artificial sweeteners acesulfame K (E950) and aspartame (E951) plus neohesperidin DC (E959), a preservative sodium benzoate (E211), an acidity regulator sodium citrate (E331), and natural lemon-lime flavorings, all of which qualify it for the NOVA 4 category.

Is the phenylalanine from aspartame in Sprite a concern for people with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Yes; the aspartame in Sprite releases phenylalanine, so individuals with phenylketonuria should avoid or limit consumption to prevent dangerous phenylalanine buildup.

Based on its ingredients, is Sprite suitable for strict diets such as vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free?

Sprite contains no animal-derived ingredients or gluten, making it vegan-friendly and gluten-free, and it does not use prohibited alcohol or pork derivatives, so it is generally acceptable for halal diets; however, its 1.9 g of sugar per 100 g and carbohydrate content mean it is not compatible with a strict keto regimen.

Sprite • 450 ml

Sprite

Beverages

Product Insights

Sprite is a carbonated lemon-lime soft drink packaged in a 450 ml PET bottle. It belongs to the Beverages group, specifically the Artificially Sweetened Beverages subgroup, carries a Nutri-Score of C, and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), containing water, a small amount of sugar, carbonic acid, citric acid, several artificial sweeteners (acesulfame K, aspartame, neohesperidin DC), sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, natural lemon-lime flavorings, and phenylalanine from aspartame. Compared with typical sodas, it has markedly lower sugar (1.9 g per 100 g), virtually no fat or salt, but the presence of multiple synthetic additives and artificial sweeteners may be a concern for health-conscious consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Added Sugars0.9 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average soda (5.69 g sugars, 1.04 g fat, 1.06 g salt per 100 g), Sprite contains only 1.9 g sugars, zero fat and saturated fat, and just 0.01 g salt, but relies on artificial sweeteners and carries a Nutri-Score C.

Ingredients

Eau, sucre, acide carbonique, acidifiant: acide citrique E330, édulcorants: acésulfame K E950, aspartame E951, neohesperidin DC E959, conservateur: benzoate de sodium E211, régulateur d'acidité: citrate de sodium E331, arôme naturel de citron et limette. contient du phénylalanine (aspartame E951).

84%

35%

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