Cosmic Stardust Energy
Alani Nu
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
6
0 we grade moderate or higher
3 of them not yet assessed here
Nutrients
–
Nothing above the low band
Or no figures recorded at all
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (6)
This label lists 2 acidity regulators, 2 sweeteners, 1 preservative and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E211
Sodium benzoate
Preservative
What it is. A preservative that stops yeasts, moulds and some bacteria growing in acidic foods.
Why it is used. Used in soft drinks, sauces, pickles and dressings.
What the evidence says. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2016 and kept an acceptable daily intake, with normal exposure below it. The known issue is specific: in acidic drinks that also contain vitamin C, benzoate can form small amounts of benzene, so manufacturers reformulated to avoid the combination. It was also present in the drink mixes used in the Southampton hyperactivity study, though the warning requirement that followed applies to the colours rather than to benzoate.
Permitted with maximum levels in the foods where it is allowed.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E211
E950
Acesulfame K
Artificial sweetener
What it is. A calorie free intense sweetener, often blended with other sweeteners to round out taste.
Why it is used. Used in diet drinks, dairy and confectionery.
What the evidence says. Long treated as safe by regulators. Some recent research on sweeteners and the gut microbiome is ongoing, but nothing has changed the official safety position.
Permitted with an acceptable daily intake in all three regions.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E950
E330
Citric acid
Acidity regulator
What it is. A mild acid found naturally in citrus fruit, made commercially by fermentation.
Why it is used. Adds tartness, balances flavour and helps preserve. One of the most used additives in food.
What the evidence says. Safe at food levels. No credible health concern for the additive itself.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
- E414 Acacia gum (gum arabic) thickener
- E968 Erythritol sweetener
Names and jobs come from the register of additives permitted in Great Britain, which we have not finished transcribing: a code shown without a name is a gap in our coverage, not a finding that it is unapproved. Naming one is not grading it either. Full detail appears only where we have an assessment against a named authority, so all of this describes our coverage rather than these additives. Most are common and low concern.
Ingredients
CARBONATED ENERGY DRINK WITH THEANINE, INOSITOL, GLUCURONOLACTONE, TAURINE, CAFFENE AND VITAMINS WITH SWEETENERS 330m (CAN) = SERVING INGREDIENTS CARBONATED WATER, ACID (CITRIC ACID), SWEETENERS (ERYTHRITOL, SUCRALE ACESULFAME K), TAURINE, SODIUM CITRATE, FLAVOURING, CAFFEINE, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRA LTHEANINE (CAMELLIA SINENSIS), L-CARNITINE TARTRATE, PRESERVATIVE (POTASSIUM SORBATE SODIUM BENZOATE), VITAMIN B3, STABILISERS (GUM ARABIC [GUM ACACIA], GLYCEROL ESTERS OF ROOL RUSINS), INOSITOL, GLUCURONOLACTONE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, VITAMIN B5, GUARANA SHED EXTRACT, VITAMIN B6, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12
As printed on the pack, in the producer's own order: ingredients are listed by weight, so what comes first is most of what is in it. E numbers link to their assessment where we have one.