Diet Pepsi 8pk
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
5
0 we grade moderate or higher
2 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 (5)
This label lists 3 acidity regulators, 1 colour and 1 sweetener.
E338
Phosphoric acid
Acidity regulator
What it is. A strong food acid that gives cola drinks their sharpness.
Why it is used. Used in colas and some processed foods to control acidity.
What the evidence says. EFSA set a group acceptable daily intake for phosphates in 2019 and noted that high consumers, particularly children, can exceed it once all sources are counted. The concern is total phosphate intake across the diet rather than one drink, and it matters most for people with reduced kidney function.
Permitted with maximum levels, under a group limit shared with the other phosphate additives.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E338
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
- E150D Sulphite ammonia caramel colour
- E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
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 water, colour (caramel e150d), acids (phosphoric acid, citric acid), flavourings (including cat eine), sweeteners (aspartame acesulfame k), acidity regulator (sodium citrate), preservative (potassium caution: pressurised pepsh sorbate), contains a source of phenylalanine,
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.