Coca Cola

Flavor:

Cherry Vanilla Zero Sugar

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Natural Flavors, Phosphoric Acid, Aspartame, Potassium Benzoate (To Protect Taste), Potassium Citrate, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Caffeine.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Coca Cola Cherry Vanilla Zero Sugar is a product that our evaluations place at the lowest end of our health-conscious spectrum. This drink is not organic, nor does it utilize non-GMO ingredients. It contains a series of additives and sweeteners that raise concerns, such as Acesulfame potassium and Aspartame, which contribute to a significant deduction in its overall score. Furthermore, the inclusion of ambiguous “natural flavors” and caramel color, both of which have potential health implications, further detracts from its standing.

The product is not organic, which results in an immediate reduction in its green leaf rating. The absence of non-GMO ingredients adds another layer of concern for consumers seeking cleaner food options. Acesulfame potassium and Aspartame, both artificial sweeteners, have been linked to negative health effects and are therefore penalized in our scoring system. Additionally, “natural flavors” is a term that lacks transparency, often encompassing a variety of undisclosed chemical components.

Caramel color, another ingredient in this beverage, is particularly problematic. It has been associated with adverse health outcomes, and its presence in this product is a significant factor in the low score. While the product is marketed as a zero-sugar option, the use of artificial sweeteners and other additives does not align with the cleaner food alternatives that health-conscious consumers are searching for.

The Coca Cola Cherry Vanilla Zero Sugar receives our minimum endorsement due to these factors. The product’s composition, with its non-organic status, GMO ingredients, and array of potentially harmful additives, positions it far from the ideals of a clean food product. Consumers seeking healthier, more natural options would be well-advised to consider alternatives that better align with these values.