Dr. Pepper

Flavor:

Zero Sugar Dr Pepper

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Aspartame, Sodium benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sodium Phosphate

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar Dr Pepper falls significantly short of our clean food standards. This beverage is not organic, does not use non-GMO ingredients, and includes additives that raise health concerns.

The product’s ingredient list features several components that contribute to its low rating. It lacks organic certification, resulting in an initial deduction. Furthermore, the presence of GMOs in its formulation leads to additional points being subtracted. The inclusion of Acesulfame potassium and Aspartame, both artificial sweeteners, prompts a significant score reduction due to their association with negative health impacts.

Concerns extend to the additives used in the beverage. Natural and artificial flavors, while common in processed foods, are often scrutinized for their ambiguous origins and potential health effects. Caramel color, a widely used food coloring, has been linked to adverse health outcomes and thus further reduces the product’s score. Sodium benzoate, a preservative, is another ingredient with potential health risks, including its ability to form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with ascorbic acid.

The product’s composition reflects a reliance on artificial ingredients and preservatives, which is at odds with our criteria for cleaner food options. It lacks beneficial attributes such as organic ingredients and non-GMO certification, which are increasingly sought after by health-conscious consumers.

The Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar Dr Pepper’s low green leaf rating indicates that it is best avoided by those seeking healthier, cleaner alternatives in their diet. Our assessment underscores the importance of scrutinizing product labels and choosing foods with natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients to support overall well-being.