Food Label for Carbonated Water with Sweeteners: Pepsi Cola
Carbonated Water with Sweeteners: Pepsi ColaOkay, let's look at this can of Pepsi Cola. The first thing that jumps out is the "Not Recommended for Children, Pregnant or Lactating Women" warning, which is a pretty big red flag, especially since you're concerned about your kids. The good news is it has 0 calories, 0 sugar, 0 fat, and very little sodium. However, this is achieved by using non-caloric sweeteners: Sucralose (955) and Acesulfame Potassium (950). Sucralose is generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, but some studies have raised concerns about potential effects on gut bacteria and glucose metabolism. Acesulfame Potassium is also approved, but there have been some questions about its long-term safety. Neither of these sweeteners provide any nutritional value. The drink also contains caffeine (13mg per 100ml, which means about 43mg in the whole can), which is why it's not recommended for kids or pregnant/lactating women. It contains artificial color (150d), a preservative (211, Sodium Benzoate), and a stabilizer (414). While these are approved for use, consuming fewer artificial additives is generally preferable. Overall, while this is a sugar-free option, the use of artificial sweeteners and other additives makes it less ideal. If you're looking for a fizzy drink without sugar, plain sparkling water is a much better alternative. If you want some flavor, try sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh fruit or a few berries.