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Brand owned by Mondelez International (United States) · about the brand
Bourn Vita
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.9 ShowHide
Reviewed 9 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This malt beverage, marketed for children, contains Caramel III, which is associated with a possible human carcinogen (4-MEI) by IARC. It also has a notable sugar and sodium content, which are concerns for children's diets. While it provides some vitamins and minerals, these do not offset the presence of the concerning additive and the overall nutritional profile for its target audience.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Barley
- Wheat
- Millets
- Soluble Fiber (Corn)
- Cocoa Solids
- +2 more →
Declared allergens: Milk, Soy and Gluten
Relevant if you have any of these allergies or intolerances.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Contains IARC 2B carcinogen (4-MEI); high in sugar and sodium for children
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This malt drink, aimed at children, contains Caramel III, which produces 4-MEI, classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. It also has a significant amount of added sugar and sodium, which are not ideal for children's regular consumption. While fortified with some nutrients, these benefits are outweighed by the presence of the concerning additive and the overall nutritional load for its target audience.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Caramel III (Ammonia Caramel) is declared.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for beverage. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitThis product contains Caramel III (Ammonia Caramel) which is associated with a possible human carcinogen (4-MEI). Given children's developing systems and higher relative exposure, regular consumption should be approached with caution.
Other audiences
LimitThe product is likely high in added sugars and sodium. Excessive intake of these can contribute to dental issues, unhealthy weight gain, and long-term health problems in children.
Specific sensitivities
Avoid if affectedContains common allergens including barley, wheat (gluten), soy (soy lecithin), and milk (milk solids). Parents should check for specific allergies before consumption.
Why the score is capped
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
Highly processed (NOVA) and high total sugar
Rule F-CAP-07
What's good
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Contains beneficial grains like barley, wheat, and millets
Includes soluble fiber for digestive health
Watch out for
Contains Caramel III (Ammonia Caramel) with 4-MEI, an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen
Likely high in added sugars, a concern for children's dental health and overall diet
Contains iodized salt, contributing to sodium intake which should be moderated for children
Includes artificial flavoring substances, which some consumers prefer to avoid
Contains common allergens: barley, wheat (gluten), soy (soy lecithin), and milk (milk solids)
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Caramel Colour (Class III & IV) (E150c)
Classes III and IV of caramel colour (INS 150c/150d) are made with ammonia, a process that can generate 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) as a by-product. IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, and California lists it under Proposition 65 with a warning threshold — though EFSA's own re-evaluation did not reach the same level of concern as IARC's classification. This label does not state the product's 4-MEI concentration, so exposure from this specific product cannot be determined from the ingredient list alone. It is the colour that makes colas and dark sauces brown. Classes I and II are made without ammonia and do not carry this concern.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monograph Vol. 101 (4-MEI); California Proposition 65; EFSA re-evaluation of caramel colours (2011)
Caramel Colour (Class III & IV): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Caramel III (Ammonia Caramel) contains 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. This is a significant concern for regular consumption, especially by children.
The product contains 'Artificial' flavoring substances, which can be a concern for some individuals, particularly children, due to potential sensitivities or a desire to avoid synthetic additives.
This product is likely high in added sugars and sodium, given its ingredient list and product type, which are dietary concerns for children's health and can contribute to long-term health issues.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The claim '2X Strength Nutrients' is a comparative statement that cannot be verified without a baseline or further information on the label.
The claim about 2X Vit D, Iron, and Zinc when added to milk is a comparative statement that cannot be verified without a baseline or further information on the label.
The claim 'Scientifically Designed' is a general statement about the product's development that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition facts.
The product name includes 'Zero', which is further clarified by 'added sugar' on the label.
The label declares 0 g added sugar; the 22 g of sugar shown is naturally occurring from grains and milk. The "no added sugar" claim is supported by the label.
The ingredient list begins with 'Cereal Extract, Barley, Wheat, Millets', confirming it is a cereal-based beverage mix.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 86 g |
| Total Sugars | 22 g |
| Added Sugars | 0 g |
| Total Fat | 1.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Dietary Fibre | 14 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
Compare with other health malt drink products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
Side-by-side comparisons
How this product's label compares with others on the same shelf, row by row.
What are the ingredients in Bourn Vita?
The label of Bourn Vita lists 16 ingredients, in label order: Cereal Extract, Barley, Wheat, Millets, Soluble Fiber (Corn), Cocoa Solids, Caramel III (Ammonia Caramel), Minerals, Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Raising Agent (Sodium Bicarbonate), Vitamins, Milk Solids, Flavors (Natural, Nature Identical and Artificial (Vanilla) Flavoring Substances), Iodized Salt. Flagged by the analysis: Caramel III (Ammonia Caramel).
Is Bourn Vita safe to eat?
Bourn Vita scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This malt drink, aimed at children, contains Caramel III, which produces 4-MEI, classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. It also has a significant amount of added sugar and sodium, which are not ideal for children's regular consumption. While fortified with some nutrients, these benefits are outweighed by the presence of the concerning additive and the overall nutritional load for its target audience.
Why does Bourn Vita score 3.9/10?
What the analysis notes: Contains Caramel III (Ammonia Caramel) with 4-MEI, an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen. Likely high in added sugars, a concern for children's dental health and overall diet. Contains iodized salt, contributing to sodium intake which should be moderated for children.
Who should avoid Bourn Vita?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Children; Individuals sensitive to food additives; Those monitoring sugar intake; Those monitoring sodium intake; Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.
Is Bourn Vita suitable for babies or young children?
Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Bourn Vita contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (Milk Solids), soy (Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin) and gluten (Barley and Wheat). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Bourn Vita contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Milk Solids. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Bourn Vita contain soy?
Yes — the ingredient list names Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin. People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Bourn Vita contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Barley and Wheat. People with gluten / wheat sensitivity (coeliac disease) should treat it as containing gluten, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
How much sugar is in Bourn Vita?
22 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 0 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Are the claims on the Bourn Vita pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 6 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "2X Strength Nutrients" — can't be verified from the label. "Add to milk for 2X Vit D, Iron, Zinc" — can't be verified from the label. "Scientifically Designed" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Bourn Vita vegetarian?
Bourn Vita is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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