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Brand owned by The Coca-Cola Company (United States) · about the brand
Coca-Cola
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.3 ShowHide
Reviewed 11 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This carbonated beverage contains ammonia caramel colour (150d), which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen due to its 4-MEI by-product. The high sugar content is a significant nutritional concern, especially for children. While it provides a caffeine boost, the overall formulation is driven by sugar and additives rather than beneficial ingredients.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testWhat’s favorable
- Caffeine
High sugar content; contains a possible carcinogen and undisclosed flavours
This soft drink contains ammonia caramel colour (150d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. It is also high in sugar, which is a significant nutritional drawback, particularly for children and those managing sugar intake.
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.
Infants under 1
AvoidContains added sugar, which is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
AvoidContains high added sugar and caffeine, which are not recommended for this age group due to potential impacts on energy levels, dental health, and overall nutrition.
Other audiences
LimitThe high sugar content can contribute to dental caries and unhealthy dietary patterns. Caffeine intake should be limited in this age group.
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
Flavours not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is
Rule F-CAP-13
Watch out for
High added sugar content
Presence of ammonia caramel colour (150d)
Undisclosed flavouring agents
Caffeine content, especially for children and sensitive individuals
Acidity Regulator — flagged as a moderate-level concern — see the ingredient breakdown below.
Decode Label Analysis
Contains Ammonia Caramel Colour (150d), which has a by-product (4-MEI) classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen.
High sugar content contributes to excess caloric intake and potential health risks if consumed frequently.
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 'ORIGINAL TASTE' is a subjective marketing statement that cannot be objectively verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition facts.
The claim 'Delicious & Refreshing' is a subjective marketing statement that cannot be objectively verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition facts.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
-
1.
Carbonated water
-
2.
Sugar
-
3.
Acidity Regulator 338Acidity Regulator (338)
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4.
Caffeine 8.7mg/100gCaffeine (8.7 mg/100g)
-
5.
Colour 150d synthetic colourSulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150D)Colour (150d)
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6.
FlavoursFlavours (Natural Flavoring substances)
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
✓ 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 | 44 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 10.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 10.6 g |
| Added Sugars | 10.6 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 8.5 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
Compare with other soft 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.
Also on this shelf
More Soft Drink & Soda products we've analysed, in name order.
What are the ingredients in Coca-Cola?
The label of Coca-Cola lists 6 ingredients, in label order: Carbonated Water, Sugar, Acidity Regulator, Caffeine, Colour, Flavours. Flagged by the analysis: Colour, Acidity Regulator.
Is Coca-Cola safe to eat?
Coca-Cola scores 3.3/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This soft drink contains ammonia caramel colour (150d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. It is also high in sugar, which is a significant nutritional drawback, particularly for children and those managing sugar intake.
Why does Coca-Cola score 3.3/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of ammonia caramel colour (150d). Also noted: High added sugar content. Undisclosed flavouring agents.
Who should avoid Coca-Cola?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Children and young adults; Individuals sensitive to caffeine; Those avoiding artificial colours; People managing sugar intake.
Is Coca-Cola suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Avoid.
How much sugar is in Coca-Cola?
10.6 g of total sugar per 100 ml. The label declares 10.6 g of that as added sugar per 100 ml.
Does Coca-Cola contain caffeine?
Yes — the ingredient list names Caffeine, a source of caffeine. Check the pack for the amount per serving, especially when buying for children or during pregnancy.
Are the claims on the Coca-Cola pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 2 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "ORIGINAL TASTE" — can't be verified from the label. "Delicious & Refreshing" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Coca-Cola vegetarian?
Coca-Cola is marked vegetarian, and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
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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