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Pepsi
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.3 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is held down by this product's nutrition profile, which dominates the assessment regardless of the rest of the formulation. This carbonated beverage contains added sugar, which contributes to its high calorie content and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A key concern is the presence of sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), which is associated with the formation of 4-MEI, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). While the label does not state the concentration of 4-MEI, individuals seeking to avoid such additives may wish to limit consumption. The product also contains phosphoric acid, which can contribute to dental erosion and may be a concern for individuals with kidney issues when consumed in large quantities.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
High added sugar; contains IARC-classified caramel colour and phosphoric acid
The score is held down by this product's nutrition profile, which dominates the assessment regardless of the rest of the formulation. This soft drink contains a significant amount of added sugar, which contributes to its calorie content. It also includes sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), a colour additive that can form 4-MEI, which is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Phosphoric acid is present as an acidity regulator, which can contribute to dental erosion and may be a concern for those with kidney conditions. The specific 'Flavours' are not disclosed.
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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)
AvoidHigh added sugar content is not recommended for young children due to potential impact on dental health and overall diet quality.
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 contributes to overall calorie intake.
Sulphite ammonia caramel (150d) is a colour additive that can form 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Phosphoric acid can contribute to dental erosion and may be a concern for individuals with kidney conditions.
Lack of transparency regarding specific flavouring compounds.
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.
Added Sugars
Sugars added to food, and the sugars in honey, syrups and fruit juice concentrates, are "free sugars". The WHO guideline recommends that they stay below 10% of total energy intake and suggests below 5% for additional benefit. Where the sugar sits in the ingredient list and how many grams the panel declares is what matters; this is information, because the nutrition score already prices the grams.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO, Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children (2015)
Added Sugars: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), which is associated with the formation of 4-MEI, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The concentration of 4-MEI is not stated on the label.
High added sugar content. WHO advises keeping free sugar intake under 10% of total energy, ideally under 5%.
The specific 'Flavours' are not disclosed, which can be a concern for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to certain flavouring compounds.
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 states a price, which cannot be verified from the ingredient or nutrition list.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Carbonated Water
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2.
Sugar
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3.
Colour synthetic colourSulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150D)Colour (150d)
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4.
Acidity RegulatorPhosphoric acid (INS 338)Acidity Regulator (338)
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5.
Flavour undisclosed flavouringFlavour (Natural Flavouring Substances)
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6.
Stabilizer unnamedStabilizer (436)
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
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 43 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 10.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g |
| Added Sugars | 10.9 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 3 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 Pepsi?
The label of Pepsi lists 6 ingredients, in label order: Carbonated Water, Sugar, Colour, Acidity Regulator, Flavours, Stabilizers. Flagged by the analysis: Colour, Acidity Regulator.
Is Pepsi safe to eat?
Pepsi scores 3.3/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is held down by this product's nutrition profile, which dominates the assessment regardless of the rest of the formulation. This soft drink contains a significant amount of added sugar, which contributes to its calorie content. It also includes sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), a colour additive that can form 4-MEI, which is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Phosphoric acid is present as an acidity regulator, which can contribute to dental erosion and may be a concern for those with kidney conditions. The specific 'Flavours' are not disclosed.
Why does Pepsi score 3.3/10?
Flagged in the score: Sulphite ammonia caramel (150d) is a colour additive that can form 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Also noted: High added sugar content contributes to overall calorie intake. Phosphoric acid can contribute to dental erosion and may be a concern for individuals with kidney conditions.
Who should avoid Pepsi?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Avoiding IARC Group 2B caramel-colour additives; Managing blood sugar levels; Sensitive to phosphoric acid or dental erosion; Kidney disease; Sulphite sensitivity (asthma).
Is Pepsi suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Avoid.
How much sugar is in Pepsi?
10.9 g of total sugar per 100 ml. The label declares 10.9 g of that as added sugar per 100 ml.
Are the claims on the Pepsi pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 1 claim against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "400 ml @ ₹ 20/-" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Pepsi vegetarian?
Pepsi 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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