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Pepsi Zero Sugar
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.9 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This carbonated beverage contains 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 specify the concentration of 4-MEI, this is a significant concern for those seeking to avoid such compounds. The product also contains artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and caffeine, which should be consumed in moderation, especially by children and pregnant individuals.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
Contains IARC-classified caramel colour and artificial sweeteners
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This carbonated drink contains sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), which is linked to 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and caffeine. These ingredients warrant caution for certain groups, particularly children and those sensitive to artificial additives or stimulants.
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- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
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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.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
AvoidContains caffeine and artificial sweeteners; consumption should be avoided or strictly limited due to potential stimulant effects and unknown long-term impacts on developing bodies.
Other audiences
LimitContains caffeine; intake should be limited to 200 mg/day as per general recommendations.
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
Flavouring not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is
Rule F-CAP-13
Watch out for
Contains artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium)
Contains caffeine, a stimulant
Natural Flavouring Substances — a flavour blend: its individual compounds are not listed on the label.
Preservative — flagged as a moderate-level concern — see the ingredient breakdown below.
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.
Caffeine
The EU food safety authority found that up to 400 mg of caffeine a day (about 3 mg per kg of body weight a day in children and adolescents) does not raise safety concerns, and that pregnant and breastfeeding women should stay at or below 200 mg a day. Caffeine added to a drink or supplement counts toward that total alongside coffee and tea. Energy drinks and fat-burner stacks are judged by their own caps; this record explains the substance.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine, EFSA Journal 2015;13(5):4102
Caffeine: regulation, sources and other products →Flavouring Substances
Indian rules classify added flavours as natural, nature-identical (chemically synthesised copies of natural compounds) or artificial, and require the class to be declared. The label names the class, not the compounds, so a reader cannot see which substances make up the blend, or whether it carries something they avoid. This is information about transparency, not a finding of harm.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, flavours; FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020
Flavouring Substances: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), which can generate 4-MEI, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans).
Contains artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) which may have potential effects on gut microbiota and metabolism, and are generally advised to be consumed in moderation.
Contains caffeine (13mg/100g), a stimulant that should be consumed within recommended daily limits, especially for children and pregnant individuals.
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 nutrition information states 0g of sugar and 0g of added sugar per 100g.
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 WaterCARBONATED WATER
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2.
Colour synthetic colourSulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150D)COLOUR (150d)
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3.
Acidity RegulatorsPhosphoric acid (INS 338), Citric acid (INS 330)ACIDITY REGULATORS (338, 330)
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4.
SweetenersSucralose (INS 955), Acesulfame potassium (INS 950)SWEETENERS (955, 950)
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5.
PreservativeSodium benzoate (INS 211)PRESERVATIVE (211)
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6.
Caffeine 13mg/100gCAFFEINE (13mg/100g)
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7.
Natural Flavouring SubstancesFLAVOUR (NATURAL FLAVOURING SUBSTANCES)
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8.
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 | 0 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g |
| Total Sugars | 0 g |
| Added Sugars | 0 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 6 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 Zero Sugar?
The label of Pepsi Zero Sugar lists 8 ingredients, in label order: Carbonated Water, Colour, Acidity Regulator, Sweetener, Preservative, Caffeine, Natural Flavouring Substances, Stabilizers. Flagged by the analysis: Colour, Caffeine, Natural Flavouring Substances, Preservative.
Is Pepsi Zero Sugar safe to eat?
Pepsi Zero Sugar scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This carbonated drink contains sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), which is linked to 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and caffeine. These ingredients warrant caution for certain groups, particularly children and those sensitive to artificial additives or stimulants.
Why does Pepsi Zero Sugar score 3.9/10?
Flagged in the score: Contains caffeine, a stimulant. Natural Flavouring Substances — a flavour blend: its individual compounds are not listed on the label. Also noted: Contains artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium).
Who should avoid Pepsi Zero Sugar?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Avoiding IARC Group 2B caramel-colour additives; Sensitive to artificial sweeteners; Sensitive to caffeine; Children and pregnant individuals; Sulphite sensitivity (asthma).
Is Pepsi Zero Sugar suitable for babies or young children?
Toddlers & young children (1–5): Avoid.
How much sugar is in Pepsi Zero Sugar?
0 g of total sugar per 100 ml. The label declares 0 g of that as added sugar per 100 ml.
Does Pepsi Zero Sugar 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 Pepsi Zero Sugar pack accurate?
Yes — all 1 claim on the pack checked out against the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
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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