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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 several artificial additives, including sulphite ammonia caramel (150d), which is associated with a manufacturing byproduct classified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC. It also contains artificial sweeteners and caffeine, which may not be suitable for all individuals, particularly children. While it provides hydration, it offers no nutritional benefits and is considered an ultra-processed product. Individuals sensitive to artificial additives, those with caffeine sensitivity, or parents of young children should exercise caution.
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 can generate 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and caffeine. The product is ultra-processed and lacks nutritional value, making it less suitable for regular consumption, especially for children and individuals sensitive to these additives.
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- Allergies. Peanut, milk, gluten, egg and more, checked against the ingredient list.
- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
- Health and goals. Sugar, salt, protein, steady blood sugar, heart-friendly, weight.
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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 high-intensity artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) which are generally not recommended for this age group due to potential impacts on taste preferences and gut health, and lack of long-term safety data.
Other audiences
LimitContains caffeine (13mg/100g), which is a stimulant. The recommended limit for children is 3 mg per kg of body weight per day. This product may contribute to exceeding safe limits, potentially causing nervousness, sleep disturbances, or increased heart rate.
Contains caffeine. The recommended limit for pregnant individuals is 200 mg per day. Consumption of this product should be considered within this daily limit.
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
Ultra-processed product with no meaningful nutritional contribution.
Contains multiple artificial additives including colours, acidity regulators, sweeteners, and preservatives.
High caffeine content (13mg/100g) may be a concern for sensitive individuals or children.
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 →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Sulphite Ammonia Caramel (150d), which can generate 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The concentration of 4-MEI in this product is not disclosed on the label.
Contains artificial sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium) and caffeine, which may not be suitable for all individuals, especially children and pregnant women.
Combined Effects interactions
While not explicitly listed, the presence of both sodium benzoate and citric acid (an acidifier) in a beverage creates conditions where benzene formation could theoretically occur, though typically at very low levels and dependent on other factors like heat and light exposure. The label does not indicate the presence of ascorbic acid, which is a primary driver of this reaction.
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.
FlavourFLAVOUR (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, Flavours, Stabilizers. Flagged by the analysis: Caffeine, Colour, 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 can generate 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and caffeine. The product is ultra-processed and lacks nutritional value, making it less suitable for regular consumption, especially for children and individuals sensitive to these additives.
Why does Pepsi Zero Sugar score 3.9/10?
Flagged in the score: High caffeine content (13mg/100g) may be a concern for sensitive individuals or children. Also noted: Ultra-processed product with no meaningful nutritional contribution. Contains multiple artificial additives including colours, acidity regulators, sweeteners, and preservatives.
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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