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Brand owned by Mondelez International (United States) · about the brand
Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 4.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 1 time · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This beverage mix contains artificial sweeteners, including Aspartame, which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible carcinogen. It also includes artificial colors Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, and Red 40, which are linked to hyperactivity in children. Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid Aspartame. While providing some vitamins and minerals, the presence of multiple artificial additives and sweeteners warrants caution, particularly for children and those with specific sensitivities.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Ascorbic acid
Contains artificial sweeteners and colors linked to hyperactivity
This beverage mix uses artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible carcinogen, and Acesulfame Potassium. It also contains artificial colors Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, and Red 40, which are associated with hyperactivity in children. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid products containing Aspartame.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Red 40 and Yellow 5 Lake are declared.
Declared allergens: Aspartame and Soy
People with these allergies should avoid it and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
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.
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 artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium) and sugar alcohol (Maltitol) which can cause laxative effects and are generally not recommended for young children. Also contains artificial colors (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40) linked to hyperactivity.
Specific sensitivities
Avoid if affectedContains Aspartame, which must be avoided by individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Why the score is capped
Highly processed (NOVA); contains artificial sweeteners
Rule F-CAP-09
Flavours not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is
Rule F-CAP-13
What's good
Contains Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Provides calcium and magnesium
Watch out for
Artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium)
Artificial colours (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40)
Sugar alcohol (Maltitol) with potential laxative effects
Undisclosed 'Natural Flavours'
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.
Aspartame (E951)
Aspartame contains phenylalanine and is absolutely contraindicated for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). In July 2023, IARC classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B), though JECFA maintained its ADI. People with PKU must strictly avoid it; others should consume in moderation.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC/JECFA Joint Statement July 2023; FSSAI
Aspartame: regulation, sources and other products →Allura Red AC (E129)
Allura Red AC (E129) is a synthetic azo dye and one of the six Southampton-study colours. The EU requires foods containing it to carry the child-activity warning "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex V (mandatory warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"); McCann et al., Lancet 2007; EFSA re-evaluation of food colours (2009)
Allura Red AC: regulation, sources and other products →Tartrazine (E102)
Tartrazine is a synthetic azo dye. It can cause hypersensitivity reactions in aspirin-sensitive individuals and asthma patients. The EU requires a warning label ("may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children") on foods containing E102.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA 2009; EU Regulation 1333/2008
Tartrazine: regulation, sources and other products →Acesulfame Potassium (E950)
Acesulfame K is an approved intense sweetener. Regulators set an acceptable daily intake and consider it safe within it, but the WHO (2023) advises against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight because there is no long-term benefit and possible long-term harms, and long-term research on gut and metabolic effects is still developing.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (2023); EFSA/JECFA acceptable daily intake
Acesulfame Potassium: regulation, sources and other products →Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)
Polyols are bulk sweeteners and humectants (also used in toothpaste). They are only partly absorbed, so large amounts can cause gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and EU rules require foods containing them to say "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects". Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex III (polyol labelling statement); EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Aspartame, classified by IARC as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. It is also contraindicated for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Contains artificial colours Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), and Red 40 (Allura Red AC), which are linked to hyperactivity in children. The EU requires a child-activity warning for Allura Red AC.
Contains Maltitol, a sugar alcohol. Excessive intake of sugar alcohols can cause bloating and a laxative effect.
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.
This describes the product’s packaging or its category, not a testable attribute of the food itself — so it’s classified separately rather than flagged as a doubtful claim.
The only ingredient supporting this claim is an undisclosed generic — the label names a class, not the actual compound — so the list cannot confirm it.
The only ingredient supporting this claim is an undisclosed generic — the label names a class, not the actual compound — so the list cannot confirm it.
The nutrition information states that Vitamin C is 130% of the Daily Value per serving, which is considered an excellent source.
The nutrition information states 0g of sugar per serving.
The nutrition information states 5 kcal per serving, which is considered low calorie.
The nutrition information states 5 kcal per serving, which is considered low calorie.
The nutrition information states 5 kcal per serving, and a serving is 1 packet.
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.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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2.
Calcium PhosphateCALCIUM PHOSPHATE
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3.
MaltodextrinMALTODEXTRIN
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4.
Ascorbic AcidASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)
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5.
AspartameASPARTAME*
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6.
MaltitolMALTITOL
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7.
Calcium CarbonateCONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF CALCIUM CARBONATE
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8.
Magnesium OxideMAGNESIUM OXIDE
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9.
Natural FlavorNATURAL FLAVOR
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10.
Gum ArabicGUM ARABIC
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11.
Acesulfame PotassiumACESULFAME POTASSIUM (SWEETENER)
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12.
Artificial Color synthetic colourARTIFICIAL COLOR
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13.
Yellow 5 Lake synthetic colourYELLOW 5 LAKE
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14.
Xanthan GumXANTHAN GUM
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15.
Cellulose GumCELLULOSE GUM
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16.
Soy LecithinSOY LECITHIN
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17.
Yellow 5 synthetic colourYELLOW 5
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18.
Red 40 synthetic colourRED 40
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
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 5 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 |
| Dietary Fibre | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Cholest. | 0 mg |
| Vit. D | 0 mcg |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
| Iron | 0 mg |
| Potas. | 0 mg |
| Vit C | 130 % DV |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), calculated from the declared serving — this label prints per-serving figures only.
Compare with other other beverage 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 Other Beverage products we've analysed, in name order.
What are the ingredients in Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix?
The label of Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix lists 18 ingredients, in label order: Citric Acid, Calcium phosphate, Maltodextrin, Ascorbic acid, Aspartame, Maltitol, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium oxide, Natural Flavours, Gum arabic, Acesulfame Potassium, Artificial Color, Yellow 5 Lake, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Soy lecithin, Yellow 5, Red 40. Flagged by the analysis: Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40, Acesulfame Potassium, Maltitol.
Is Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix safe to eat?
Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix scores 4.5/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This beverage mix uses artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible carcinogen, and Acesulfame Potassium. It also contains artificial colors Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, and Red 40, which are associated with hyperactivity in children. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid products containing Aspartame.
Why does Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix score 4.5/10?
Flagged in the score: Artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium). Artificial colours (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40). Sugar alcohol (Maltitol) with potential laxative effects.
Who should avoid Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Phenylketonuria (PKU); Avoiding IARC Group 2B classified substances; Sensitive to artificial sweeteners; Children prone to hyperactivity; Sensitive to artificial colors.
Is Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix suitable for babies or young children?
Toddlers & young children (1–5): Avoid.
Does Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains soy (Soy lecithin). It also lists Aspartame, flagged as an allergen. Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix contain soy?
Yes — the ingredient list names Soy lecithin. People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
How much sugar is in Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix?
0 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 Zero Sugar Orange Drink Mix pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 7 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "ORANGE NATURAL FLAVOR" — can't be verified from the label. "NARANJA SABOR NATURAL" — can't be verified from the label.
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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