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Brand owned by The Coca-Cola Company (United States) · about the brand
Thums Up
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 is primarily a source of added sugar and caffeine. While phosphoric acid (Acidity Regulator 338) is generally recognized as safe in food, excessive intake from soft drinks can contribute to dental erosion and may impact bone health over time. The caramel colour (150d) is classified by IARC as Group 2B, 'possibly carcinogenic to humans', due to a manufacturing byproduct, 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI). The actual exposure from this product cannot be determined from the label alone, but it is a relevant concern for those seeking to minimize exposure to such additives.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
High in added sugar and caffeine; contains IARC 2B caramel colour
The score is held down by this product's nutrition profile, which dominates the assessment regardless of the rest of the formulation. This carbonated drink contains significant amounts of added sugar and caffeine, which are key considerations for daily intake. It also includes Caramel Colour (150d), which is classified by IARC as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' due to a byproduct formed during its manufacture. This product is best consumed in moderation by healthy adults, with particular caution for children and pregnant individuals due to caffeine content, and for anyone sensitive to food 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.
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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)
LimitContains caffeine, which should be limited to 3 mg per kg of body weight per day for children. High sugar content is also a concern for dental health and overall diet.
Other audiences
LimitContains caffeine, which should be limited to 200 mg per day during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why the score is capped
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 caloric intake and should be consumed in moderation.
Caffeine content requires caution for sensitive individuals, pregnant women, and 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.
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 →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 Caramel Colour (150d), which is classified by IARC as Group 2B, 'possibly carcinogenic to humans', due to a manufacturing byproduct (4-MEI). Exposure from this product cannot be quantified from the label.
High in added sugar, which WHO advises keeping under 10% of total energy intake, ideally under 5%.
Contains caffeine, a stimulant. Adult limit is about 400 mg/day, 200 mg in pregnancy, and 3 mg per kg for children.
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.
SugarSUGAR
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3.
Acidity Regulator 338ACIDITY REGULATOR (338)
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4.
CaffeineCAFFEINE
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5.
Colour 150d synthetic colourCOLOUR (150 d)
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6.
FlavoursFLAVOURS (NATURAL, NATURE-IDENTICAL & ARTIFICIAL (COLA) FLAVOURING 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
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 42 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 10.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g |
| Added Sugars | 10.4 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0.81 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.
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What are the ingredients in Thums Up?
The label of Thums Up lists 6 ingredients, in label order: Carbonated Water, Sugar, Acidity Regulator, Caffeine, Colour, Flavours. Flagged by the analysis: Caffeine, Colour, Acidity Regulator.
Is Thums Up safe to eat?
Thums Up 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 carbonated drink contains significant amounts of added sugar and caffeine, which are key considerations for daily intake. It also includes Caramel Colour (150d), which is classified by IARC as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' due to a byproduct formed during its manufacture. This product is best consumed in moderation by healthy adults, with particular caution for children and pregnant individuals due to caffeine content, and for anyone sensitive to food additives.
Why does Thums Up score 3.3/10?
Flagged in the score: Caffeine content requires caution for sensitive individuals, pregnant women, and children. Also noted: High added sugar content contributes to caloric intake and should be consumed in moderation.
Who should avoid Thums Up?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Avoiding IARC Group 2B caramel-colour additives; Sensitive to caffeine; Pregnant or breastfeeding; Children and young children; Seeking full ingredient transparency.
Is Thums Up suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
How much sugar is in Thums Up?
10.4 g of total sugar per 100 ml. The label declares 10.4 g of that as added sugar per 100 ml.
Does Thums Up 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.
Is Thums Up vegetarian?
Thums Up 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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