Ingredients

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  Water

  Water.
• !
  Sorbitol

  Sugar alcohol from hydrogenated glucose; poorly absorbed. US labelling rules require a laxative-effect warning where intake may reach 50 g a day.
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  Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)

  Emulsifier shown in 2022 NIH study to alter gut microbiota in humans.
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  Artificial Flavors

  Undisclosed synthetic flavoring compounds.
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  Salt

  Sodium chloride. Most table salt is highly refined with anti-caking agents.
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  Caramel Color (generic)

  Without a Class number, manufacturer-disclosed type is unknown; Class III/IV variants (most common in colas) contain 4-MeI, a California Prop 65 carcinogen.
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  Potassium Sorbate

  Generally regarded as safe but may cause skin reactions; one of the better-tolerated synthetic preservatives.
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  Sodium Benzoate

  Can react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to form benzene, a Group 1 carcinogen.
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  Sucralose

  Chlorinated sucrose derivative; recent studies link to DNA damage and gut microbiome disruption.
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  Phosphoric Acid

  Industrial acid used in colas; associated with reduced bone density in observational studies.
• ✗
  Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)

  Synthetic sweetener; long-term safety data thin, some studies suggest insulin response.
• ✗
  Aspartame

  IARC classified as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) in July 2023.

  EU: warning requiredUS: warning required
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  Citric Acid

  Usually produced via Aspergillus niger fermentation rather than from citrus; widely accepted as safe.

Quality signals tier: standard · score: 0