Sodas
Red Bull Amber Sugar Free Energy Drink
355 mL
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains artificial flavors
Why it scores 62
Red Bull Amber Sugar Free Energy Drink scores 62 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Sucralose: In a 2022 randomized study, sucralose and saccharin altered the gut microbiome and impaired glucose responses in some people; a 2023 lab study raised questions about its by-product sucralose-6-acetate. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K): In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, acesulfame-K intake was associated with higher cancer risk; cause and effect is not established. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better energy drinks
-
Orange Kiss Energy Drink Alani Nu · 12 oz Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 97 out of 100 , 35 points higher -
Riot Energy Cherry Watermelon Teariot · 16 fl oz/473 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 98 out of 100 , 36 points higher -
Mango Organic Sparkling Energy Drink Sunberry Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 99 out of 100 , 37 points higher -
Kill cliff cbd Kill Cliff · 11 fl oz/325 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 38 points higher -
Yerbae Iced Triple Berry Yerbae · 16 fl oz/473 mL Not ultra-processed · No artificial flavors Score 95 out of 100 , 33 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Energy Drink
Ingredients
- Sucralose minus 7.5 points
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) minus 7.5 points
- Natural and artificial flavors minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 2 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 1.5 points
Nutrition per 100 ml
- Energy 4 kcal / 100 ml minus 1 points
100 − 38 = 62
Nutrition per 100 ml
| Energy | 4 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.8 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 0.1 g |
Serving: 1 Can (12 fl oz)
Ingredients
- Carbonated Water
- Citric Acid
- Taurine
- Sodium Citrate
- Natural and Artificial Flavors Caffeine
- Sucralose (moderate concern)
- Colors (not recognized)
- Acesulfame K (moderate concern)
- Xantha Gum (not recognized)
- Niacinamide
- Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6)
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Vitamin B12
Label text, as published
Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Taurine, Sodium Citrate, Natural and Artificial Flavors Caffeine, Sucralose, Colors, Acesulfame K, Xantha Gum, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12
Allergens and diets
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Packaging
Aluminium
Context only: no points in v1.
More sodas on GoodSwap
-
Zero Ultra Monster Energy · 1 can (16 oz) Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains sugar alcoholsContains caffeine Score 51 out of 100 Okay -
Strawberry Lemonade Prebiotic Soda Poppi · 355 mL / 12 oz Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains added sugars Score 49 out of 100 Okay -
Soda Lemon-lime Sprite · 12 fl oz (355 mL) Ultra-processedContains added sugars Score 34 out of 100 Poor -
'Merica Pop Ghost · 16 fl oz/473 mL Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains caffeineContains artificial flavors Score 59 out of 100 Okay -
Lemon Lime Flavored Soda 7UP · 2 L, 2.1 qt Ultra-processedContains added sugars Score 39 out of 100 Poor -
Half & Half Iced Tea Lemonade Arnold Palmer Lite · 11.5 fl oz Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains added sugars Score 23 out of 100 Poor
Sources
-
Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
-
“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
-
“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study
“In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.”
doi.org
-
Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive (plain language summary)
“The acceptable daily intake (ADI) considered safe for all population groups was set at 15 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org