Energy drink without sugar and with artificial sweeteners
Celsius Berry
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- No synthetic dyes
Why it scores 61
Celsius Berry scores 61 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 4.5 points 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: anti-caking agent, color (added), flavoring and non-nutritive sweetener. Emerging
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better energy drinks
-
Yerbae Iced Triple Berry Yerbae · 16 fl oz/473 mL Not ultra-processed · No sucralose Score 95 out of 100 , 34 points higher -
Mixed Berry Phocus · 11.5 fl oz/340 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 93 out of 100 , 32 points higher -
Cut Energy + Weight Loss Sparkling Berry Lemonade dietary supplement. Hydroxycut · 1can12 fl.oz./335 mL) Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 18 points higher -
Orange Kiss Energy Drink Alani Nu · 12 oz Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 97 out of 100 , 36 points higher -
Riot Energy Cherry Watermelon Teariot · 16 fl oz/473 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 98 out of 100 , 37 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Berry
Ingredients
- Sucralose minus 7.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
- Silicon dioxide minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 4.5 points
Nutrition per 100 ml
- Energy 196 kcal / 100 ml minus 4 points
100 − 39 = 61
Nutrition per 100 ml
| Energy | 196 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19.6 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 0 g |
Serving: 1 stick pack (5.11 g)
Ingredients
- Citric Acic (not recognized)
- Natural Mixed Berry Flavor
- Sucralose (moderate concern)
- Red Beet Juice Powder (for Color)
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Silicon Dioxide (Non-GMO)
Label text, as published
Citric Acic, Natural Mixed Berry Flavor, Sucralose, Red Beet Juice Powder (for Color), Sodium Bicarbonate, Silicon Dioxide (Non-GMO)
Allergens and diets
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
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
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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
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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
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“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