Course:FNH200/Assignments/2025/Original Redbull vs Redbull Zero

Post pictures (Mandatory)

Ingredient lists (4 points)

1. Type out the lists of ingredients
   1. Ingredient List (Regular):Carbonated water, sugar, glucose-fructose, citric acid, taurine, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, caffeine, Niacinamide, pantothenate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, artificial flavour, colour
   2. Ingredient List (Zero):Carbonated water, Erythritol, Taurine, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Malic acid, Caffeine, Sodium bicarbonate, Sucralose, Magnesium carbonate, Xanthan gum, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Calcium D-pantothenate, Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), Artificial flavour, Flavour, Caramel, Riboflavin.
2. Identify fat substitutes, sugar substitutes, and/or additives used, if there is any
   • Fat substitutes: none
   • Sugar substitutes: (red bull Zero) Erythritol and Sucralose
   • Additives: (both original and Zero) acids (citric, lactic, malic), colouring agent - Caramel, artificial flavours, caffeine, B-vitamins (Zero only) Xanthan gum, Taurine, Sodium Bicarbonate
3. Explain the roles of fat substitutes, sugar substitutes, and/or additives used in terms of the functional properties they contribute to the product.
   1. Regular:
      • Fat Substitute: none
      • Sugar Substitute: none
      • Additives:
        • Caramel - Colouring agent
        • Caffeine - A central nervous system stimulant that boosts alertness and energy
        • Taurine - An amino acid commonly added for stimulant and energy-supporting functions.
        • Citric Acid - Acidity regulator
        • Artificial Flavours - Used to enhance or mimic natural flavors for taste
        • Vitamin B derivatives (Niacinamide, pantothenate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12) -  supports energy metabolism and helps to reduce fatigue by aiding in the conversion of food into usable energy.
        • Sodium Bicarbonate - Works as a buffering agent, helping to control acidity.
   2. Zero:
      • Fat Substitute: none
      • Sugar Substitute:
        • Erythritol - A natural sugar alcohol that provides sweetness without calories, it also has a cooling effect and doesn’t spike blood sugar
        • Sucralose - An artificial sweetener that is very sweet in small amounts and calorie-free
      • Additives:
        • Xanthan gum - A polysaccharide that acts as a thickening agent and a stabilizer that prevents ingredients from separating
        • Caffeine - A central nervous system stimulant that boosts alertness and energy
        • Taurine - An amino acid commonly added for stimulant and energy-supporting functions.
        • Citric Acid - A weak organic acid that acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer, providing a tangy, sour taste. Also maintains product stability
        • Malic Acid - Contributes to acidity regulation and naturally found in fruits, it enhances tartness and improves flavor complexity
        • Lactic Acid - Adds mild tanginess and contributes to acidity regulation for antimicrobial effects
        • Artificial Flavours - Used to enhance or mimic natural flavors for taste
        • Vitamin B derivatives (Niacinamide, pantothenate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12) - supports energy metabolism and helps to reduce fatigue by aiding in the conversion of food into usable energy.
        • Sodium Bicarbonate - Works as a buffering agent, helping to control acidity.

4. Compare and contrast the lists of the two products and explain differences

The major difference between regular Red Bull and Red Bull Zero is the presence of sugar and artificial sweetener. Regular Red Bull contains 26g of sugar, giving it about 110kcal per can, while Red Bull Zero contains Erythritol and Sucralose as sugar substitutes, resulting in only 15 calories. Besides that, Zero contains more additives such as Xanthan gum and acids (lactic, malic) to add a smoother mouth fill and fruity flavor.

Labels (1 points)

	Red Bull Original	Red Bull Zero
Bilingualism	Both English and French	Both English and French
Serving Size	250 mL	250 mL
Calories	110 kcal	5 kcal
Sugar	26 g	0 g
Erythrol	0 g	4 g
Sodium	105 mg	20 mg
Niacin	20 mg	20 g
Pantothenic acid	5 mg	5 mg
Vitamin B6	5 mg	5 mg
Vitamin B12	5 µg	5 µg
Caffein	80 mg	80 mg
Taurine	1000 mg	1000 mg

1. Red Bull Original and Red Bull Zero both come in 250 mL cans and include standard Nutrition Facts tables and ingredient lists. The serving size is the same for both products. Red Bull Original contains 110 calories and 26 grams of sugar, while Red Bull Zero has only 15 calories and 0 grams of sugar. Despite the sugar difference, both drinks contain 80 mg of caffeine and additionally have B vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid, each with its respective Daily Value amounts. The front of the cans include the label “Energy Drink,” and Red Bull Zero also includes the claim “Zero Sugar,” which matches the nutrition information. Both products display their information in English and French, and their ingredient lists are clear, legible, and presented in descending order by weight. Sweeteners such as Sucralose and Erythritol are clearly listed by name in Red Bull Zero.
2. Based on Canadian labeling laws outlined in the Food and Drugs Act, the Food and Drug Regulations, and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, both Red Bull Original and Red Bull Zero appear to meet all regulatory requirements. The Nutrition Facts tables are properly formatted with mandatory nutrient listings and  Daily Value percentages. Labels are bilingual as required, and ingredient lists follow the proper format and naming conventions, including declaring food additives and sweeteners. The front-of-package claims, including “Zero Sugar,” are truthful and not misleading, which aligns with regulations governing nutrient content claims. Overall, both products are labeled in a way that is clear, accurate, and fully compliant with Canadian food labeling laws discussed in Lesson 04.

Personal Choice (5 points)

Please submit your individual component of this assignment on Canvas to protect your privacy and your personal opinion

References

Please use the Wikipedia reference style. Provide a citation for every sentence, statement, thought, or bit of data not your own, giving the author, year, AND page.

Note: Before writing your wiki article on the UBC Wiki, it may be helpful to review the tips in Wikipedia: Writing better articles.

This Food Science resource was created by Course:FNH200.