Powerade Blue Date: 2002-04-18
Powerade Blue
E numbers listed from my Powerade Blue drink:
AI search response ⸻
E414 — Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic) • What it is: A natural gum made from the sap of the Acacia tree. • Purpose in food: Used as a stabiliser, thickener, and emulsifier. • Health notes: Generally recognised as safe (GRAS). It’s non-toxic and can even act as a dietary fibre. • Common uses: Found in soft drinks, sweets, and chewing gum to prevent sugar crystallisation and to stabilise flavours and colours.
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E445 — Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosin • What it is: A purified natural resin derived from pine trees, treated with glycerol. • Purpose in food: Acts as a stabiliser for flavouring oils in beverages, particularly in citrus-flavoured and sports drinks. • Health notes: Approved for use in many countries. In high quantities, it may cause gastrointestinal upset, but such levels are unlikely in beverages. • Common uses: Primarily in soft drinks to keep oils (like citrus flavour oils) evenly distributed.
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E133 — Brilliant Blue FCF • What it is: A synthetic dye (also known as FD&C Blue No. 1 in the US). • Purpose in food: Provides the bright blue colour of Powerade Blue and other similar drinks. • Health notes: Generally considered safe, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions. It’s banned or restricted in some countries due to concerns about hyperactivity in children, though this is still debated. • Common uses: Found in soft drinks, ice cream, confectionery, and more.
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Summary
These E numbers contribute to: • Texture & stability (E414, E445) • Vivid colour (E133)
They are generally safe, though if you have sensitivities (e.g. to artificial colours), it’s worth monitoring how you feel after consuming products with these additives.