FAQ
- Do you use any additives in your drinks?
- Why do you add sugar to soft drinks?
- What artificial sweeteners do you use in your drinks?
- Which of your products are suitable for Diabetics?
Q:Do you use any additives in your drinks?
A: Additives are those things that we intentionally add to our products, either to maximise their appeal (taste, look, nutritional content etc) or to ensure they maintain their quality throughout their shelf life – so they include preservatives, flavourings and colourings, but also things like vitamins, minerals and sweeteners.
Additives sometimes get a bad press, particularly ‘E numbers’, but an E number simply confirms that an additive has been approved as safe by the EU. Many E numbers occur naturally in unprocessed foods.
Any additives that we use have undergone exhaustive testing by both the British government and/or by the EU and every additive currently in use is defined as safe by these bodies. UK regulations also govern which additives are permitted in which foods and at what levels. All our drinks comply with these regulations.
We are aware that some people are concerned about the use of certain additives and we are actively working towards using natural alternatives, for example natural colours and natural flavours, in our products
Q:Why do you add sugar to soft drinks?
A: Sugar is a traditional sweetener which is used in many soft drinks. It enhances fruit flavours and balances acidity as well as providing a source of readily available energy.
We believe that full sugar soft drinks can form part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle. However, we acknowledge that some people prefer to avoid sugar and we provide an extensive range of No Added Sugar or Sugar Free products to meet these needs.
Q:What artificial sweeteners do you use in your drinks?
A: We currently use Aspartame, Acesulfame K and Saccharin, either on their own, or in combination, and sometimes in combination with sugar.
All of these sweeteners have been thoroughly tested and are approved for use by the EU/British government. They provide a low calorie alternative for people who want to limit their daily calorie consumption.
From time to time artificial sweeteners, particularly Aspartame, get a bad press. In fact, Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly tested food ingredients, having undergone more than 200 scientific studies over a 30 year period. In May 2006, the European Food Standards Agency, declared that it is perfectly safe following an extensive review of scientific data.
Further information on sweeteners is available from the International Sweeteners Association at www.sweeteners.org and for aspartame at www.aspartame.info.
Q:Which of your products are suitable for Diabetics?
A: Diabetes is a specific medical condition and we are not qualified to give advice on whether a product is suitable to drink or not.
We recommend that you contact Diabetes UK – Tel: 020 7424 1000, or you can visit their website at www.diabetes.org.uk