Red Bull zero

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Red Bull zero healthy?

Red Bull zero scores 62/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Red Bull Zero contains artificial sweeteners like acesulfame K and sucralose, which are often criticized for potential health concerns.

How processed is Red Bull zero?

Red Bull zero is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Red Bull zero's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Taurine, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid count in its favor; Acesulfame K, Sucralose, Natural Flavors are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Red Bull zero

Red Bull
62 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 4
Category Energy Drinks
Summary

Red Bull Zero contains artificial sweeteners like acesulfame K and sucralose, which are often criticized for potential health concerns. The product also includes caramel color, which may contain harmful byproducts. Despite these issues, it has beneficial ingredients such as taurine and B vitamins, which support energy metabolism. The processing level is high, but the absence of added sugar is a positive aspect.

Key ingredients 19

Taurine
Good

Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and regulates water and mineral levels in the blood. It is often included in energy drinks for its potential to enhance athletic performance. The concentration in this product is typical for energy drinks.

Benefits

May support neurological development and enhance athletic performance.

See more about Taurine →
Niacin
Good

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is essential for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin and nerves. It is included in energy drinks to support energy production. The amount present is within safe limits for supplementation.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and maintains healthy skin and nerves.

See more about Niacin →
Pantothenic Acid
Good

Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is crucial for synthesizing coenzyme A, which is vital for fatty acid metabolism. It is included in energy drinks to support metabolic processes. The concentration is appropriate for dietary supplementation.

Benefits

Supports fatty acid metabolism and energy production.

See more about Pantothenic Acid →
Vitamin B6
Good

Vitamin B6 is important for protein metabolism and cognitive development. It is included in energy drinks to support these functions. The amount in this product is suitable for dietary supplementation.

Benefits

Supports protein metabolism and cognitive development.

See more about Vitamin B6 →
Vitamin B12
Good

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function. It is included in energy drinks to support energy levels and cognitive health. The concentration is appropriate for dietary supplementation.

Benefits

Supports red blood cell formation and neurological function.

See more about Vitamin B12 →
Riboflavin
Good

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is essential for energy production and cellular function. It is included in energy drinks to support these processes. The concentration is appropriate for dietary supplementation.

Benefits

Supports energy production and cellular function.

See more about Riboflavin →
Water
Neutral

Water is a neutral ingredient that serves as the base for the beverage. It is essential for hydration but does not contribute additional nutritional value. The quality of water can vary based on source and treatment, but no significant concerns are noted here.

See more about Water →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as an acidulant to provide tartness and preserve the product. It is naturally found in citrus fruits and is generally recognized as safe. However, excessive consumption can lead to dental erosion.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to dental erosion due to its acidic nature.

See more about Citric Acid →
Carbon Dioxide
Neutral

Carbon dioxide is used to carbonate the beverage, providing fizz and enhancing the sensory experience. It is inert and does not contribute to nutritional value. The carbonation process is standard in beverage production.

See more about Carbon Dioxide →
Sodium Carbonates
Neutral

Sodium carbonates are used as acidity regulators to maintain the pH balance of the beverage. They are generally recognized as safe when used in food products. The processing method involves neutralizing acids, which is standard in food production.

Magnesium Carbonates
Neutral

Magnesium carbonates serve as acidity regulators and can also provide a source of magnesium. They are generally recognized as safe and are used to stabilize the pH of the beverage. The presence of magnesium may offer minor nutritional benefits.

Benefits

May provide a minor source of magnesium, which is essential for various bodily functions.

Steviol Glycosides
Neutral

Steviol glycosides are natural sweeteners derived from the stevia plant. They are used to provide sweetness without calories and are generally considered safe. The extraction process involves purifying stevia leaves, which is standard for this ingredient.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without adding calories.

See more about Steviol Glycosides →
Caffeine
Neutral

Caffeine is a stimulant that can enhance alertness and improve concentration. It is commonly used in energy drinks for its stimulating effects. The amount in this product is typical for energy drinks, but excessive intake can lead to negative health effects.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to negative health effects such as jitteriness and insomnia.

Benefits

Enhances alertness and improves concentration.

See more about Caffeine →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan gum is used as a thickening agent to improve the texture of the beverage. It is produced through fermentation and is generally recognized as safe. It does not contribute significant nutritional value.

Benefits

Improves the texture of the beverage.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Thaumatin
Neutral

Thaumatin is a natural protein used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener. It is derived from the katemfe fruit and is considered safe. It provides sweetness without calories but does not offer significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and provides sweetness without calories.

See more about Thaumatin →
Acesulfame K
Bad

Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener used to provide sweetness without calories. It is often criticized for potential health concerns, including effects on metabolism and gut health. The processing involves chemical synthesis, which raises concerns for some consumers.

Risks

Potential health concerns include effects on metabolism and gut health.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without adding calories.

See more about Acesulfame K →
Sucralose
Bad

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar and used to reduce calorie content. Concerns exist about its impact on gut bacteria and potential metabolic effects. It is chemically synthesized, which may be a concern for some consumers.

Risks

May impact gut bacteria and have potential metabolic effects.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without adding calories.

See more about Sucralose →
Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are used to enhance the taste of the beverage but lack transparency in their composition. They can contain a variety of compounds, some of which may not be disclosed. The lack of transparency raises concerns about potential allergens and additives.

Risks

Potential allergens and undisclosed additives may pose health risks.

Benefits

Enhances the taste of the beverage.

See more about Natural Flavors →
Caramel Color
Bad

Caramel color is used to provide a brown hue to the beverage. It is an artificial coloring agent that may contain byproducts like 4-MEI, which have raised health concerns. The processing involves heating sugars, which can produce potentially harmful compounds.

Risks

May contain byproducts like 4-MEI, which have raised health concerns.

Benefits

Provides a brown hue to the beverage.

See more about Caramel Color →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Energy Drinks